Login Help
Step-by-step guidance for signing in, resetting passwords, setting up MFA, and resolving common login problems.
Getting Started Guide — login requires your card number or username, your password, and a multi-factor authentication code. The platform supports biometric login on mobile devices. If you cannot sign in, four self-service recovery paths cover password resets, MFA resets, account unlocks, and browser troubleshooting.
How to Sign In to
Signing into takes four straightforward steps, each protected by encryption and verification checks. The entire process typically completes in under 30 seconds for returning users on recognized devices.
Step 1: Navigate to the Sign In Page
Open a supported web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, updated within the last two major versions — and go to the sign in page. Before entering any credentials, check your browser address bar for the padlock icon. This confirms an active TLS 1.3 encrypted session. If the padlock is missing or the address looks unfamiliar, close the tab and navigate directly to the known sign in URL. Bookmark the legitimate page after confirming it to avoid phishing pages in the future.
Step 2: Enter Your Card Number or Username
The first field on the sign in form accepts either your 16-digit card number printed on the front of your debit or credit card, or the custom username you created during account setup. The system recognizes both identifiers. If entering a card number, type all 16 digits without spaces — the form will auto-format them. If entering a username, note that usernames are case-insensitive for lookup purposes. Double-check for extra spaces at the beginning or end of the field — especially if pasting from a password manager auto-fill that occasionally appends a trailing space.
Step 3: Enter Your Password
Type your password. Passwords are case-sensitive and must meet the platform minimum of 12 characters with at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one numeric digit, and one special character. Use the eye icon to the right of the password field to toggle visibility — this helps confirm you are typing what you think you are typing. If you use a password manager, verify it is filling the current password and not a previously saved version. Caps Lock warnings appear automatically if your keyboard has Caps Lock engaged.
Step 4: Complete Multi-Factor Authentication
After submitting valid credentials, requires a second verification factor. You will receive a 6-digit one-time code through your chosen MFA method — authenticator app (recommended) or SMS to your registered phone number. Codes expire after 5 minutes. If your code does not arrive, check that your device's date and time are set automatically (authenticator apps require clock synchronization) or that your phone has cellular signal (for SMS). You can request a new code if the first one expires — there is no limit on code requests, but rapid repeated requests may trigger a temporary security pause.
Step 5: Review and Confirm
Once MFA is verified, displays a login summary showing the date, time, approximate location, and device type of your last successful sign-in. Review this information carefully. If anything looks unfamiliar — a login from a city you were not in, a device type you do not own — do not proceed. Select 'This was not me' to trigger an immediate security review and lock the account. If the summary looks correct, click 'Continue to Dashboard' to access your online banking account. On the mobile app, you can enable biometric login after this first session — subsequent sign-ins will require only your fingerprint or face, skipping the password step entirely.
How to Reset Your Password
If you cannot remember your password, the recovery process takes about two minutes from start to finish — assuming you have access to your registered email or phone number.
- On the sign in page, click the 'Forgot your password' link located below the password field.
- Enter your card number or username on the next screen to identify your account.
- Choose your verification method — email (to the address registered on your account) or SMS (to your registered phone number). sends a 6-digit verification code to your selected channel.
- Check your inbox or messages for the code. Codes are valid for 10 minutes. If you do not receive the code, confirm you are checking the email or phone number currently registered on your account — not a different address or device.
- Enter the verification code on the recovery screen.
- Create and confirm a new password that meets requirements: minimum 12 characters, with at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character. You cannot reuse any of your previous five passwords.
- After confirmation, return to the sign in page and log in with your new password. Complete MFA to verify the change and access your dashboard. recommends enrolling in biometric login on the mobile app after resetting to reduce future password dependency.
MFA Setup & Troubleshooting
Multi-factor authentication is mandatory for every account. During initial account setup, you choose between two MFA delivery methods: authenticator app or SMS. The authenticator app option (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, or any TOTP-compatible app) provides faster, more reliable code delivery because it does not depend on cellular signal. SMS codes can experience delays during carrier congestion, travel outside your home coverage area, or when your phone number has been ported to a new carrier.
To change your MFA method, sign in to , navigate to Settings > Security > Multi-Factor Authentication, and select 'Change Method.' You will need to verify your current MFA method before switching to the new one — this prevents someone who gained access to your account from redirecting MFA codes to their own device. If you have lost access to your MFA device entirely (lost phone, changed phone number without updating your account), call support at +1-416-555-0172. The support team can verify your identity through alternate means and reset your MFA enrollment. This process typically takes 15-20 minutes and requires answering security questions set during account creation.
Browser & Device Requirements
online banking works on the current and immediately previous major versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Both cookies and JavaScript must be enabled — the platform uses session cookies for authentication state and JavaScript for MFA interaction and form validation. Private or incognito browsing modes work for sign-in, but some features (saved preferences, device recognition for reduced MFA frequency) require persistent cookies.
The mobile app requires iOS 16 or later, or Android 12 or later. Older operating system versions do not support the required TLS 1.3 implementation or biometric API versions used by the app. Mobile browser access (Safari on iOS, Chrome on Android) provides the same functionality as desktop browsers but may display a mobile-optimized layout — all security features remain active including MFA and automatic session timeout after 5 minutes of background inactivity.
