Macquarie Authenticator vs Expand
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Macquarie Authenticator
Enhance your account security with this app, offering push notifications for transaction approval or denial and generating one-time passcodes for authentication. It provides a faster, more secure alternative to SMS, especially when traveling internationally.
- Push notifications for transaction approval/denial
- Generate one-time rolling codes
- Offline authentication with rolling codes
- Manage pending tasks
- PIN, fingerprint, and facial recognition unlock
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Protect your Macquarie account with Macquarie Authenticator. Our two-factor authentication app is designed to maximise your security, while also providing a beautiful banking experience. Separate security, seamless experience Macquarie Authenticator works seamlessly with the Macquarie Mobile Banking app. Approve or deny requests in an instant, directly through your notifications, for stronger security that feels like a single, seamless flow. More secure than SMS Unlike with SMS, you can see exactly what you’re approving. We send detailed alerts directly to your secure app, not your phone number. You’re in control Verify important transaction details upfront, such as the amount, recipient and location, so you can approve or deny transactions with confidence.
Expand
Manage your investment accounts securely and conveniently. Track transactions, view performance with interactive graphs, and update personal details. Download statements and access adviser contact information.
- Access multiple investment accounts
- Secure login with biometrics
- View transactions and performance
- Interactive balance graphs
- Update personal details and beneficiaries
- Download statements and reports
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With the Expand app you can: • Access your Expand Essential or Expand Extra accounts in one place. • Enjoy secure access 24/7, using a passcode, fingerprint or facial recognition (available on compatible devices). • Check your transactions, performance, and current investment options. • Visualise your balance over time with an interactive graph, or access reports for your individual investments. • Review and make changes to your beneficiaries, personal details, communications preferences, and more. • Download statements and generate various reports. • Time for a review? Access your adviser’s contact details within the app. • Have a question? Contact our ClientFirst team on 1800 517 124, or clientfirst@myexpand.com.au Please note, an active Expand account is required to access the Expand app.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: Macquarie Authenticator at free against Expand's free with in-app purchases. Macquarie Authenticator also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (15% vs 5%). 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Macquarie Authenticator ships an update every 4 weeks, Expand every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Macquarie Authenticator | Expand |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 14.8% of reviews — better | 4.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 185 MB | 119 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Macquarie Bank Limited | IOOF Service Co Pty Ltd |
Customer experience
Macquarie Authenticator
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Bugs and requests
Macquarie Authenticator
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
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Reported bugs
19 issues- Login screen freezes
- App crashes on opening
- Blank white screen on launch
- Face ID/facial recognition fails
- Password reset loop
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- App bombs out after login attempts
- SMS verification not received
- App reverts to white screen after updates
- App stalls and freezes
- App logs out frequently
- App not opening at all
- Login page not accessible
- Screen is completely white after entering PIN
- App crashes on login
- Face ID login ceased to work
- App not working on newer devices
- App not working on iPad in landscape
- App not working on weekends/after hours
- App not working after iOS update
Requested features
5 requests- Fix facial recognition
- Improve app stability
- Address portrait-only mode on tablets
- Invest in app development and maintenance
- Communicate with customers about fixes
In-app purchases
Macquarie Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Expand
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Macquarie Authenticator free?
Is Expand free?
Do Macquarie Authenticator or Expand have ads?
Which is updated more often, Macquarie Authenticator or Expand?
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