We work hard to keep your account safe, so we want to make sure all GoHenry members know how to create and maintain secure accounts. Most of us are already aware of the importance of creating unique passwords, but did you know that there are few simple dos and don’ts that can really help you to improve your account security?
Do: Use separate logins
We all have so many passwords to remember, and younger kids often find it especially tricky to keep track of theirs. So we understand why it’s tempting to use the same login details as your child—but this is one situation where it’s best not to share.
To create secure accounts, each of your kids should have their own, unique login to view their account on the GoHenry app. You can manage up to four child accounts from your parent account, where you can set up regular pocket money payments, set paid tasks and create spending limits.
Don’t: Share your card number
When you contact GoHenry Member Services, you might be surprised to know there’s no need to share the 16-digit number on your child’s card. Industry regulations mean we’re not allowed to store this long number, known as the PAN, so when you contact GoHenry we’ll use the security information we already hold to identify you as a member.
Remember, we’ll never contact you and ask you to share your card details or password. If you’re in doubt about any calls or messages you receive, even if they seem genuine, please contact us as soon as possible on Live Chat, or by calling the number that’s printed on the back of your child's card.
Do: Take care with shared devices
If your child doesn’t have their own device, or your family shares multiple devices like laptops and tablets, it’s important to make sure your GoHenry login is protected. Remember, the average kid is a whizz with anything tech related—so if you use their birthday as your four-digit PIN, there’s a good chance they’ll know exactly how to access your account and give themselves a pay rise!
Biometric identification, like Face ID, offers more protection than a password alone—so help us to maintain secure accounts and switch this on if your device supports it.
Don’t: Use public WiFi
Public WiFi networks in cafes, hotels, shops and libraries aren’t always secure, so avoid using them when you’re shopping online or using your gohenry app. It’s much safer to connect to 5G (or 4G) when you’re out, and you can also use your mobile as a hotspot if you need to connect a laptop or tablet. This might seem over cautious but there’s no way of knowing who set up a public network, or who else is connected to it—so it’s difficult to know for sure if it’s secure.
Do: Keep your child's number updated
To safeguard your child's money and check transactions are genuine, we use 3D Secure, or 'strong customer authentication'. This gives an extra layer of security when you pay online—you may have noticed it yourself when shopping!
When going through the checkout process, your child will see a message explaining they're making a 3D Secure transaction. In some cases the transactions are automatically approved, but if not, they'll be prompted to enter a one-time password (OTP) that's sent to their phone.
For this reason, it’s important to check that we have an up-to-date mobile number linked to your child’s GoHenry account. If they have their own phone, it’s helpful to use their number; if they don’t, you’ll need to pass on the OTP as soon as you receive it, as it’s only valid for 10 minutes.
Don’t: Turn off notifications
We understand that it’s tempting to turn off notifications, but these play an important role in creating secure accounts. We send these to make sure that you’re aware of what’s going in and out of your account, and that you’re comfortable with your child’s spending.
Aim to check your child’s statement at least once a month so you can keep track of their spending habits. This helps you to stay aware of when, where and how they’re spending, so you can step in if they need any help with budgeting. It also makes it much easier to spot any unusual transactions.
