Ditch the physical device entirely and use app-based 2FA like most modern banks. If you must have a hardware token, HSBC should offer one with a user-replaceable battery (e.g., CR2032) – security seals can still be used. Would I recommend relying on a physical Secure Key in 2025? ❌ No – unless you have no smartphone and no other option. Even then, order a spare device proactively before the battery dies.

If you still use a physical Secure Key, immediately set up the Digital Secure Key in the HSBC mobile app as a backup. If your battery is already dead and you can’t log in, brace yourself for a frustrating support call and a week of limited access.