Online banking was great when it came out; you could access your bank account from any computer in the world and transfer your money, pay your bills and take control of your banking and never need to stand in an hour long queue on your dinner hour because all the bank staff have gone on their dinner (why do they do that?). 

“Everyones now a bank manager” said Robbie Coltrane on the old Barclays adverts! 

However in an attempt to reduce the amount of fraud the banks and credit card companies have implemented various security systems, some good and some not so good. 

Some banks such as Barclays for example implemented a system called Pin Sentry which is basically a device which looks like a calculator which you put your debit card into, enter your pin number and it generates a number such as 2345 2356. 

You then enter this number into the online banking system to gain access to your account. It’s secure! I can say with confidence it’s secure… so much so that unless you remember to pack your pin sentry device and related debit cards with you on every single journey you cannot access your online banking. 

Every time I use the device while someone from another bank is with me they laugh and cant understand why something which used to be simple... 

1. Enter your username
2. Enter your password
3. Click Login 

… is now so complicated… 

1. Enter your username
2. Try and find your pin sentry device (usually takes 10 mins)
3. Get your debit card out and insert it into the device
4. Enter your pin number
5. Copy the generated number onto the website
6. Click Login 

I know, I know… security, security, security! But come on, surely usability has to take a part? I would also question the security of the system as a quick search on the internet brings up loads about people who have reverse engineered the devices and one guy who built his own that text’s him the login number when he needs to access his banking. 

The internet is meant to be global, accessible from everywhere and anywhere… but if the trend continues with you needing this device for this website, that device for that website etc… it just get over complicated and people simply don’t use the service anymore. 

I know I don’t use online banking with Barclays anywhere as much as I used to just because it’s a right pain in the arse. 

My favourite bit though is that if you have forgotten your Pin Sentry device and you desperately need to make a transfer you can still go to the login page where there is a helpful link which says “Business Customers - Forgotten your Pin Sentry device?” and when you click on it you get the very helpful message “If you've forgotten your card reader, don't worry. You can still Borrow a card reader from someone else”.

Perfect!