How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Bank of America (2024)

For the tenth day of the 12 Days of 2FA, we’ll go over how to set up two-factor authentication for Bank of America online and mobile banking. Due to unique security needs from bank to bank and user to user, banks tend to call 2FA different things, and you’ll run into different protocols for setting it up at different institutions. Some demand a second factor of authentication not necessarily for log-ins but for particularly sensitive or high-value transactions, for example. Check twofactorauth.org’s more comprehensive list of banks, credit unions, and financial institutions, and get in touch with your own to learn more.

No matter where you do your banking, 2FA can be an important security measure. Bank of America is one example of how 2FA can be different for banks compared to other online services. They require security questions as well as a password to log in, and offer 2FA for sensitive or high-value transactions. Bank of America calls it “SafePass,” but the idea is exactly the same: if signing in requires something you have (like your phone) as well as something you know (your password), then your account has an added layer of protection.

Enabling 2FA for Bank of America is a great opportunity to review your password and security questions—we recommend you treat security questions like any other password and create strong passwords for them rather than accurate, guessable answers to the questions themselves.

  1. Select “Profile & Settings” in the top left-hand corner and click “Manage SafePass.”

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Bank of America (1)

  1. This landing page explains how SafePass works and how it will affect your account. Click “Add SafePass” to get started.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Bank of America (2)

  1. Now you can add a mobile number at which you can receive text messages to get verification codes, or pay for and order a SafePass Card. A SafePass card is a small, credit-card size token that will produce one-time passwords to use as verification codes for your Bank of America transactions. We will only cover mobile phone setup in this tutorial. Contact your banking institution to learn more about security keys and other hardware they may offer.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Bank of America (3)

  1. Enter a mobile phone number at which you can receive text messages. If you already have a number associated with your account that you would like to use, select “Use an existing mobile number on file." Otherwise, you can add a new mobile number here.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Bank of America (4)

  1. Depending on whether the number was on file before or not, you’ll be asked to verify your Bank of America credit/debit information or enter an authorization code sent to you via text.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Bank of America (5)

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Bank of America (6)

Once you’ve successfully validated your mobile phone number, you’ll be returned to your SafePass page, where you can add an additional backup device or order a SafePass card.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Bank of America (7)


Check out more posts on two-factor authentication from the 12 Days of 2FA.

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How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Bank of America (2024)

FAQs

What to do if 2-step verification is not working? ›

You have several ways you can get back into your account, depending on your circ*mstances.
  1. Use backup options. If you've lost access to your primary phone, you can verify it's you with: ...
  2. Sign in from a trusted device. ...
  3. Get a new phone from your carrier. ...
  4. Recover your account.

How do I turn off 2-step verification Bank of America? ›

Online banking

Select Customer service at the top of the page, then choose My profile. Choose Edit Login & security and scroll down to the "Security" section. Select the toggle switch to turn two-step verification on or off.

How do I complete two-factor authentication? ›

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings > your name > Password & Security. Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication. Then tap Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.

Does BoA support two-factor authentication? ›

Yes. You have the option to add extra security to help verify your identify with a one-time authorization code, which is sent by textFootnote or email each time you log in.

How do I authenticate Bank of America? ›

You'll receive a one-time authorization code through a textFootnote or email each time you sign into Online Banking. The code can only be used once and will expire within 10 minutes after it is sent. Your ability to receive and enter the code helps verify your identity.

Can I skip 2 step verification? ›

Your account is more secure when you need a password and a verification code to sign in. If you remove this extra layer of security, you will only be asked for a password when you sign in. It might be easier for someone to break into your account.

Can you bypass 2 step verification? ›

One of the easiest and, therefore, most common ways to bypass two-factor authentication is by simply utilizing the password reset function of websites and applications.

Why is my two factor authentication not working on iPhone? ›

If you have a phone number that isn't associated with your trusted device, consider verifying it as an additional trusted phone number. If your iPhone is your only trusted device and it's missing or damaged, you won't be able to receive verification codes required to access your account.

How to change phone number for Bank of America two factor authentication? ›

The fastest way to update your phone number, street address or email address is by signing into Online Banking. You can also update your information by calling Customer Service at 800.432. 1000 or by visiting any financial center.

Does Bank of America allow Authenticator app? ›

About this app

BofA Authenticator SM is an application used in multi-factor authentication. After BofA Authenticator SM is activated, it can support push based authentication and one-time-password based authentication.

