Pembroke1
4/20/2022 18:00 EST
Hey guys, what mobile serice works for 2FA authentication for US bank verification?
Do you use Google fi ? I hear you can keep text and voice unlimited but they will remove data since you're over 6 months out of US.
OR Google Voice. I hear they can do 2FA but not with all banks,,
Or is there another alternative?
Thanks
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mtbe
4/20/2022 20:11 EST
I've tried to get Google Voice in Colombia and all attempts have failed. It's not available...
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mtbe
4/20/2022 20:14 EST
Hit the 'post reply' button too quickly.
Update all the phone numbers that your bank uses to that of a family member, or a close friend.
When you get to the point where the bank wants to send a code to your phone, call your family member and tell them to expect a code and send it to you immediately. When they are ready and available, hit the 'send me the code' button on your bank website.
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Bogota
4/20/2022 21:27 EST
I have been using the wifi calling feature available on most us phones (I think) now. Just be careful to keep your phone on airplane mode, or it may try to revert to roaming and rack up big charges. I have straight talk from a Walmart phone, so it won't roam anyway, not possible. On WiFi calling, it's as if you're in the states, make and receive calls, and texts. Websites still detect you are outside of US, but calls and texts are normal. It has worked perfect to receive the security codes. I've used it in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Perú.
Saludos Bogotá
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FSmitty
4/20/2022 21:33 EST
Many banks, businesses and government agencies use short codes to send text instead of using a standard 10-digit number. I don't know of any VoIP provider that works with these codes.
I had Google Voice and Skype for 2 years in Colombia, I presently have Magic Jack. None of these providers work with these codes. However, I was told that Google Fi does work. Technically though, Google Fi is not available for extended use in Colombia, but I know people that have had it for an extended time.
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Blenheim
4/20/2022 22:17 EST
To mtbe's good suggestion about a family member---Is probably the easiest way if one has family back home--
Adding to the above, if one has a direct deposit stateside checking account with auto pay for various bills, and having a debit card on one's account------Go to an ATM and request amount of credit remaining on one's debit card (same as bank account balance if debit card is set up that way) ---(will always show in pesos, so do the math and with the ballpark current exchange rate)---(no atm charge for balance checks)---
Not all stateside credit / debit cards work on all ATM machines, either for cash, or for just checking one's balance-----
---Another words --one may have to try different ATM's as Scotia-Colpatria--Banco Colombia--Davivienda etc. before finding one which works, not only for cash but also for balance checks---
Schwab is a very good debit card---
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Electricista
4/21/2022 08:19 EST
Sometimes one can avoid 2FA verification if the bank already recognizes your device.
TD bank now has a 2FA app so when the website requests a 2FA code, the app gives you the code instead of having to wait for a text message.
HSBC does not need to send a text because they use a handheld device that looks like a toy calculator to give you the 2FA code.
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Pembroke1
4/21/2022 10:28 EST
Bogota, Interesting I never heard anybody doing Straight Talk , Walmart phone on Airplane mode using Wi-Fi to receive 2fa's.
Thank you guys for these incredible responses.
Wondering if anybody here has used Google fi and pay $20 a month just for texts and calls Without data plan. Markell, a YouTuber i.n Medellin, this is his method
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Electricista
4/21/2022 11:14 EST
There is a app I use for internet calls and texts called "textnow". They tell me if I subscribe to get a "permanent number", I will be able to do 2FA authentication texts. However I have not paid for a subscription to test the service.
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Bogota
4/21/2022 11:50 EST
Just to be clear... It does NOT have to be a straight talk phone. It's just the one I use, and they are not set up to be able to roam in the first place. The important thing is, set your phone to airplane mode to use wifi calling in areas where it may automatically revert to roaming otherwise.
Saludos Bogotá
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Bogota
4/21/2022 11:56 EST
I'm being less than clear maybe... My other point is... ... Your current phone probably already is wifi calling capable. You may only have to select the setting and put it on airplane mode.
Saludos Bogotá
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KarenFleur
4/21/2022 13:17 EST
T-mobile works fine for me. I have one of their Magenta plans in the States. No problem getting text verifications.
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Paco23
4/21/2022 13:50 EST
I have used google voice for 2FA for close to 10 years. You need a us phone number to set up google voice though.
On a separate note try to avoid SMS as a 2FA method.
Don’t want to be rude to anyone but this is a highly outdated and very unsecure method of verification.
For the haters here is an article you can decide for yourself. https://securityboulevard.com/2021/12/why-using-sms-authentication-for-2fa-is-not-secure/amp/
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Pembroke1
4/21/2022 13:56 EST
Bogota, Thank you again for this option. Just leaving it on Airplane mode and Wi-Fi calling is perfect.
I'm assuming you have A separate data Colombian number and plan.
Do you have 2 phones then , your American and Colombia number or the same phone.
Karen,, Thank you for the idea of T-Mobile Mag, but their plan is too expensive, I'm not 55 yet for their nice discount, almost there! That's why I was considering Google FI $20 plan with no data
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FSmitty
4/21/2022 14:33 EST
Sometimes one has no choice with 2fa. I believe IRS is one example. I managed to get rid of 2fa with SS but it took some doing. If ever a company asks if you want to leave your cell number, answer no. Amazon always asks.
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