Services / Banking / Bank of America

Bank of America

Banking · bankofamerica.com

Three second factors on offer: security key, text message and email code. The strongest is a security key.

Recommended setup

Security key + code backup

A security key only answers the real site, so it can't be phished. Set up a second method too, so a lost key doesn't lock you out.

KeySecurity keyBest option
SMSText messageSupported
EmailEmail codeSupported

Not offered: authenticator app, approval in an app, hardware token, phone call.

Switch it on

General steps; menu names vary. Bank of America's own guide has the exact screens.

  1. Sign in to Bank of America and open your account's security settings. Look for two-step verification or two-factor authentication. Bank of America's own guide shows the exact screens.
  2. Add your email address and enter the code Bank of America sends, to confirm it.
  3. Choose security key. Insert a USB key, or hold an NFC key to your phone, and touch it when it blinks. Register a spare key too.
  4. Save the backup codes. Keep them in your password manager or print them; they're your way back in if you lose your phone or key.

Before you start

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Mobile apps only use SMS 2FA