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Banking with us
On this page
Setting up a card reader
Using a card reader
Ordering a card reader
Digital Banking available to customers aged 11+ with a Royal Bank account.
What is a card reader?
A card reader is a security device needed by all customers looking to get the most out of Digital Banking. It works with your Digital Banking service to provide an extra layer of protection against online fraud.
When you register for Digital Banking a card reader will automatically be sent to you and should arrive within 3-5 working days.
Using biometric approvals on your mobile app
You can alsoregister for biometric approvalson your mobile app which will allow you authorise certain transactions withinDigital Banking instead of using your card reader.Criteria apply.
Some things to note about biometric approvals
- This service isn’t available to customers under 16 years old. There are some (but not many) Android devices that we can’t support. If yours isn’t compatible, we’re sorry but you won’t be able to use the biometric approval feature.
- Not everyone will be able to register and use their face biometrics straight away. You can still use Digital Banking and your card reader as usual and we’ll let you know when biometric approvals are ready for you.
When you'll need a card reader
You may sometimes need your card reader when logging into Digital Banking and will also need it to complete certain tasks, such as:
- Making a payment for the first time online.
- Amending your daily payment limits for Digital Banking, the Mobile app and Open Banking.
- Creating or amending a payee,including changing the payment reference.
- Changing personal details, like your mobile number, email address or PIN and password.
It’s really important to remember we’ll never contact you and ask you to share your card reader details with us over the phone.
Everyday banking without a card reader
If you don't have a card reader, you can still make payments and manage regular payments with the mobile app anytime, anywhere. You can also use your biometrics to authorise Digital Banking transactions if you have registered through your mobile app. Criteria apply.
Using the Royal Bank app
If you don't have a card reader, there are a number of everyday tasks you can complete using your mobile app.
- Pay someone new
- Pay an existing international payee
- Cancel direct debits
- Set up / amend / cancel standing orders
When paying someone new using the mobile app, there is a limit of 5 payments totalling £1,000 per day. When paying an existing international payee, there is a limit of £10,000 per day. You must be aged 16 or over.
Using biometric approvals
Setting up biometric approvals through the Royal Bank app gives you more control over your accounts. You can use it to authorise:
- First time payments to someone new through the app or Digital Banking
- Payments in the app over the £1,000 daily limit without needing to go to Digital Banking
- Changes to your payment limits and personal details in Digital Banking
If you're registered for face biometrics, you can pay a new payee up to a maximum of £20000, or £50000 for Premier and business customers, in a single payment without a card reader. The recipient will appear in your saved payees after the first time you make a payment to them.
Set up biometric approvals
App available to customers aged 11+ using compatible iOS or Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.Biometric Approvalis available toeligiblemobile app customers aged 16or over.
Personal payment limits may apply when making a payment. You can manage your personal daily limits via Digital Banking.
Setting up a card reader
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How to enable your card reader Close
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How to enable your card reader
- Login to DigitalBanking
- Select 'Security' from the menu
- In the 'Using a card reader' section, select 'Enable a card reader'
- You will be shown a screen with a 2-step process to enable your card reader
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How to use a card reader
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01
Insert your card into the reader making sure the card number matches the one shown on Digital Banking
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02
On the card reader, when asked to 'Select Function', press the button with the up and down arrows
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03
When prompted, enter your card's PIN and press the 'OK' button
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04
In the card-reader, enter the number displayed by Digital Banking and press the 'OK' button
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05
In Digital Banking enter the passcode number shown by the card reader
How to order a card reader
Should you need to order a replacement card reader this can be done through Digital Banking, please allow up to 3-5 working days for the card reader to reach you.
Alternatively, if you haveregistered for biometric approvalson your mobile app you can also use your biometrics to authorise transactions within Digital Banking.
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Order a replacement card reader Close
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Order a replacement card reader
- Log in to DigitalBanking
- Select 'Security' from the left-hand menu
- In the 'Using a card reader' section, select 'Order a card reader'
- Select a reason from the drop-down menu
- Click 'Confirm'
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Common Questions
If you do not have a debit card for your account, we’ll send you an Digital Banking card (known as a CAP card) and PIN that you can use with the card-reader. Please allow up to 15 working days for these to arrive.
You can also use biometrics if you have registered on your mobile app to authorise some of your transactions within Digital Banking and the mobile app.
If the message reads 'BATTERY LOW' or 'NO POWER' then your card reader will stop working after a few more uses. You can either replace the batteries or order a new card reader.
However,you can also use biometrics if you have registered on your mobile app to authorise some of your transactions within Digital Banking and the mobile app.
Learn how to change the batteries on your card reader
If you're experiencing a message on your card reader which you're not familiar with, check out these card reader messages to learn more about what they mean.
Card reader messages
No. We supply your card reader free of charge and you won't be charged to use it either.
