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HSBC Digital Secure Key FAQs

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What is a Digital Secure Key?

The Digital Secure Key is a new, safe and convenient way to generate security codes on the HSBC Philippines app. You can use it to log on to online banking and verify transactions more quickly and securely, without your physical Security Key.

What are the benefits of using the Digital Secure Key?

Here are the key benefits:

Safe and secure

Digital Secure Key limits access to your accounts and banking transactions to your mobile device only, further protected by biometric authentication or your 6-digit mobile PIN.

Always by your side

  • Your Digital Secure Key is always accessible through the HSBC Philippines app on your mobile device. You won’t need to worry about misplacing your physical Security Key

Fast and reliable

  • It takes just a few taps to activate your Digital Secure Key on your HSBC Philippines app, without the need to wait for the delivery of a physical Security Key

Better for the environment

  • Switch to Digital Secure Key to lower the overall carbon footprint generated by manufacturing, shipping, packaging and eventually disposing physical security devices

How do I activate my Digital Secure Key?

If you're a new user, follow these steps to activate your Digital Secure Key:

  1. Download the latest version of the HSBC Philippines app.
  2. Register and create your digital credentials.
  3. Set up your mobile device to complete the activation.
     

If you’ve registered to HSBC Online Banking but don't have a physical Secure Key, follow these steps to activate your Digital Secure Key:

  1. Download the latest version of the HSBC Philippines app.
  2. Log on with your online banking credentials.
  3. Set up your mobile device to complete the activation.
     

If you already have a physical Secure Key, follow these steps to activate your Digital Secure Key:

  1. Download the latest version of the HSBC Philippines app.
  2. Log on to the app with your physical Secure Key.
  3. Set up your mobile device to complete the activation.
     

Your physical Secure Key will be deactivated once your Digital Secure Key is activated.

How do I use my Digital Secure Key?

The Digital Secure Key generates temporary codes you can use to log on to online banking and verify specific transactions and account updates. Follow these steps to generate a code:

  1. Open the HSBC Philippines app without logging on.
  2. Select ‘Generate Security Code’ at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Choose 'Log on code', 'Transaction verification code' or 'Re-authentication code' to generate the code you need.

How do I get started?

You can access the Digital Secure Key through the HSBC Philippines app. Download the latest version of the app from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

I still have my physical Secure Key. What should I do with it?​

While your physical Secure Key will continue to work, for your safety and convenience we recommend switching to the Digital Secure Key by downloading the HSBC Philippines app.

If your physical Secure Key stops working or runs out of battery, please note that it won't be replaced.

What's the difference between a physical and a Digital Secure Key?​

Both versions of our Secure Key are used for authentication when you log on to digital banking or make certain transactions.

The main difference is that our physical Secure Key is a physical object, whereas our Digital Secure Key is built into the HSBC Philippines app. This means our Digital Secure Key is more convenient, as you'll always have it with you as long as you have your phone.

Why are HSBC encouraging customers to use the Digital Secure Key?​

  • Convenience: You’ll always have your Digital Secure Key with you as long as you have your phone. There’s no need to carry a separate device when you travel
  • Security: Both versions are secure, but the digital version has an option to use biometrics, making getting codes faster for you.
  • Ease of use: You’ll need to key in certain buttons on the physical device to complete specific transactions, which can sometimes be tricky. The Digital Secure Key, on other hand, is quicker, simpler and more intuitive to use

Please note that once you've activated your Digital Secure Key, your Physical Secure Key will be deactivated.​

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