What is SMS Text Authentication?

SMS Text Authentication allows you to set up your mobile phone number to receive one-time codes when logging into Online Banking or performing certain transactions (also known as security challenges or multi-factor authentication). SMS Text Authentication replaces security questions and answers. SMS Text authentication is a more secure alternative to security questions or activity codes delivered to your email.

How does SMS Text Authentication work?

Once your phone number is verified, you will receive a one-time code via text message whenever you log into Online Banking. Enter the code in the security challenge field to access your account.

Am I required to use SMS Text Authentication?

SMS Text Authentication is optional but strongly recommended as a more secure alternative to security questions.

How do I remove SMS Text Authentication?

At any time, Login to Online Banking > Security > Manage Text Message Authentication and disable the mobile phone number displayed under Enabled for Text Message Authentication. Your number will be saved if you choose to enable this feature again.

How can I opt-out of SMS Test Authentication if I'm not logged into Online Banking?

To opt-out at any time, text STOP to MYWNB (69962) from your mobile device.

Can I use SMS Text Authentication if I use a third-party financial app?

Some financial apps may not be compatible with Woodforest Online Banking while a multi-factor authenticator is enabled. You can disable SMS Text Authentication at any time, however we recommend using a Limited Access Password for third-party apps to ensure compatibility without compromising the security of your Woodforest accounts.

What if I enable SMS Text Authentication and I already have Online Banking synced to a third-party app?

Check your third-party app to see if your account is still synced properly. You may need to disable SMS Text Authentication or relink Online Banking to the third-party app with a Limited Access Password.

What is an Authenticator App?

An authenticator app is a security application you can download and install onto your smart phone or tablet. An authenticator app offers additional security and may be used as an alternative option to traditional security questions when logging into Online Banking or performing certain transactions (also known as security challenges or multi-factor authentication). Once enabled, the authenticator app will replace your security questions.

How does an authenticator app work when logging into Online Banking?

Which authenticator apps are compatible with my Online Banking account?

Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator have been tested and verified to work with Online Banking, however any authenticator app that meets the TOTP security standard should be compatible.

How often will I be prompted to enter my authenticator code when logging into Online Banking?

When using an authenticator app, you will be prompted to enter your authenticator code each time you log into Online Banking.

How do I enable an authenticator app for Online Banking?

Can I use an authenticator app on multiple devices?

Yes, you can install an authenticator app on multiple devices. Once you have downloaded an authenticator app to another device, login to Online Banking > Security > Manage Mobile Authenticator to retrieve the barcode or manual key to install it.

What if I have multiple online banking profiles? Can I use the same authenticator app?

Yes, but you must sign in with each Online Banking user profile to enable authenticator for that user profile. When you open your authenticator application, you will see all profiles you have installed. Use the code displayed for the online profile under which you are currently signed in for your Security Challenge.

How do I retrieve the authenticator code upon security challenge?

Open the authenticator application on your mobile device to access your authenticator code. Enter the code currently displayed into the Authenticator Code field on the Security Challenge page. Note that authenticator codes are time-based and will refresh typically after a 30-second timeframe.

How do I remove an authenticator app?

Login to Online Banking > Security > Manage Mobile Authenticator and follow the instructions to remove an authenticator. Be sure to remove the authenticator app from Online Banking before you delete it from your phone.

What if my mobile device is lost or stolen?

Contact us toll-free at 1-877-968-7962 to remove the authenticator app and restore your security questions as your security challenge when logging into Online Banking.

What if I don't have my mobile device with me and I need to log into Online Banking?

Contact us toll-free at 1-877-968-7962 to remove the authenticator app and restore your security questions as your security challenge when logging into Online Banking. You may re-enable the authenticator at any time.

Can I use an authenticator app if I use a third-party financial app?

Some financial apps may not be compatible with Woodforest Online Banking while a multi-factor authenticator is enabled. You can disable an authenticator app at any time, however we recommend setting up a Limited Access Password for third-party apps to ensure compatibility without compromising the security of your Woodforest accounts.

What if I enable an authenticator app and I already have my account synced with a third-party app?

Check your third-party app to see if your account is still synced properly. You may need to disable the authenticator app or relink Online Banking to the third-party app with a Limited Access Password.

What if I am enabled to use SMS Text Authentication for Online Banking as well as an authenticator app?

If you have both SMS Text Authentication and an authenticator app enabled, Online Banking will only accept the authenticator app code when you are prompted with a security challenge. If you wish to use SMS Text Authentication, you can disable the authenticator app at any time.