Spar Key - the Bank's User Authentication Application

In September 2019, Sparkasse Bank Malta plc introduced the Spar Key authentication application which meets the requirements of the EU’s Payment Services Directive II (PSD2). The app was rolled out to all clients and is used to authenticate all user logins into the Bank’s online banking system and also to authorise all payment/security order transactions. Spar Key is not a mobile banking application. Part of establishing a banking relationship with the Bank entails installing and activating Spar Key.

The Bank collects, transmits and makes use of different types of data via Spar Key. A specific Privacy Notice exclusive to Spar Key which explains the use of this data in detail is accessible in the Document Repository. A Technical Document explaining important Spar Key related information is also available in the Document Repository. Spar Key can be installed on Android, iOS and Windows operating system versions, as outlined in the Technical Document. Spar Key can be downloaded from the respective app stores or from within the Bank’s online banking system.

Spar Key may be downloaded and linked to one profile on up to a maximum of three devices. A user guide is available from within the online banking system.

For assistance with Spar Key related queries that require support from the Bank’s staff, customers are kindly advised to email their queries to the following support mailbox: spar.key@sparkasse-bank-malta.com

Spar Key FAQs

Spar Key is a customer authentication application which serves to authenticate login to the online banking platform and to approve payment and securities orders instructions. It is not a mobile banking application.

Spar Key may be used on either Andriod, Apple iOS and Windows devices. For more guidance on which software versions Spar Key is compatible with, please refer to the Spar Key Technical Document found on the Bank’s website in the Document Repository. Downloads are available from the respective app stores located above or from within the Bank’s online banking system.

No, Spar Key is not compatible with Apple MacBook devices. Spar Key is available for download only on the applicable software versions of Android, Apple iOS and Windows.

The Windows version of Spar Key is downloaded in the form of an application file, an “.exe” file and is an application programme that requires execution each time Spar Key is required for the Online Banking login. As such Spar Key is not a solution that requires installation, but rather it is an application file that should be kept in a secure location on your device (computer, laptop, as applicable). Deleting the Spar Key application necessitates a new download and a new activation on said device.

In the case of remote desktop setups within companies, for example, if the “Downloads” folder is set to be emptied at the end of each day, the Bank does not recommend leaving the Spar Key Application file in such folders. However, given the sensitivity of the functions carried out via Spar Key, the Bank does not recommend that users place the Spar Key Application file on the “Desktop” either. Please note that file management and security is the responsibility of the device owners (customers).

Yes, Spar Key may be downloaded and linked to one profile on up to a maximum of three devices.

Deleting the application or removing a username disables the link already established between your user profile and your device. If you have more than one device linked to your profile, you may disable and enable your device again using the ‘’Device Management’’ page within the Online Banking system by logging in using your second device. If you have only one device linked then you can no longer access your account. Kindly contact the Bank by sending an email to spar.key@sparkasse-bank-malta.com from an authorised email address connected to the account and we arrange for a new activation code to be issued. Charges may apply.

If you have more than one device linked to your profile, you may disable and enable your device again using the ‘’Device Management’’ page within the Online Banking system by logging in using your second device. If you have only one device linked then you can no longer access your account. Kindly contact the Bank by sending an email to spar.key@sparkasse-bank-malta.com from an authorised email address connected to the account and we will arrange for a new activation code to be issued. Charges may apply.

This means that the incorrect password is being inputted. Kindly ensure that you input the correct password. The password for your Online Banking profile is different to your Spar Key PIN code.

Kindly contact the Bank by sending an email to spar.key@sparkasse-bank-malta.com from an authorised email address connected to the account and we will arrange for a new activation code to be issued, following which, you will be able to link a new device to your account. Charges may apply.

If you still have the mobile phone which is linked to your online user profile, then you are able to login using this already linked device and may add the new mobile phone using the ‘’Device Management’’ menu. If you no longer possess the mobile phone which is linked to your online user profile, kindly contact the Bank by sending an email to spar.key@sparkasse-bank-malta.com from an authorised email address connected to the account and we arrange for a new activation code to be issued, following which, you will be able to link a new device to your account. Charges may apply.