How do I remove authorization from Bank of America? ›

In order to add or remove an authorized signer on your Business Advantage account, you'll need to schedule an appointment in a financial center and bring a government-issued photo ID for all existing and new authorized signers/owners.

How do I reset my two-factor authentication 2FA? ›

Self-service to reset two-factor authentication
  1. Enter your email address and password.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions. You will receive an email with a reset code. When you get the code, click the next arrow. ...
  3. Enter the code from the email, and proceed to log in once your code has been validated.

What are the 3 ways of 2 factor authentication? ›

Let's explore the most popular forms of 2FA that you can use to secure your accounts today: SMS, OTP, and FIDO U2F.

Does Bank of America have second chance banking? ›

Bank of America

Bank of America offers a second chance checking account called the Safe Balance Account. The account has a low maintenance fee of $4.95, but you won't be able to write paper checks. Instead, your payment options include debit, mobile or online transfers or online bill pay.

What does Bank of America consider 2 forms of ID? ›

US Drivers License or US Driver's Permit. US state-issued ID.

Does Bank of America support security keys? ›

Bank of America allows customers to increase the protection of online accounts with new Security Key feature. Once your USB security key is set up, it serves as an extra layer of security for adding transfer recipients to your account and for extra security at sign-in.

How do you authenticate a bank account? ›

Authentication is the process of verifying a user's identity and their ability to access a requested account. For instance, entering online banking credentials (username/password) or answering security questions authenticates a user by identifying her and verifying that she is who she claims to be.

How do I unlock my Bank of America account online? ›

Unlock Account. Enter your WL User ID, E-mail Address and Phone Number. This information must match what is currently setup in your WL Profile. The result of the requested action will be sent to this E-mail address.

How do I get my bank verification? ›

Your bank's USSD code is the best code to check your BVN. Follow the instructions from the system to access your unique BVN anytime. If you misplaced your SIM card or mobile phone, you may go to your bank to ask for your BVN information.

Why do I have to do 2-step verification every time? ›

You should set up 2-step verification because doing so makes it very hard for anyone to take over your email account remotely. Without setting up 2-step verification, hackers could get into your account if they figured out your password.

Why is 2-step verification mandatory? ›

Signing in with both a password and a second step on your phone protects against password-stealing scams.

What are the disadvantages of two step verification? ›

These include:
  • Increased login time – Users must go through an extra step to login into an application, adding time to the login process.
  • Integration – 2FA usually depends on services or hardware provided by third parties, e.g., a mobile service provider issuing verification codes via text message.

How do I set up 2 step verification without an old phone? ›

If your lost phone has Google Authenticator on it, you need to secure your accounts connected to the app by logging in with an alternate method, and resetting the 2FA settings. You should also erase your phone remotely if possible. You can then add Google Authenticator to a new phone and re-link it to your accounts.

Why can't I enable two-factor authentication? ›

Problems logging into your account

The most common cause of 2-factor authentication problems is that the time on your Google Authenticator app is not synced correctly.

How do I skip two-factor authentication on my iPhone? ›

How to turn off two-step authentication on the iPhone
  1. In a web browser, go to the Apple ID page and sign in to your Apple account.
  2. Make sure you've selected Sign-In and Security on the left menu and then click on Account Security on the right.
  3. Click Turn Off Two-Step Verification.
May 27, 2022

Why am I not getting my authentication code? ›

Causes of Not Receiving Verification Code Texts on Android

You provided the wrong phone number. Your text message inbox is full. Your phone is set to block messages from unknown senders. Your phone carrier is blocking the message.

How do I find my Bank of America verification code? ›

Your 3-digit security code is printed on the back of your card. Look for the last 3 numbers in the signature line. On your American Express card, the 4-digit security code is printed on the front of the card just above the embossed card number.

What is 2 step verification for banking? ›

2-step verification (2SV) is a second way to confirm your identity to help keep your personal and financial information from being compromised or stolen. When 2SV is set up, even if someone has your username and password, they won't be able to access your account without getting through this extra barrier.

What is the phone number for Bank of America account verification? ›

Phone - call us anytime at 800.432.1000 and please have your account number ready.

