ASN Bank, a Dutch financial institution, has implemented restrictions that block users of non-Google Android systems from accessing its banking app, according to a GitHub discussion thread documenting customer complaints.
Users report that as of app version 1.36.3, the ASN Bank app requires Google Play Services to complete login, preventing access on GrapheneOS—a privacy-focused Android variant—and other alternative systems. One customer stated: “One needs GMS to log in to the account. After you could use it without. During the log in process the app seemed to be using a dependency to check for Internet connectivity. Without GMS you cannot continue.”
The issue particularly affects the new iDEAL | Wero payment system, a European payments infrastructure. Users attempting to make payments through Wero report failures, while other banks like Triodos continue to support the system on GrapheneOS.
When a customer filed a formal complaint with ASN Bank, the bank’s response cited European regulations around payment security. ASN stated that “iDEAL | Wero stelt daarom hoge eisen aan de beveiliging en integriteit van apparaten” (iDEAL | Wero therefore sets high demands on device security and integrity), claiming that alternative systems “bypass or replace built-in security features.”
ASN Bank indicated it follows security frameworks established jointly with other payment system partners and that support for alternative operating systems depends on multiple parties and technological developments, offering no timeline for resolution.
Critics have raised concerns about this requirement’s compatibility with PSD3 regulations, which reportedly prevent banks from forcing customers into single authenticators. Some have also pointed out a contradiction with ASN’s self-positioning as an idealist, green-focused bank. The blocking of GrapheneOS—which passes Google’s basicIntegrity security checks but not certified profile checks—illustrates the tension between device certification systems and financial inclusion.
Key facts
- ASN Bank’s app version 1.36.3 requires Google Play Services to log in, blocking GrapheneOS and other non-Google Android systems
- iDEAL | Wero payments fail for ASN Bank users on GrapheneOS, while other banks like Triodos support the system on the platform
- ASN Bank cited European payment security regulations in its response, claiming alternative systems bypass built-in security features
- Users argue the requirement conflicts with PSD3 regulations and contradicts the bank’s stated values as an idealist institution