More about our QR code
Everything you need to know
The ABN AMRO QR code is hard to miss when you log in to Internet Banking. It’s a code with square patterns, which you scan with your telephone or tablet. But what is a QR code? And what makes it secure? We’ll explain how this code works on our website and what you can expect.
3 simple facts about the QR code
QR stands for 'Quick Response'
This is a good description of what happens when you scan the QR code on the Internet Banking login screen. The ABN AMRO app reads the code at lightning speed, and immediately understands that you want to log in.
The QR code that you scan is unique and temporary
A new QR code is created every time you log in to Internet Banking. It is unique to you and to that moment. QR codes expire quickly: this is an important factor in preventing fraud. It’s not the same type of QR code that you see on billboards and posters, for example.
We’ve been reading QR codes for over 20 years
It’s not a new technique. However, the QR code (a successor of the familiar barcode) wasn’t widely used until later. QR codes are used for all kinds of things these days, including government apps such as DigiD.
The QR code and security
The easiest way to log in securely
QR codes expire very quickly, making them extremely difficult to copy. You scan the QR code with a device that you’ve already registered. After scanning the code, the app will ask you to enter your personal identification code, or you can log in with your fingerprint or facial recognition if you’ve set this up.
Can I scan a fake QR code with the app?
No, the ABN AMRO app does not accept fake codes. The app can only scan QR codes that have been created by ABN AMRO.
Can you run out of secure QR codes?
No, you can’t. But it’s perfectly logical to wonder what will happen when all the QR codes have been ‘used up’. In practice, this is highly unlikely. There are never-ending combinations of digits, letters and other characters, so QR codes never have to be recycled. You’ll get a new code every time you log in to Internet Banking.
What to watch out for when scanning a QR code
With these tips, you know you’re always logging in securely.
- Always check that the URL in your browser begins with https://www.abnamro.nl/ before you start scanning.
- Scan the QR code with the scanner in the ABN AMRO app, not with your regular camera app.
- Always use the latest version of our app.
Logging in with the QR code
Use the QR scanner in the ABN AMRO app to log in to Internet Banking securely. Once you’ve logged in, you can continue doing your banking on your PC or laptop.
Questions about our QR code
How does logging in using a QR code work?
The Internet Banking login screen will display a QR code for you to scan. Open the scanner in the ABN AMRO app on your smartphone or tablet. Point your device at the QR code and follow the instructions. Log in using your personal identification code, fingerprint or facial recognition. Once you’ve done that, you no longer need your device and can continue banking on your PC or laptop.
How are QR codes secured against fraud and forgeries?
The ABN AMRO app can only scan QR codes made by ABN AMRO. The QR code won’t work if you scan it with your device’s built-in camera app. You’ll receive a new QR code every time you attempt to log in to Internet Banking. The code is unique, valid only for that login attempt and expires after a short while. It’s designed this way to prevent fraud.
How is logging in with a QR code secure?
The ABN AMRO app is personal – it’s linked to you. If you want to use the app on your smartphone or tablet, you’ll need to register your device. If you don’t register your device, you won’t be able to scan an ABN AMRO QR code.
Each QR code is unique and valid only for a short while. After you’ve scanned the QR code, the app will also ask for your personal identification code. It may also ask for your fingerprint or facial recognition if that’s your preferred setting. This two-factor authentication makes logging in with a QR code (and therefore through the app) secure.
How can I tell whether a QR code is real or fake?
You can’t spot a fake QR code with the naked eye. If a code is fake, the ABN AMRO app will tell you that the QR code is invalid. The app recognises fake QR codes (those not made by ABN AMRO) and will reject them. That’s why you should always use the scanner in the ABN AMRO app to scan a QR code.
Also good to know: if a QR code features a logo, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a real and secure QR code.
Where can I report fake QR codes?
If you come across a fake QR code, open this page to report fraud or any suspicion situations to us. This page also tells you how to recognise other types of fraud.
Questions about logging in with our app
How do I obtain the 5-digit identification code?
When you use the ABN AMRO app for the first time, you set your own 5-digit identification code. For more information about downloading the app and using it for the first time, see our Activate the ABN AMRO app page.
Can I still log in with the e.dentifier after I install the app?
Yes, you can still use the e.dentifier to log in to Internet Banking after installing the app. However, our clients are increasingly choosing to log in using the ABN AMRO app, as you can regularly update the app to a new version with the latest security features.
Downloading the app doesn’t mean you have to do your banking on your mobile device. You can just use the app to log in and then continue on your PC or laptop. That way, logging in and doing your banking will remain two separate actions, just like they are with the e.dentifier. If you’re out and about and need to take care of something, you can do that securely using the app. You don’t need your debit card or e.dentifier, and you can do things like quickly blocking your debit card.
What should I do if I’m unable to scan the QR code?
Wait until the code on your screen expires. Now press the arrow for a new one. If it’s still not working, try increasing the brightness of your PC or laptop screen. Updating your app on your phone or tablet may also help.
What if my device doesn’t support the ABN AMRO app or I don’t have a device at all?
- If you don’t have a device that supports the ABN AMRO app, we’d be happy to help you find one that does. Check out our tips and what you should look out for.
- If you want to log in to Internet Banking without using a smartphone or tablet, you can log in with the e.dentifier.