Fidelity new login step OTP = US mobile number needed. Good options?

[Autocan]

Fidelity used to be a simple login name + password. Since last month they want to send an OTP as well which can only be bypassed by calling them and getting voice verified, which is what I've been doing. My account has my brother's MI address and phone number and I don't want to bother him for an OTP each time. Last time I called Fidelity I asked if they could OTP to an international number ("as I am traveling and don't have access to my US phone"). No, they aren't set up for international OTPs yet.

 

So, if I don't want to call in every time I guess my only option is to set up a US mobile no. to receive OTPs. Anyone done that? Specifically for Fidelity? Fidelity are a nosy lot and will be quick to restrict an account if they think the holder is non-US-resident.

[bkk6060]

I have Schwab they call the code to my Thai number.  If Fidelity calls here you might need to be connected to a Thai network.  Not sure the AI for those calls will do that.

[NoDisplayName]

Unless they're slowly rolling all accounts into OTP required, this is just a you thing.  I just logged on via laptop, no OTP needed, and no notification that the requirement was pending.

 

Perhaps there was a pop-up notification at one point offering "enhanced protection" with "multi-factor authentication" as a security measure and you clicked the accept button?

 

Are you using the phone app?

 

 

 

If you'd like to remove 2FA, you can remove it by following these steps on Fidelity.com after logging in:

1. Select "Profile" from the top green banner

2. From the Security tab, choose "Security center"

3. Under "Additional login security," choose "Turn off" next to Multi-factor authentication

 

[Gobbler]

Redpocket.com doesn't advertise that it works here, but it does work via WIFI calling.  I can receive calls and texts; it is a real USA SIM card.

 

Just look for the sim with calls and texts.  45 Dollars a year.  I bought the sim from eBay initially and top up 30, now 45 dollars a year. 

 

The banks see it as a real mobile number, which it is. 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133196831828?_skw=redpocket+annual+sim&itmmeta=01JGGFXPZ7JWMD6B0K5TN2SR8V&hash=item1f03265c54:g:c0gAAOSwmAlc2cBk&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKk3zVMAM7nSO4SAoN5TBhkSBHpW0IEWHA445B6J%2FKlO5X6k9crBXmoEoY8UYTAutHdvu6ZJILmyvoM%2BxSxWSrX831SWt%2Fq%2BDHBmhObZ6EmDGP%2B7QKEODlkLerEKrNy3QsaTgj040BxC4fX8QFnl31sc9ARtfpFfdNtuo77LM1DUuU3GsQj%2BJpXfgDCVPtvdWKpo6HXZthx84JWQiqUNQrKsO--7seg22NgJ0RimsJhM3BLCq6GYr4h%2F6O6aCCNXMrtWQUhzQrfWQQemtMKeWhr068q0PNlloNSr3TI4Gmv5CA%3D%3D|tkp%3ABFBM3O_2j4Rl

 

You can probably buy from them directly and get the same plan.

 

[Jingthing]

43 minutes ago, Autocan said:

Fidelity used to be a simple login name + password. Since last month they want to send an OTP as well which can only be bypassed by calling them and getting voice verified, which is what I've been doing. My account has my brother's MI address and phone number and I don't want to bother him for an OTP each time. Last time I called Fidelity I asked if they could OTP to an international number ("as I am traveling and don't have access to my US phone"). No, they aren't set up for international OTPs yet.

 

So, if I don't want to call in every time I guess my only option is to set up a US mobile no. to receive OTPs. Anyone done that? Specifically for Fidelity? Fidelity are a nosy lot and will be quick to restrict an account if they think the holder is non-US-resident.

How does getting voice verified work exactly with Fidelity?

So you call in everytime?

Does that involve talking to a human every time or is it an automatic system once you have set it up?

I kind of like the idea of voice verification.

I have the same issue -- no U.S. mobile to get texts.

A question, when you log in to Fidelity from Thailand, do you log in from Thailand or use a U.S. VPN?

Maybe that triggered the extra demand?

Personally, I have a way to do a real U.S. login without VPN (a device set up for that purpose in the U.S.). 

[Gecko123]

8 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

How does getting voice verified work exactly with Fidelity?

