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No skimping on security

You are your strongest password

Keep your accounts safe with biometric approval

What is biometric approval?

Now you can add an extra layer of advanced security in our app – set up biometrics. It goes beyond face recognition to identify what makes you unique

It involves taking a photo of yourself that is encrypted and securely stored on the Ulster Bank database. You can then also record your voice, which is securely stored as well. When you come to use biometric approval you’ll need to put your face in the frame and follow the on-screen instructions.

This is a check to make sure you're a real person and helps stop fraud. It is a simpler way of managing your money and is a handy alternative to your card reader.

3 great reasons to set up biometric approval

Updates in your own time and space

You can change important details, including your address or phone number, whenever it suits you.

Safe and convenient payments

Set payment limits, pay someone for the first time or approve a payment from £1,000 to £20,000.

Park your card reader

 You won't need to rely on your card reader, but hang on to it just in case.

Don't delay. Get set up in a few steps

There's no time like the present. Especially when it comes to the security of your banking. To get set up, make sure you have downloaded our mobile app. This will mean that you can set up biometric approval and manage your payments and banking in our most safe and secure way.

How to register for the mobile app Open in new window

App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

Biometric Approval is available to eligible mobile app customers aged 16 or over. 

How to set up biometric approval

Got the app?

To register your biometric approval you just need the app on a  mobile with a forward-facing camera and a working microphone.

  • On the app, tap your initials icon in the top corner to get to My Profile
  • Tap Settings and then Biometric approval
  • Tap Manage biometrics and then select either Face or Voice.
  • Follow the instructions on screen to register. You’ll need to be registered for face biometrics before you can register for voice.

If you don’t have notifications on, we’ll ask you to turn them on. This will help when you need to approve something.

Biometric approval FAQs

Keep your accounts safe when shopping online

How do we make online shopping more secure?

Important banking regulation was introduced to improve online payment security and protect you from fraud and scams.

In a nutshell it means we’ll ask you to confirm your identity and approve transactions more often.

It’s simple. If we need to check it’s really you, we’ll ask you to open your app. You can approve or decline the transaction with your face ID, fingerprint or passcode.

Trusted Beneficiary (also known as Trusted Retailer)  is a part of the regulation, and you can use it to reduce how often we need to ask you to approve transactions. 

Sometimes, when we ask you to approve a transaction, we will give you the option to add the retailer to your trusted list. This means you won't always have to confirm your identity when you next shop at that retailer.

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Support to help you fight fraud

Safer shopping

Online shopping can mean more opportunity for fraudsters. Follow our useful tips to keep you safe.
Get online shopping tips

Card payment help

All the support you need on the most common issues when making a card payment.
More about card payments

Our fraud guides

Guidance on ways fraudsters work and how to stop becoming a victim of fraud.
Check out our fraud guides

Online shopping FAQs

Something else we can help you with?