HSBC pressure you into using the app and I don't think there is a way back to the battery powered OTP device. At least not that I know in the UK. I resisted until the battery failed and they basically make you go into the branch and then plead why you can't use a smartphone. got sick of this dance after 3 years
I got a replacement widget recently, the website pushes the app but when I asked in branch they gave me one without even asking my name. I had to wait on the phone to register the new serial number, maybe I could've done that in person too, but it lasted years (and multiple phones) so I don't mind too much
This probably won't help you in the UK, but for those in the US, Wells Fargo uses an optional RSA SecurID Device.
https://www.wellsfargo.com/biz/online-banking/securid/
The magic words that work at most banks are "close my account", but you have to be prepared to actually close your account if they don't back down.
Maybe that works in the some countries, but among the 3-4 mainstream banks in my country, making that threat when you are anything less than an unusually high earner by local standards (and perhaps a customer of ancillary investment services) is just going to be met with "Fine, we'll close it then." You might be overestimating just how much banks need any one average person's custom. Also, by local cultural standards, making such threats to a business for the sake of obtaining better customer service is over-the-top Karen behavior, so you have already lost when you do that.
Why wouldn't you close your account if they don't provide what you want? It's not an empty threat, just a fact.
Because you won't get what you want at any other bank, either. Hardware tokens are viewed as superseded and phased out everywhere.
hsbc app is also in the group that forces you to disable all keyboard apps (even Futo), and used only gboard or samsung.
Most of those devices are interchangeable, so if you have one from NatWest, Barclays etc it will probably work with your card. It's also possible to replaec the battery on most of them.
The one I got from Lloyds has a replaceable battery