So you call in everytime?

Does that involve talking to a human every time or is it an automatic system once you have set it up?

I kind of like the idea of voice verification.

I have the same issue -- no U.S. mobile to get texts.

A question, when you log in to Fidelity from Thailand, do you log in from Thailand or use a U.S. VPN?

Maybe that triggered the extra demand?

Personally, I have a way to do a real U.S. login without VPN (a device set up for that purpose in the U.S.). 

 

A few days ago, I was automatically funneled into the voice verification set up menu. Using the microphone on my computer they asked me to repeat a series of three statements which included a lot of number, but I haven't been prompted to verify my identity using voice verification since.

 

@bkk6060: below the pop up menu prompting you to request an SMS be sent to your mobile phone, there should be an option to send a verification code via another method, ie. email, which is what I have been doing recently.

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, Gecko123 said:

 

A few days ago, I was automatically funneled into the voice verification set up menu. Using the microphone on my computer they asked me to repeat a series of three statements which included a lot of number, but I haven't been prompted to verify my identity using voice verification since.

 

@bkk6060: below the pop up menu prompting you to request an SMS be sent to your mobile phone, there should be an option to send a verification code via another method, ie. email, which is what I have been doing recently.

Thanks. Interesting.

So is Fidelity now requiring SOME kind of two factor for all logins?

[NoDisplayName]

9 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Thanks. Interesting.

So is Fidelity now requiring SOME kind of two factor for all logins?

 

Not for my account using laptop.

 

I did just try to log in using cell phone app, and they want to send a code to my US number.  This is new.  I rarely use the app, and then only when selling fractional shares.  So this appears to be a phone app requirement only.

 

I do have voice recognition, but that only comes into use when phoning in to speak with a rep.  With voice recognition, I don't have to answer the five, no three, questions, although I am not afraid.

 

[KhunLA]

I just logged in to FID, and did a transfer of funds, my pension DD account, to 'cash management' account, and no issues at all.  It did show the new balance in CM account, though didn't show the debit out of the other account.  That's a first, and will probably catch up to itself in a few minutes.

 

Last month I did get the OTP thingy, and forget what I was doing, just logging in maybe.  I just FB msgr to brother, make sure he was a wake, and he just gave me the code, as I use his address & ph#.

 

I occasionally get the 'you're international' do you agree bla bla bla, on the opening page.  I enter on the 'sign in' page, and usually flawless.  Only get the 'you're int'l' a couple times a year.

 

Only transactions I do is pension gets DD, then I transfer to CM account, then ATM withdrawal in TH.

 

Last year, the only other transaction was CC use for 2 iHerb order2.  Anything else online, and it's COD.

 

I have a few IRAs, and other 2 active accounts mentioned.  They just resent my CC/Debit cards for those 2 accounts, to brother's address, and he just forwards them to me.

 

Been with Fidelity for over 45 years, I think.  Great service, and free account/ATM usage worldwide.   No fees anywhere (USA / TH) when doing withdrawals.  

 

Never really had a bank account in last 45 years.  Other non broker accounts were Credit Union account with airlines that I worked for.  Again, great services and no fees.  Better interest rates.

 

Never had a car loan, and only 2 mortgages, and they were paid off in like 5 years, thanks to tenants.  Not a fan of interest, and every spare $$$ went to paying off the principle of mortgages.  Especially when the first one was about 11%.  Thanks Jimmy 

[Jingthing]

Been with Fidelity OVER 45 years.

I'm still spoofing them that I'm a U.S. resident although I have heard that they are no longer closing existing international people but there are restrictions such as not being able to buy Mutual Funds but you can still hold them to sell later. But you can buy ETF and stocks. 

[NoDisplayName]

9 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Been with Fidelity OVER 45 years.

I'm still spoofing them that I'm a U.S. resident although I have heard that they are no longer closing existing international people but there are restrictions such as not being able to buy Mutual Funds but you can still hold them to sell later. But you can buy ETF and stocks. 

 

They caught me 'bout ten years ago.  Only result was they restricted my account to not purchase or re-invest new shares of US-registered mutual funds.

