This is going to be another instance of security being confused with privacy where the ‘issue’ is the app doesn’t default to making you wade through ludicrously annoying security theatre before you can open it, isn’t it?
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You’re right, it is, but I think if someone is going to write that sentence, they should actually explain what they mean by it.
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I am advised not to log out of the Ap, because if I do so then I have to go through a lengthy process which results in all security being switched off.
If I leave the Ap logged on then, if I don’t have biometrics that work reliably, there is no password/PIN alternative when I open it, so my Ap is accessible to anyone who can get into my phone (i.e. my phone security is the only protection).
Imagine I am using my phone and someone snatches it from me. It will be unlocked and all the information in my Monzo account is therefore accessible to them as long as they don’t close the phone. It is true that they can’t transfer money, but they can find out a lot about me and my account and that is a huge step up for anyone interested in identity theft.
Monzo management don’t see this as a problem, which I find really disappointing and it means Monzo cannot be my main account.
Please don’t say this is a confusion between privacy and security. Identity theft is a HUGE security problem not a privacy issue. I know only to well when a friend got hit how hard it was to gain control of his life again, and it was done using the sort of information I pointed to above.
By the way, entering a PIN is not a “ludicrous security theatre”!
Absolutely! 
and you will see I have.
Can I ask, how secure is your email app on your phone, and do you have any worries about that?
Anyone who grabs your phone out of your hand can find a lot more information for identity theft from your email than they can your banking app.
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This is your phone at fault, not Monzo. I’m guessing you’re on Android?
In this scenario, what do they learn, your bank balance? Your name and address is going to be far easier to find amongst your emails.
It’s exactly what it is. Your money is secure. But if you turn things off, it’s not private.
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Secure the app then if it’s that much of a concern.
It’s easier to do it yourself rather than ask Monzo to do it.
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Why don’t Monzo have a more secure app though? All of the other banking apps I have tried do seem more secure (or whatever you want to call it).
They do have a secure app.
They haven’t made it more private because they don’t see a need to, and makes them an attractive alternative to people who believe that traditional banks apps have over-complicated security theatre that hinders more than it helps. Both because it delays you accessing your money, and because when people have to remember a username, a PIN, a password, a memorable word, and more besides - they’re going to write it down. Boom, big security hole.
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How worried are you about the lack of privacy on your email app, and your Amazon app?
I’m guessing you’ve never given those a single thought.
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All you have to do on other apps in input a PIN. It’s hardly a massive barrier.
It is secure. You mean private.
Turn it on, then it’s the same as all the other apps.
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You’re guessing wrong. I’ve put locks on those sorts of apps. It just seems strange that Monzo doesn’t have a built in PIN to stop people accessing the app when the phone is unlocked.
It does.
(How many times!)
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Then it clearly isn’t enough considering so many people think it doesn’t have one.
I can’t get my head round the demand for more locks on Monzo app, whilst at the same time desiring to walk around in public with phone in hand and on unlock.
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Again, you take someone’s point and turn it into an extreme example. Most people don’t walk around in public with phone in hand and on unlocked, but some people may be at home or at a friend’s house and accidently leave their phone unlocked. All that is needed is for someone to pick it up and your finances at Monzo are exposed.
Have you ever been outside? You’ll find lots of people walking around looking at their phone.
If I’m at my friends house and they see my unlocked phone, pick it up, open the Monzo app and look at my balance, then I probably need new friends.
At home?! My cat isn’t that curious. Probably because I don’t have one.
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Unless you lock the app if you are concerned your friends and family are likely to steal your identity
Although I think there are bigger issues and more opportunities for them than waiting for a phone to be left unlocked
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I’m surprised you can say that so confidently without even knowing what other apps I use 
I’m not sure what more I can say on this topic without going in circles. I don’t see a problem with the Monzo app, and actually prefer the way it works.
You’re capable of putting locks on your other apps, so there’s no reason you can’t do the same with your Monzo app. But as others have noted, you can turn the biometric lock option on if you wish anyway.
I’m baffled that the people who are so concerned about the ‘security’ of one app are so laissez-faire about leaving their phones unlocked all over the place. 
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