Extra security when you shop and bank online

Make sure you’re ready

We’ve added extra security checks to protect our customers online. You’ll see these changes when you:

  • Buy something online
  • Log in to Business Internet Banking
  • Add a new payee.

If you do any of these things, you may need two different ways to prove who you are. Your password and memorable information is one way. Using your Bank of Scotland Business app or mobile phone number could be another. 

These changes are part of new industry legislation called Strong Customer Authentication to protect you against fraud. It’s important you are ready for these extra steps, or you may not be able to shop online or log in to Business Internet Banking. 

Online for Business – Changes to the way you bank and shop online

How do I prepare?

To make sure you're able to complete these extra security checks, there are a few things you can do:

  1. Download the Bank of Scotland Business app to be able to quickly and securely confirm it’s you.
  2. Check and update your phone number. We’ll text a passcode to your mobile or call your landline to confirm actions.
  3. When prompted, you can trust your device. Trusting your private and secure computer, laptop, tablet or mobile means we’ll know it’s you logging in.
  4. Make sure you have a card reader
  5. Make sure every debit card holder in your business has downloaded the app or updated their phone number.

Buy something online

When shopping online, you will sometimes need to complete an extra security check during payment. The payment screen will ask you to verify yourself. You can do this through your:

  • Bank of Scotland Business app:
    You will get an automatic prompt to confirm your purchase
  • Phone:
    We’ll call or text you with a passcode, which you can enter on the payment screen

Log in to Business Internet Banking

When you log in to your account, you’ll need to complete an extra security check in addition to your password and memorable information. You can do this through:

  • Card reader
  • Trusted device: Your device will be remembered for the next time you log in. Don’t choose this option if others have access to your device, or if you’re on a public network

Add a new payee

When making a payment to someone for the first time, you will need to use your card reader before payment can be completed.

That way we can make sure all new payments are genuine.

Changes to Internet Banking – More Information

  • Our mobile app makes it quick and easy to verify who you are. It’s free to download, just click the button below.

     

    Download the Bank of Scotland app on the App Store
    Download the Bank of Scotland app via Google Play

    Scan the QR code with your phone to download our app today.

    You will need to be registered for Business Internet Banking before you can use the Bank of Scotland Business app.

    Register for internet banking.
     

    BoS Business QR download code

  • When making a purchase online we may need to get in touch to check it’s you. We'll do this by sending you a text message to your mobile phone number.

    To update your mobile number please click the button below.

    Update my details

    You can check all the phone numbers we have saved on your account:

    • Log in to Business Internet Banking
    • Click on 'Admin' on the top right hand side
    • Click on 'view or update your details'
    • Follow the instructions on your screen

    If you have both a personal and business account we'll use the same number for both. So it's important that the number you give can be used when buying something online with your personal and business accounts.

  • Strong Customer Authentication is a new set of industry legislation that provides an extra set of security checks for internet banking. For you, it means more protection when you bank and shop online. It will involve some extra checks to prove it’s really you. This will help keep you safer from online fraud. 

  • If you don’t have a card reader you may not be able to log in to Online for Business or make a payment to someone new.

    To order a card reader

    • Log in to your Business Internet Banking account
    • Click on “Admin” on the top right hand side
    • Click on “Order additional card reader”
    • Follow the instructions on your screen

    To order an authentication card

    If you have a debit card you can use this with your card reader to log in and make payments in Online for Business. If you don’t have a debit card, you can order an authentication card using the steps below.

    • Log in to your Business Internet Banking account
    • Select ‘More Actions’
    • Then ‘Account Services’
    • Select ‘Request Replacement Card’

    If your card reader isn't working you can find more information in Help & Support.

    image of card reader

  • If you regularly use the same computer, laptop, mobile, tablet or mobile to log in, then we may ask if you trust your device.

    If you trust your device you'll be able to log in faster, as we’ll know it’s you and not someone else.

    You should only trust computers, laptops, tablets and mobile browsers that are privately used by you.

    You should not trust a device if you share it with someone you don’t know, or if you’re on a public network.

  • Each time you log in you are asked for three characters from your memorable information.

    If you haven’t set up your memorable information for Business Internet Banking you’ll be asked to do so when you next log in.

    Can’t remember what it is? Simply click ‘forgotten your logon details?’ on the Business Internet Banking log on page to reset.

    If you are already using your memorable information to log on there is nothing more you need to do.

    Remember, never share full memorable information online or over the phone.