Why do I need to enter multi-factor authentication every time I update?

If your bank asks you to verify your identity every time you refresh, it’s because of your bank’s security requirements. Quicken Classic for Mac is passing along what your bank requires before it allows account access.

Banks may require extra identity checks

Many financial institutions require identity verification beyond a customer ID and password when something requests online account access. This extra step is commonly called multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Refreshing is treated like a new access request

Each time you refresh, Quicken attempts to connect to your bank to download new transactions and balances. Some banks treat each connection attempt as a new sign-in and require MFA every time.

Authentication prompts can change over time

For security reasons, banks can change what they ask you to provide (for example, switching from a challenge question to a one-time passcode). When the bank changes its requirements, you’ll be prompted for the new information.

Quicken doesn’t control how often your bank requests MFA

Quicken doesn’t decide when MFA appears or what method is used. Your bank controls the rules for authentication, including whether it’s required every time, only sometimes, or when it detects unusual activity.