Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) allows to verify your identity when you make a transaction or a sensitive action (a transfer for example).
This system strengthens the authentication process and provides additional protection to make your Qonto account even more secure.
It relies on 2 security levels:
Your login password
The pairing of your phone with your Qonto account
In practice, whenever you make a transaction or a sensitive operation, you will be notified on your Qonto mobile app (after logging in using your password). With only one click, you can confirm both your request and your identity.
Why this new authentication system?
SCA follows the second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) whose goal is to make transactions and banking operations more secure while keeping your data safe.
How do I pair my phone with my Qonto account?
Make sure the phone you use for this action is yours, because it will be the one you'll receive confirmation notifications on for your future actions.
How to pair a phone for the first time
Go to your Qonto mobile app and log in
Click on Pair this phone (important : it is necessary that you have already activated 2-step verification)
Enter your confirmation code sent by SMS
Finally, if it's not done yet, turn your notifications on by clicking on Open settings
Well done, your phone is now paired with your Qonto account!
☝️ Good to know: If you don't want to pair your phone yet, you still can do it later. You just have to go to the More tab of your Qonto app, select the Settings section, and click on Security. Then, all you have to do is follow the steps above.
I can't pair my phone, what should I do?
If you face any issues while pairing your phone with your Qonto app, check that:
The confirmation code we sent you by SMS is correct or hasn't expired (don't worry, you will be able to request a new one)
You have a good network
Your Qonto app is updated
If that doesn't work, get in touch with us from your Qonto app.
What can I do if my paired phone is lost, stolen or if I can't use it?
If your paired phone is unavailable, don't worry: contact us through the chat on your Qonto app. We will take care of unpairing your phone.
How to pair a new phone
Pairing a new phone is very simple and requires you to perform only two steps: a phone check and an identity check. It will only take you a few minutes.
Start by opening your Qonto app on your new phone and enter your credentials
On the screen that pops up, click on Change paired device
Start the recovery process by e-mail. We'll first send you an e-mail, that you'll need to open with your new phone. From this e-mail, click on Verify my phone
Back on your Qonto app, you'll only need to check your identity. To do so, we'll ask you to take a picture of your face. Adjust your face with the frame and click to take the picture.
✌️ Good to know: To have your picture validated, please keep a straight face and make sure your eyes are visible if you wear glasses.
Once the verifications are successful, your new phone is paired, and you can connect to your app as usual.
Can I log into my account with a phone other than the paired phone?
It is possible to log in to your account from a phone which is not the paired phone.
After entering your credentials, a confirmation request will be sent to the paired phone to authenticate the login attempt.
You will then have the option to mark the phone as a trusted device for 90 days.