 

International people are not a problem.  I have a couple Chinese friends that opened accounts while in the US on a work visa.  They were allowed to retain their account when they returned to China.  I've also contacted a Fid rep about opening a brokerage account for my Thai wife, and am awaiting the forms.

[jaywalker2]

51 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Thanks. Interesting.

So is Fidelity now requiring SOME kind of two factor for all logins?

1 hour ago, Autocan said:

Fidelity used to be a simple login name + password. Since last month they want to send an OTP as well which can only be bypassed by calling them and getting voice verified, which is what I've been doing. My account has my brother's MI address and phone number and I don't want to bother him for an OTP each time. Last time I called Fidelity I asked if they could OTP to an international number ("as I am traveling and don't have access to my US phone"). No, they aren't set up for international OTPs yet.

 

So, if I don't want to call in every time I guess my only option is to set up a US mobile no. to receive OTPs. Anyone done that? Specifically for Fidelity? Fidelity are a nosy lot and will be quick to restrict an account if they think the holder is non-US-resident.

You can log in using your email, just click on log in another way and choose your email address. You'll still have to call in though if you want to make changes to your profile.

 

Google Voice is a  better option. Although you can't sign up for Google Voice from abroad, you can have someone transfer you a number that they already have. So if you know someone in the States with a Google Voice number they're not using, ask them to transfer it to you. Otherwise you would have to find someone who'd be willing to sign up for a Google Voice number and then transfer it to you. For new sign-ups, there's a 90-day waiting period though before they can transfer the number.

[Jingthing]

4 minutes ago, jaywalker2 said:

You can log in using your email, just click on log in another way and choose your email address. You'll still have to call in though if you want to make changes to your profile.

 

Google Voice is a  better option. Although you can't sign up for Google Voice from abroad, you can have someone transfer you a number that they already have. So if you know someone in the States with a Google Voice number they're not using, ask them to transfer it to you. Otherwise you would have to find someone who'd be willing to sign up for a Google Voice number and then transfer it to you. For new sign-ups, there's a 90-day waiting period though before they can transfer the number.

Do you know for a fact that Fidelity accepts Google Voice? Many U.S. financial firms do not.

[jaywalker2]

55 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Thanks. Interesting.

So is Fidelity now requiring SOME kind of two factor for all logins?

In pinciple, yes, but they do give you an option when you log in to avoid the two factor if you use the same device all the time. There's a check box for that

[jaywalker2]

Just now, Jingthing said:

Do you know for a fact that Fidelity accepts Google Voice? Many U.S. financial firms do not.

Yes, I use it all the time. Schwab allows it as well.

[flexomike]

1 hour ago, Autocan said:

Fidelity used to be a simple login name + password. Since last month they want to send an OTP as well which can only be bypassed by calling them and getting voice verified, which is what I've been doing. My account has my brother's MI address and phone number and I don't want to bother him for an OTP each time. Last time I called Fidelity I asked if they could OTP to an international number ("as I am traveling and don't have access to my US phone"). No, they aren't set up for international OTPs yet.

 

So, if I don't want to call in every time I guess my only option is to set up a US mobile no. to receive OTPs. Anyone done that? Specifically for Fidelity? Fidelity are a nosy lot and will be quick to restrict an account if they think the holder is non-US-resident.

Its not just Fidelity, I have Edward Jones for my IRA and they put me on restrictions because some how they found out that I am living full time in thailand. I can still take out all I want but am not allowed to do any trades.

[jaywalker2]

Another option is to use the Symantech VIP Access app. That takes the place of two-factor authentication. You can put in on your phone or laptop and it generates a code that you input when you log in. You can only use the app on one device but once you generate the code, you can use that on either your phone or your laptop, or so said the rep I stpoke to about it.

[jaywalker2]

30 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

They caught me 'bout ten years ago.  Only result was they restricted my account to not purchase or re-invest new shares of US-registered mutual funds.

 

International people are not a problem.  I have a couple Chinese friends that opened accounts while in the US on a work visa.  They were allowed to retain their account when they returned to China.  I've also contacted a Fid rep about opening a brokerage account for my Thai wife, and am awaiting the forms.

Do you know if they'll send debit and credit cards to a foreign address?

