2-step verification (2SV) was added for all Mainstreet online banking and app users in 2021, to add an additional layer of security to your banking experience.After 2SV is set-up on your account, if unusual activity is detected during login, you will be sent a one-time verification code to either your email address or phone number you registered during your 2SV set-up.
2SV set-up - what do I need to do?
There are 3 ways to receive the 2SV code (it is recommended that at least 2 methods are set up):
- SMS message - A text message will be sent to the cellular phone number provided
- Voice Call - A phone call will be made to the phone number provided and the code will be communicated by automated message
- Email - An email will be sent to the email address provided
Please make sure you have your e-mail and/or phone close by when completing the set-up.
Step 1: Log in to the app or online banking desktop with your MemberCard/debit card number and online banking password.
Step 2: You will be presented with the following screen asking you to decide between setting up 2-step verification via SMS, phone call or email. Enter your contact information in the space provided based on your preference and hit "send code".
Note: If you would like to potentially use multiple methods in the future, visit "settings" and "profile and preferences" in online banking. By entering more than one method, in the future you will be able to choose where you’d like the code sent when 2-step verification is required.
You will be sent a verification code (immediately or may take up to 15 minutes to arrive) via SMS, phone call or email depending on your selection. This code, once sent, is valid for 10 minutes so you can complete step 3. If you selected email, please check your junk mail folder.
Step 3: Enter the verification code that you received to your registered device.
If you have not received the verification code, you can choose to select 'Change the number' to verify your information – or 'We can send a new verification code' to try again.
Step 4: Once you have entered the correct verification code, you should see a green check mark and 'Enrollment complete.' Click "Continue" again and you’ll be brought to your online accounts.
Is there an option to set-up my device as a “trusted device” so I don’t have to receive a 2-SV code?
There is an option to bypass 2SV on trusted devices. Select “Don't ask me again next time I log in from this device.” This option should not be used if logging in on a public device or device that does not belong to you.
What is needed to set up 2SV on my account?
A mobile phone, email or home phone number is required to set up 2-step verification.
Can I change the email or phone number for my account after registration?
Once setup, you can update your 2-step verification information in the “Profile and Preferences” section in online banking, or “Settings” on Mobile App.
Only 1 email, 1 mobile phone number and 1 voice call phone number can be set up.
Will I need to enter a verification code each time I log in to online banking?
Currently, 2-step verification will only be used when the system detects unusual or high-risk activity (like logging in from a different computer/device than usual, high value transactions, etc.) You will not have to enter a code each time you want to do your banking online.
You have 10 minutes to use the verification code that will be sent by e-mail, text or voice call depending on what you set up or selected.
After you set up 2-step verification, you will be locked out of online banking if you input an incorrect verification code 3 times. If this happens, please contact us for assistance.
Will I need to enter a verification code each time I perform transactions?
Certain transactions will always require you to enter a code, while others will depend on the type or amount of the transaction. A grace period, a short window of time, will allow multiple transactions to be performed using only a single verification code. Please note that 2SV at login does not count towards the grace period.
If you are locked out of online banking
"Unsuccessful – PAC retries exceeded" indicates you’ve entered your online/mobile app banking password incorrectly. Follow the “reset password” link on the online banking login page. Learn more here
If you require assistance, please visit our contact us page.
“Sorry, your account has been locked out. For assistance, please contract your institution.” Indicates you’ve entered your verification code incorrectly. For assistance, please visit our contact us page.