[andy99]

My (Canadian) bank extorted me into installing their app, literally blocking me from doing transfers of my own money without it - I had to install it and take a picture of myself and my ID. After this I was able to switch to sms authentication and delete it, but they’re obviously trying to force people onto the app, and eventually they will do so more aggressively.

Of course in Canada we have a banking oligopoly that is effectively there just to rob people, but ironically any of the “challenger” startup banks are 100% app based afaik

[FpUser]

May I ask what bank? I use CIBC and RBC. They do not require any apps on the phone to reach whatever services they offer. I use all my work on desktop.

I did install app from CIBC for one single and the only purpose - deposit cheques sent to me by clients to my business account without having to go to ATM or the bank teller.

[throwaway2037]

    > Of course in Canada we have a banking oligopoly that is effectively there just to rob people

Are there any OECD nations that don't have a banking oligopoly? I can think of at least one: Germany, because they have Sparkasse (community banks). Does Canada have community banks like Germany and the United States? If yes, then you should vote with your wallet and switch.

[noir_lord]

UK has building societies, they function like a bank mostly but are mutual (owned by it's members).

In my experience they are more pleasant to deal with, tend to be smaller/more conservative with tech and you can speak to a human when shit goes sideways.

Mine has never laundered money for the cartels (unlike my other bank) which is a plus as well.

[john01dav]

Perhaps you need a tech person to partner with experienced bank people to create a new bank that isn't shit