What is multi factor authentication (MFA) and how does it work?

Multi factor authentication (MFA) is one of the ways we keep your account secure.

We do this by sending you a 6 digit verification code in a message to your phone when you:

• log in
• make a withdrawal or
• change your details

How it works

1. You'll see a message on the screen.
2. It will ask you to enter the verification code we send to your mobile phone.
3. As soon as you enter the code correctly, you'll be able to continue with what you were doing.

Make sure the right mobile number is registered to your account.

Trust a device. What does it mean?

You will be given an option to trust the device you are using.

You should trust it if the device is:

• the one you usually use to log in to your account
• your own personal device, that no one else has access to
• protected by passwords and free from malware

Telling us that you trust your device helps us know that it's you when you log in to your Vanguard account. It also makes logging in quicker since you do not need to ask us for a code every time you log in.

No mobile phone? Get a code sent to a landline

We can also send the verification code to your UK landline number. Your phone will ring and an automated service will read out your code when you pick up (so you might want to take a note with a pen and paper). You can then enter the code on the screen and continue with what you were doing.

If you do not receive a code to your landline you should check with your phone provider that text to voice services are enabled.

We are working on other types of authentication types which we'll make available in the future.