What's a bank that works w/ non-Quicken apps and non-SMS 2FA?

November 4, 2021 6:02 PM

I (try to) use Banktivity to balance my checkbook. It has been having trouble syncing through Yodlee with USAA for most of October and I'm ready to change the app or the bank.

OFX 2.2 was supposed to simplify everything by using OAuth so it wouldn't matter what kind of crazy login the bank used: OAuth would generate a token & the app would use that from then on.

The banks behind OFX 2.2 are Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase, but it's super unclear whether Banktivity or Moneydance or any other macOS app support it directly or still go through Yodlee or Plaid. I don't mind switching as I only recently upgraded from IGG's older iBank.

Wells Fargo also only supports SMS for second factor authentication, at least with my Visa account. USAA supports Symantec VIP Access which is not great as Authy, but OK.

I have a brokerage account with E*Trade and they offer checking and support VIP Access, but I'm not able to connect to the brokerage account with Banktivity, so I'm wary of that.

USAA used to have "app passwords" that you could generate so dumb apps could use a traditional login/password combination, but it at least wouldn't be the one you'd be using with the website.

So... is there any bank with good security that supports downloading transactions directly into a Personal Financial Management application?

posted by ASCII Costanza head to Work & Money (1 answer total)

I feel dirty for even saying this because I despise them on principle, but Bank of America has been very good with Banktivity - as in, I haven't had any issues in the past year or so. I honestly don't know if it's a direct download from the bank or via a third party. For 2FA, they offer to send a code via either SMS or a voice call.
posted by neilbert at 8:10 PM on November 4, 2021