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Setting Up Your Multi-Factor Authentication + Adding and Removing Secondary Methods

  • Updated

MFA is required for all Float user logins (unless SAML authentication is enabled). You'll set up your first MFA method on your first login or after an MFA reset.

You can also add a second MFA method as a backup. This is useful if you're switching devices or want a fallback in case your primary method isn't available. Manage your MFA methods anytime from Settings > Account Security.

 

Guide Overview

Available MFA Methods

How to set up your MFA method

How to add a second MFA method

How to remove an MFA method

Regenerating your Recovery Code

 

Available MFA Methods

Float offers four different MFA methods:

Authenticator app:

  • Are the most reliable and secure, especially if you travel frequently or may not always have access to your phone number
  • Authenticator apps work without cellular service or roaming
  • They aren't affected by SIM changes or travel restrictions
  • Faster and more consistent login experience
  • Best option for frequent travellers

SMS/Voice:

  • We recommend only using SMS if you also have a second MFA method enabled
  • Philippines and some other international phone numbers are not supported for MFA via SMS at this time. We are working with SMS providers to resolve this limitation. In the interim, please use an authenticator app as your MFA method. See: SMS Service Restrictions by Country
  • Registering your phone number for MFA via SMS is a separate workflow from adding a phone number to your Float account and will need to be set outside of your Float profile settings
  • All MFA texts will be sent from +1 (548) 483-5636, so adding this number to your contact list will ensure the number is never forgotten

Security Key:

  • You can select a FIDO Security Key (ex: YubiKey) as your authentication method
  • Security keys are one of the most secure MFA methods offered and recommended over SMS

Biometrics:

  • Depending on the device you're using, you'll be offered different biometric authenticator options
    • EX: On your mobile device, you may have a fingerprint or Face ID biometric option
  • We recommend using it as a secondary MFA method, since Biometric MFA is specific to the device you set it up on

 

Important considerations on MFA methods:

  • You're allowed to configure up to two active MFA methods at a time
  • You're required to have at least one MFA method configured at all times

  • Float does not support Passkeys as a direct MFA method through your Float account settings

     

 

How to set up your MFA method

You’ll be prompted to set up an MFA method when you log in at app.floatfinancial.com or in the Float mobile app if:

  • You're signing in for the first time
  • Your MFA was reset

Unless your business uses SAML SSO to log in to Float, all Float users will be prompted to configure MFA the first time they log in.

 

How to set up MFA via an authenticator app

To set up MFA using an authenticator, you will first have to download a third-party authenticator app from your mobile app store. Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator and Authy are examples of third-party authenticator apps that can be used.

  1. Once you're ready to select your MFA method during initial account activation or after your MFA was reset, select "Use authenticator app"
  2. Click "Add" or "+" on your authenticator app
  3. Scan the QR code
  4. Enter the newly generated 6-digit one-time code
  5. Click "Continue"
  6. Your MFA method is now set up

 

How to set up MFA via SMS/Voice

  1. Once you're ready to select your MFA method during your initial account activation or after your MFA was reset, select "Use SMS/Voice"
  2. Enter your mobile number to receive a 6-digit code
  3. Click "Continue"
  4. You will receive an SMS with the 6-digit one-time code
  5. Enter the 6-digit code in Float to authenticate
  6. You have now set up SMS as your MFA method

 

How to set up MFA via security key

  1. Once you're ready to select your MFA method in your initial account activation or after your MFA was reset, select "Use security key"
  2. Connect to your security key and follow the steps for the security key used > Name your security key > Select "Continue"
  3. Once configured, you'll see a "Security key successful" message > Select "Continue" to complete

 

How to set up MFA via Biometrics

  1. Once you're ready to select your MFA method in your initial account activation or after your MFA was reset, select "Use biometrics"
  2. You'll be redirected to a new tab, "Log In Faster on This Device", select "Continue"
  3. Configure your device's specific biometric authentication
  4. Once configured, you'll see a "Device registration successful" message > Select "Continue" to complete

 

How to add a second MFA method

Once you've set up your MFA, you're able to add a second MFA method to your profile. So, if you're unable to complete the first MFA verification when logging in, you can select the second method that you've added.

 

How to add MFA via Authenticator app

  1. In Float, go to Settings > Account Security
  2. Select "Add" beside Authenticator App > Complete the required elevated access verification
  3. Select "Continue" on the pop-up that appears > You'll be redirected to a new tab with a QR code
  4. In your authenticator app, click "Add" or "+" > Scan the QR code
  5. In the redirected tab, enter the newly generated 6-digit one-time code from your authenticator app
  6. Click "Continue" in the tab

 

How to add MFA via SMS/Voice

  1. In Float, go to Settings > Account Security
  2. Select "Add" beside SMS/Voice > Complete the required elevated access verification
  3. Enter your mobile number to receive a 6-digit one-time code
  4. Click "Continue" > You will receive an SMS with the 6-digit code
  5. Enter the 6-digit code in Float to authenticate
  6. Click "Continue"

 

How to add MFA via Security Key

  1. In Float, go to Settings > Account Security
  2. Select "Add" beside Security Key > Complete the required elevated access verification
  3. Select "Continue" on the pop-up that appears > You'll be redirected to add the security key > Select "Use security key"
  4. Connect to your security key and follow the steps for the security key used > Name your security key > Select "Continue"
  5. Once configured, you'll see a "Security key successful" message > Select "Continue" to complete

 

How to add MFA via Biometrics

  1. In Float, go to Settings > Account Security
  2. Select "Add" beside Biometrics > Complete the required elevated access verification
  3. Select "Continue" on the pop-up that appears > You'll be redirected to a new tab, "Log In Faster on This Device" > Select "Continue"
  4. Configure your device's specific biometric authentication
  5. Once configured, you'll see a "Device registration successful" message > Select "Continue" to complete

 

How to remove an MFA method

You can only remove an MFA method if you have two MFA methods enabled.

  1. Go to Settings > Account Security
  2. Select "Show" beside the MFA method you'd like to remove
  3. Select "Remove" > Complete the required elevated access verification
  4. On the pop-up, select "Remove"

 

Regenerating your Recovery Code

If you lose access to all of your MFA methods and devices, you're still able to log in with the recovery code that you would've saved after initially activating your Float user account. If you've lost this recovery code, you can generate a new one in Float and save it. 

  1. Go to Settings > Account Security
  2. In the Account Recovery section, select "Regenerate" beside the recovery code
  3. Complete the required elevated access verification
  4. A "Regenerate Recovery Code" pop-up will appear > Select "Continue"
  5. Your new recovery code will be shown. Save this recovery code in a password manager or a secure and always accessible digital location

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