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The Norwegian mobile BankID is about to be replaced by the new BankID app that incorporates biometric authentication. This change should make the authentication process much easier and more accessible to users.
In this article, we will explain:
- Why the mobile BankID is being phased out
- The differences between the two types of BankID
- How this change will impact the BankID assurance level
- The benefits to companies from integrating the new BankID app
Why is the mobile BankID being phased out?
The mobile BankID is being replaced by the BankID app for two main reasons:
- To improve the user experience
- To make BankID even more accessible to users
The BankID app will enable biometric authentication through facial recognition or Touch ID, which should make logging in much faster for users. Switching from the mobile BankID to an app also makes it less dependent on individual users' SIM cards and lowers the cost of accessing BankID.
The new BankID app will generally offer more opportunities for future improvements and updates than the old mobile BankID.
The goal is to create a BankID that Norwegians can use for the rest of their lives.
The BankID code generator (“kodebrikke” in Norwegian) will still be available to users who either do not want to or are unable to use the app.
Since the app uses biometric authentication, there have been updates to the BankID privacy policy.
What are the main differences between the mobile and the BankID app?
The new BankID app will offer at least four clear benefits compared to the mobile BankID.
1. Improved user experience
The BankID app offers a simpler and faster user experience with biometric authentication. Verifications can now be completed in under 10 seconds (compared to 30 seconds with the old mobile BankID). The app will also feature both Touch ID and facial recognition as biometric authentication methods.
Learn more about the benefits of biometric authentication.
2. Better security
The BankID app enhances security as it clearly indicates which service or website is requesting authentication. This assures the users that they are authenticating themselves with the intended digital service.
3. No cost for end users
The switch to an app-based solution means that BankID will no longer be tied to private SIM cards. This removes the cost for end users, who will no longer need a subscription with a mobile operator and will depend only on data traffic while using the app.
4. Easier to get started
Getting started with the BankID app will be easier for everyone. This includes users with a new smartphone who still have their BankID attached to an older device. They will be able to use their old phone to easily set up the BankID app on their new one.
How will this affect BankID assurance levels?
The BankID app will have two primary assurance levels.
BankID with biometrics ("med biometri")
By default, the BankID app will offer "BankID with biometrics", which is the second-highest level available. Biometric authentication or PIN code will cover almost all verification cases, except for those that require the "High" assurance level.
BankID High ("Høy")
BankID "High" (Høy) is used for situations that require the highest level of assurance. This includes digital signatures with BankID, digital health services, and online financial services. If a company requires the "High" assurance level, they need to upgrade to it.
When the BankID app encounters a request for the "High" assurance level, it will automatically prompt the user for a password, making the process seamless.
Why should companies integrate the new biometric BankID app?
Integrating the new BankID app provides several business benefits.
1. Improve conversion rates
Biometric authentication is becoming increasingly popular, as it’s simple, fast, and efficient. From a business perspective, having a fast authentication process is the optimal way to increase the rate of successful login attempts and, by extension, conversion rates.
By streamlining the authentication process, companies will have more satisfied customers who save time and are more likely to successfully log in to a service or platform.
2. Increase the security of user authentication
Biometric authentication is also more secure, since it uses unique physical features as authentication credentials. Identity schemes that use biometrics—including the BankID app—make it difficult for criminals to steal information or hack into personal accounts.
Moreover, the new BankID app complies with Strong Customer Authentication (SCA). This is often required to verify a payment or transfer of money. Companies can rest assured that the new BankID app lives up to this level of authentication.
3. Stay digitally up to date
Soon, the BankID app will be the only eID available in Norway. This means that companies that do not offer the BankID app as an option will risk falling behind more digitally savvy competitors.
Integrating the BankID app is therefore necessary to stay competitive, especially for businesses that currently do not provide BankID as an option for users to onboard, log in, or digitally sign documents.
Implement the new biometric BankID app with Criipto
Are you interested in integrating the new BankID app into your company’s processes?
We offer a cost-effective and developer-friendly way to integrate the BankID app.
If you are already using the mobile BankID, switching to the BankID app is simple and requires minimal (if any) changes. Learn more about the differences and how to get started with the Norwegian BankID app with biometrics on our product page.
If you are a developer, you can consult the following documentation:
- Creating a free test account
- JWT claims
- How to test BankID app logins
- Ordering the BankID app with biometrics
Also read some of our technical guides to start integrating BankID:
- How to integrate Norwegian BankID with Auth0: a technical guide
- A guide to integrating Norwegian BankID with Okta
As your BankID provider, we take care of any future updates and maintenance, as well as providing excellent technical support throughout the integration process. Contact us directly to learn more about the BankID app.
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