Common Login Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid credentials error | Incorrect card number, username, or password | Check for extra spaces, Caps Lock, or outdated password manager entry. Use eye icon to verify password. |
| MFA code not received | Expired code, carrier delay, clock sync issue | Request new code. For authenticator apps, sync device clock. For SMS, check cellular signal. |
| Account locked | Multiple failed login attempts | Wait 5 min (3 fails) or 30 min (5 fails). Call +1-416-555-0172 if it stays locked. |
| Browser not supported | Outdated browser version | Update to latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. |
| Blank or broken page | JavaScript or cookies disabled | Enable JavaScript and cookies in browser settings. Disable script-blocking extensions. |
| Session expired mid-use | 15-minute inactivity timeout | Sign in again. Auto-save prevents data loss for in-progress transactions. |
| Recognized device not recognized | Cleared cookies or new browser profile | Complete full MFA. Device will be re-recognized after successful login. |
| Password reset code not arriving | Wrong email or phone on file | Check which contact info is registered. Call support if access to that email/phone is lost. |
| Mobile app crashes on open | Outdated OS or app version | Update iOS to 16+ or Android to 12+. Install latest app version from app store. |
| "Suspicious activity" alert | Login from new location or device | Review login summary. If legitimate, proceed. If not, lock account and call support. |
Account Recovery When All Else Fails
If you cannot access your registered email account, your registered phone number, or your MFA device — and therefore cannot complete any of the self-service recovery paths — call support at +1-416-555-0172. Select the option for account recovery from the phone menu. A support specialist will guide you through alternate identity verification. This typically involves answering your security questions (set during account creation), confirming recent transaction details, and verifying personal information on file. The recovery process takes 15-30 minutes. Once verified, the support team can update your contact information and reset your MFA enrollment.
To avoid this situation, recommends maintaining at least two active contact methods on your account — an email address and a phone number — and reviewing your contact information for accuracy at least twice a year. Update your phone number and email through the online banking dashboard before they change, not after. If you are traveling internationally, set a travel notification in the app so the fraud system does not flag your foreign login as suspicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I sign in to my account?
Common sign in issues include: incorrect card number or username (verify there are no extra spaces, especially if pasting), wrong password (check Caps Lock status and use the eye icon to see what you typed), expired MFA code (codes expire after 5 minutes — request a new one), locked account after too many failed attempts (wait 5-30 minutes depending on attempt count, or call support), outdated browser ( requires browsers released within the last two years), or disabled cookies or JavaScript (both must be enabled in your browser settings).
How do I reset my password?
On the sign in page, click 'Forgot your password' below the password field. Enter your card number or username, verify your identity via email or SMS code (valid for 10 minutes), then create a new password meeting the 12-character minimum with uppercase, lowercase, number, and special character requirements. Sign in with the new password and complete MFA to regain access. recommends enabling biometric login after resetting to reduce password dependency on mobile.
What browsers work with online banking?
supports the current and previous major versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge on desktop. On mobile, the app is available for iOS 16+ and Android 12+. Mobile browser access is supported on Safari (iOS) and Chrome (Android) with the same TLS 1.3 encryption and MFA requirements as desktop. Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled. Private browsing works for sign-in but limits persistent preferences. login security protocols follow the data protection principles outlined by the Federal Trade Commission for consumer financial platforms.
What should I do if my account is locked?
If your account locks after multiple failed login attempts, wait 5 minutes (after 3 failed attempts) or 30 minutes (after 5 failed attempts) before trying again. If the account remains locked after the cooldown period, or if you received a lock notification without attempting to sign in — which could indicate an unauthorized access attempt — call support at +1-416-555-0172 immediately. The fraud team can verify the lock source and restore access after identity confirmation.
Can I use biometric login for ?
Yes. The mobile app supports fingerprint and face recognition login on devices that offer these features through their native OS security frameworks — Touch ID and Face ID on iOS, biometric authentication on Android. Biometric login must be enabled in the app settings after your first successful password-and-MFA login. Once enabled, subsequent app sign-ins require only your biometric scan. Desktop browser access does not support biometric login and always requires password plus MFA.
What Clients Say
My fleet drivers are on the road across Alberta and BC — they need login access that just works. biometric sign-in on mobile means no typing passwords at a truck stop at 5 AM. When one driver locked himself out trying an old password, support had him back in within ten minutes.— Leonard V. Carmichael, Fleet Manager, Red Deer
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Explore Online BankingLogin Resources
Returning clients can use login Canada to access their accounts from any province. The Scotia Connect login portal provides a streamlined sign-in entry point. For French-speaking clients, Accès Scotia delivers the full banking dashboard in French. Use sign in as the primary access point for returning to your dashboard. Visit Bank Nova Scotia sign in for legacy account access. The account login page links directly to the authentication portal.
Manage your profile through Scotiabank account overview tools. Use password reset for the self-service recovery workflow. The MFA help guide explains multi-factor setup and troubleshooting. For mobile access, the Scotiabank app page details app installation and biometric enrollment. Check locked account to resolve access after failed attempts. Review browser help for browser compatibility requirements and troubleshooting.