[NoDisplayName]

6 minutes ago, jaywalker2 said:

Do you know if they'll send debit and credit cards to a foreign address?

 

No, only to a US address. (unless policy recently changed)

Would have to be repackaged and mailed to Thailand.

 

 

Navy Federal will ship cards to Thailand.

 

 

[gamb00ler]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Thanks. Interesting.

So is Fidelity now requiring SOME kind of two factor for all logins?

I don't use a VPN and Fidelity does not ask for 2FA on my account.  I had Fidelity account set up with 2FA but turned it off and I don't have any problem logging in.

 

I do have a US address on file with them.

[jaywalker2]

2 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

I don't use a VPN and Fidelity does not ask for 2FA on my account.  I had Fidelity account set up with 2FA but turned it off and I don't have any problem logging in.

 

I do have a US address on file with them.

I also had 2FA turned off on my account. Howvever, that option was eliminated with the latest upgrade.

 

Anyone who wants to avoid 2FA can try the following: Don't use a VPN. When the prompt for two factor authentication comes up at log in, log in with your email address, check the box that says, Don't ask me anymore on this device, Do not clear your Fidelity cookies.

 

That has never worked consistently for me but I use a VPN and clear my cookies.

[NoDisplayName]

7 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Thanks. Interesting.

So is Fidelity now requiring SOME kind of two factor for all logins?

 

Yes, apparently.

 

"Upgrade" is now affecting laptop login.

 

Request is to send OTP to number (US only) on file.

There is an option to send the code via email.

There is no option to opt out on the security center page.

[bamnutsak]

I have a Google Voice number, and an UltraMobile number registered with Fidelity.

 

I receive SMS messages on GV from Fidelity.

 

I usually call in on Google Voice (Myvoice registered).

 

But I use the mobile app to access Fidelity online from my desktop.

 

They send through notification, and you click on "Yes, it's me.", so no real need for a mobile number.

 

You can also use the app for most (all?) activities.

On 1/1/2025 at 4:04 PM, Jingthing said:

How does getting voice verified work exactly with Fidelity?

 

You can look for yourself but IME, they match the number you call in on and they do a voice match. Often I need to say my name, and city/state if they need a larger sample. If you don't have that then you'll have to request an SMS OTP.

[Thailand J]

Go to Security Settings and turn off MF authentication at log-in.

[Phillip9]

I keep a google fi sim.  About $20 a month.   With any android phone you can get unlimited calls and texts over wifi.  Very handy for keeping in touch with relatives and friends as well as bank OTPs.  

 

You can also connect to the local cellular network and use the data almost anywhere in the world.  This costs extra but the data rates are the same as you would pay in the US.  You also get a US IP address when you do this.  I always use this when I do any online banking, so my bank never knows I'm abroad.

 

 

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, Phillip9 said:

I keep a google fi sim.  About $20 a month.   With any android phone you can get unlimited calls and texts over wifi.  Very handy for keeping in touch with relatives and friends as well as bank OTPs.  

 

You can also connect to the local cellular network and use the data almost anywhere in the world.  This costs extra but the data rates are the same as you would pay in the US.  You also get a US IP address when you do this.  I always use this when I do any online banking, so my bank never knows I'm abroad.

 

 

Very interesting.

Is it possible to start with that already living in Thailand with no current U.S. mobile plan?

First time I've heard of that as an option for keeping a U.S. number, do U.S. logins, and get two factor texts. 20 a month is reasonable for that.

If that's an option for many, seems like that is a bigger topic than just Fidelity.

[Phillip9]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Is it possible to start with that already living in Thailand with no current U.S. mobile plan?

I think you have to active the sim while in the US.

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, Phillip9 said:

I think you have to active the sim while in the US.

But can't you start with an E-sim so never any need to ever have a physical SIM activated in the US and then sent to Thailand?

[bamnutsak]

Can you activate Google Fi outside the US?

 

Activation: You need to activate and use the service in the US for at least one day before you use it abroad as per Google Fi's Terms of Service. This doesn't include territories of the US. Learn more about activating Google Fi service. You can reactivate your plan while abroad.

 

Google Fi Help section.