UAE Banks to Phase Out SMS & Email OTPs: What Customers Must Know by 2025

Online banking in the UAE is about to get a massive security makeover. Starting July 25th, 2025, the way you verify your banking transactions will change forever.

No more SMS codes.
No more email OTPs.

The Central Bank of the UAE has mandated that by March 2026, all banks must phase out OTPs sent by text or email. This comes in response to a 65% surge in phishing and SIM swap scams worldwide in 2024, where OTP theft became one of the biggest sources of fraud.

So, what’s replacing OTPs? And how do you stay ahead of the change? Let’s break it down.

Why Are OTPs Being Phased Out?

For years, SMS and email OTPs were the default way to verify transactions. But criminals caught up fast:

• Phishing emails tricked people into revealing OTPs.

• SIM swap scams let fraudsters hijack numbers to steal OTPs.

• Email hacks exposed OTPs in inboxes.

The result? Thousands of customers worldwide lost money despite “secure” OTP-based systems.

That’s why the UAE banking regulator is moving to stronger, in-app verification methods that can’t be intercepted.

#cybersecurity #bankingsecurity

What’s Replacing OTPs?

Instead of waiting for a code via text or email, you’ll now approve transactions inside your banking app.

Here’s how it works:

1. You initiate a transfer or payment.

2. The app sends you a secure push notification.

3. You confirm using biometrics (like fingerprint or Face ID) or an in-app generated token.

This means:

• No more waiting for delayed OTPs.

• No more worrying about hackers stealing SMS codes.

• One app, one approval — fast and safe.

#digitalbanking #UAEfinance

How to Prepare Before July 2025

To avoid being locked out or confused when the change rolls out, here’s what every UAE customer should do today:

• Update your banking app to the latest version.

• Enable in-app authentication and test it with a small transfer.

• Activate biometric login (fingerprint/Face ID) for seamless access.

💡 Pro tip: If you travel often or use multiple devices, ensure your primary banking app is installed and tested on your main phone.

#onlinesafety #UAEbanks

Benefits of In-App Verification

This move isn’t just about safety — it’s also about convenience. Here’s what you gain:

• ✅ No SMS delays when you’re abroad.

• ✅ No extra charges for international text OTPs.

• ✅ Stronger fraud protection with biometrics.

• ✅ Seamless experience within your app.

Think of it as upgrading from old-school keypad phones to a smartphone — faster, safer, smarter.

#financialfreedom #modernbanking

What This Means for UAE Customers

From July 25th, 2025, all banks in the UAE will start rolling out this upgrade. By March 2026, OTPs via SMS and email will be history.

So, the message is simple:
👉 Don’t wait until the last minute.
👉 Switch to app-based verification now.

Banking in the UAE is becoming more secure, more modern, and more seamless. Security first, convenience always.

🧾 Shunyatax Global says that financial clarity starts with informed decisions.
We provide end-to-end #taxfiling, #NRIservices, and #investmentplanning for individuals and businesses.

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