Comparison

DB Secure Authenticator vs BCB Group Authenticator

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

DB Secure Authenticator

This app offers a secure two-factor authentication solution for logging into accounts and authorizing transactions. It provides multiple methods for generating codes, including scanning QR codes, creating one-time passwords, and challenge/response for customer service verification. It also supports push notifications for transaction authorization.

Highlights
  • Two-factor authentication
  • QR code scanning
  • One-time password generation
  • Challenge/Response verification
  • Push notification authorization
  • PIN and biometric login
Read full description

DB Secure Authenticator provides customers with a two-factor authentication solution for logging into accounts and for authorising transactions. For signing transactions on Deutsche Bank’s Online and Mobile banking platforms, customers from Germany can use the photoTAN app, which can be downloaded from the app store. There is a choice of 4 functions within the app: 1. Scan QR Code: Using your phone’s camera, a QR-code is scanned on-screen and a numeric response code is provided. The code may be used for logging into a DB banking application or for authorising transactions. 2. Generate a One-Time Password (OTP): On request, the app generates a numeric code which may be used for logging into a DB banking application. 3. Challenge / Response: When speaking with a DB customer service agent, an 8-digit number provided by the agent is entered into the app and a response code is provided. This function is used for customer identification via the telephone. 4. Authorising transactions: If enabled, Push Notifications can be received to inform the user of outstanding transactions. When the app is next opened the transaction details are displayed, and can be authorized without the need to scan a QR-code or type a code into the online banking application. App setup: Access to DB Secure Authenticator is controlled either via a 6 digit PIN, which you choose on first launch of the app or by using the device's biometric functionalities, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Following the PIN setup, you are required to activate the device. This is done by either entering a provided Registration ID or by scanning two QR-codes through the online activation portal.

About

BCB Group Authenticator

Features
Read full description

You'll first need to enrol your device by downloading the app and scanning the QR code as prompted when logging in to your BCB account. Once enrolled, in addition to your regular password, you can use the app to either approve an account login via a push notification or via a verification code generated within the app.  Features include: -Device enrolment via QR code -Approve account logins via push notification -Use a verification code for account logins if you're not within a service area or have working internet connection  You can access the user agreement for the BCB Group mobile app at https://www.bcbgroup.com/mobile-app-end-user-agreement/

Screenshots

DB Secure Authenticator4 screens
BCB Group Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: BCB Group Authenticator at every 3 weeks against DB Secure Authenticator's every 3 months. BCB Group Authenticator also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DB Secure Authenticator ships an update every 3 months, BCB Group Authenticator every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
DB Secure Authenticator versus BCB Group Authenticator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDB Secure AuthenticatorBCB Group Authenticator
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.5 (24 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews10.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings24 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDeutsche Bank AGBCB Payments Ltd

In-app purchases

None

DB Secure Authenticator

No in-app purchases

None

BCB Group Authenticator

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DB Secure Authenticator free?
DB Secure Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is BCB Group Authenticator free?
BCB Group Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do DB Secure Authenticator or BCB Group Authenticator have ads?
Neither DB Secure Authenticator nor BCB Group Authenticator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DB Secure Authenticator or BCB Group Authenticator?
DB Secure Authenticator ships an update every 3 months, and BCB Group Authenticator every 3 weeks. Most recently, DB Secure Authenticator was updated on October 13, 2026 and BCB Group Authenticator on September 27, 2026.

Other comparisons