ABU DHABI: The UAE government has announced a major change in online payment verification. The new system will take effect from January 6, 2026. Banks will stop using SMS-based OTP services for online card payments.
According to official bank notices sent on December 31, 2025, customers will no longer receive verification codes through text messages. After January 6, online payments will only be approved through banks’ official mobile applications. The traditional OTP sent via SMS will be fully discontinued.
Under the new process, customers must use their bank’s mobile app to confirm transactions. When a payment is initiated, a notification will appear inside the app. Users will need to approve the transaction directly from there. No SMS or email OTP will be issued.
Banks have advised customers to prepare in advance. Users are urged to download their bank’s official mobile app if they have not already done so. They must also activate the app and enable notifications. This step is necessary to avoid payment failures after the change.
The move is part of the UAE’s broader digital transformation strategy. The transition toward app-based verification began last year. From July 2025, banks gradually reduced reliance on SMS and email OTP systems for transactions and transfers.
The decision follows clear instructions from the UAE Central Bank. The regulator has directed banks to adopt stronger digital security measures. App-based verification is considered safer than SMS-based systems.
Bank officials say SMS OTP services are vulnerable to fraud. Delayed messages and fake texts have caused security concerns in recent years. Criminals have also exploited SIM swap scams to intercept codes.
The new system aims to reduce these risks. App-based verification is directly linked to the user’s device. This makes unauthorized access more difficult. Banks believe the change will better protect customer data and funds.
Customers without smartphones may need assistance. Banks are expected to offer guidance and support. Relationship managers and help desks will assist users during the transition period.
Officials stress that the change does not affect card usage itself. Customers can still shop online as usual. Only the verification method is being updated.
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The UAE continues to push for secure digital banking solutions. Authorities believe this shift will improve trust in online payments. Customers are advised to act early to ensure uninterrupted service after January 6.
