If your bank offers passkeys, they are generally the stronger choice against phishing—provided you have a reliable way to recover access. If it does not, an authenticator app is a good alternative to codes sent by text or email, but a one-time code can still be stolen through a convincing fake login page. Bank support and recovery options vary, so check your bank’s official security settings before choosing.
How passkeys and authenticator apps differ
A passkey uses a cryptographic key associated with your account. When you sign in, your device helps prove possession of the private key; the bank does not receive your device PIN or biometric used to unlock it. NIST describes passkeys as private digital keys stored on a device and unlocked with a device PIN or biometrics. The exact experience depends on the device and service.
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An authenticator app generates a time-based one-time password (TOTP), which you type into the bank’s sign-in page after entering your password. The code is temporary, but it is not tied to the particular site or sign-in session where you enter it. That difference drives the main security trade-off.
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Passkeys using FIDO2/WebAuthn with user verification are classified by NIST as phishing-resistant. WebAuthn uses verifier-name binding: authentication is tied to the legitimate website, helping prevent a fake site from using the passkey response to sign in elsewhere. NIST’s guidance explains phishing resistance and verifier-name binding in SP 800-63B-4 and its phishing-resistance guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
An authenticator-app code is not bound to the session being authenticated. A criminal can create a convincing fake banking page, ask for your current code, and relay it to the real bank while it is valid. So an app code is more secure than SMS in important ways, but it is still phishable. Never give a verification code to someone who contacts you unexpectedly; the FTC warns that scammers may try to obtain these codes.
Comparison at a glance
| Factor | Passkey | Authenticator-app code |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing resistance | FIDO2/WebAuthn passkeys with user verification are phishing-resistant under NIST guidance. | Not phishing-resistant: a code can be relayed from a fake page to the real bank. |
| Interception and account risks | Authentication is tied to the legitimate verifier, reducing the risk that a fake site can reuse the response. | FTC says app codes avoid SIM-swap and email-account compromise risks associated with text or email codes, but the code can still be phished. |
| Device changes and recovery | Syncable passkeys may simplify recovery and use across devices when implemented correctly; the actual process depends on the platform and bank. | Access depends on having the app’s codes available and on the bank’s recovery process. The reviewed guidance does not establish a universal restoration method. |
| Bank availability | Varies by bank. | Varies by bank. |
How to choose and set up the strongest option your bank supports
- Open your bank’s official website or app directly, rather than following a link in an unsolicited message. Find its security, sign-in, or multifactor-authentication settings and check which methods it supports.
- If passkeys are offered, review the bank’s official enrollment and recovery instructions. Make sure you can keep access to the device or platform account that manages the passkey, and understand how you would sign in if a device is lost or replaced.
- If passkeys are unavailable, choose an authenticator app if the bank supports it. Follow the bank’s setup instructions and keep any recovery information it provides somewhere secure and separate from the device you use to sign in.
- Keep the device and platform account used for sign-in protected with a strong screen lock and account security. NIST says syncable authenticators such as passkeys may support cross-device use and simpler recovery, but that is not a guarantee that a particular bank will restore access automatically. See NIST’s guidance on syncable authenticators.
- Do not share a login code with anyone who calls, texts, or emails you unexpectedly. If a message claims there is an urgent problem, open the bank’s official app or contact the bank using contact details you already trust.
What if your bank supports neither—or offers a security key?
Turn on the strongest multifactor-authentication option the bank does provide. CISA recommends MFA for important accounts, including banking. A hardware FIDO2 security key is another phishing-resistant option where a bank accepts it; confirm compatibility in the bank’s official help pages before buying one. CISA discusses MFA and security keys.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Why SMS and email codes are weaker alternatives
Authenticator apps are a useful step up from codes sent by text or email because, as the FTC explains, app-generated passcodes are not exposed to SIM-card-swap attacks or compromise of the email account used to receive a code. That advantage does not make app codes immune to phishing: the code can still be captured and relayed during a fake sign-in. Prefer a passkey when your bank supports it and you can maintain a recovery route; otherwise, an authenticator app is a practical choice over SMS or email codes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-A ): Features a built-in USB-A connector—simply unfold the key and plug it into your compatible PC or laptop for seamless authentication on the go.
- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
- Ultra-Durable & Portable: Featuring a rotating metal cover, this key is water, crush, and tamper-resistant. It fits easily on a keychain and requires no batteries or network connectivity.
- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID, and NFC is NOT supported.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
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