How do I authenticate my Authenticator app? ›

The authenticator app asks for a verification code as a test. From the Microsoft Authenticator app, scroll down to your work or school account, copy and paste the 6-digit code from the app into the Step 2: Enter the verification code from the mobile app box on your computer, and then select Verify.

How do I set up bank Authenticator app? ›

To add a new authenticator app verification method, choose Set up under Authenticator app. Input a Nickname for your Authenticator app. This name will appear on your Verification methods list in Online Banking. Next, download and launch your preferred Authenticator app on your mobile device.

Do banks have 2 factor authentication? ›

Authenticator software

This method of two-factor authentication continuously generates a one-time code that randomizes after a set interval. Many banks offer authentication apps to their customers. “At Regions we have a few different software authenticator applications that we've created in-house,” Cojbasic says.

How long does Bank of America hold authorization? ›

The authorization hold amount reduces your available balance and will remain on the account up to 3 business days when your debit card is swiped or inserted in person, or up to 5 business days when used for an internet, phone or mail order transaction.

How do I stop pre authorization? ›

If you authorized the bank to make the transfer to the merchant on your behalf, you need to revoke your authorization with the bank. You will need to notify your bank at least three business days before the scheduled date of the transfer and inform it that you wish to stop payment.

Why is my bank declining authorization? ›

Your card may be declined for a number of reasons: the card has expired; you're over your credit limit; the card issuer sees suspicious activity that could be a sign of fraud; or a hotel, rental car company, or other business placed a block (or hold) on your card for its estimated total of your bill.

How to disable 2FA without password? ›

Q: How do you get rid of 2FA on Discord without the code? You can't disable two-factor authentication without a code. You will either need the 6-digit authentication code from the authenticator app or the 8-digit backup code to disable 2FA on Discord. Q.

What are examples of Type 2 authentication factor? ›

Type 2 – Something You Have – includes all items that are physical objects, such as keys, smart phones, smart cards, USB drives, and token devices. (A token device produces a time-based PIN or can compute a response from a challenge number issued by the server.).

What is the best method of two-factor authentication? ›

Top 7 2FA Security Best Practices to Follow in 2023
  1. Enable 2FA for All Your Users Without Exceptions. ...
  2. Require Users to Use WebAuthn/U2F Security Keys or Authenticator Apps. ...
  3. Ask Users to Enable Biometric Lock on their Authenticator Apps. ...
  4. Use Adaptive MFA Policies. ...
  5. Combine 2FA With Zero Trust. ...
  6. Couple 2FA With SSO.
Jan 2, 2023

Can you use an authenticator app with Bank of America? ›

About this app

BofA Authenticator SM is an application used in multi-factor authentication. After BofA Authenticator SM is activated, it can support push based authentication and one-time-password based authentication.

How to change phone number for Bank of America two-factor authentication? ›

The fastest way to update your phone number, street address or email address is by signing into Online Banking. You can also update your information by calling Customer Service at 800.432. 1000 or by visiting any financial center.

How do banks use a two-factor authentication? ›

Two-factor or multi-factor authentication is a way to verify that you are who you claim to be. Usually it combines a piece of information that you know, such as a password, with something that you have, such as a phone, a code card or a physical key that you must slide into your device.

How do I verify my Authenticator account? ›

The authenticator app asks for a verification code as a test. From the Microsoft Authenticator app, scroll down to your work or school account, copy and paste the 6-digit code from the app into the Step 2: Enter the verification code from the mobile app box on your computer, and then select Verify.

Why is my authenticator app not working? ›

A common fix for any problems with the authenticator app is to update your software. Ensure your device and all apps are up to date. For more support on the authentication app, you can view the authenticator app set-up video, or you can visit Microsoft's support pages.

Do you have to turn on 2-step verification? ›

Turning on 2SV is one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts from cyber criminals. You should protect your most important accounts (such as email, banking, social media and online shopping) by making sure you have 2-step verification turned on for each of them.

What is enable two step verification? ›

Prevent hackers from accessing your account with an additional layer of security. When you sign in, 2-Step verification helps make sure your personal information stays private, safe and secure. In addition to your password, 2-Step verification adds a quick second step to verify that it's you.

How do I get my 6 digit code from Authenticator? ›

You need to install the Google Authenticator app on your smart phone or tablet devices. It generates a six-digit number, which changes every 30 seconds. With the app, you don't have to wait a few seconds to receive a text message.

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