UAE Banks Transition to In-App and Biometric Payment Verification

Sep 17, 2026

67 min

Sep 17, 2026 05:31

UAE banking explained: How online payment verification works without SMS OTPs

## New Authentication Methods in UAE Banking

UAE banks are transitioning from traditional SMS and email-based One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to more secure in-app and biometric verification methods for online payments. This change aligns with guidelines from the Central Bank of the UAE, which mandated the phase-out of older authentication methods by March 31, 2026.

## How the New System Works

When making an online purchase, customers may no longer receive an SMS OTP. Instead, they are prompted to approve transactions through their bank's mobile app. Some banks send an SMS alert directing users to confirm payments via the app. The app may display transaction details, allowing users to approve or decline within a set time frame.

## Biometric Verification

Many banking apps now incorporate biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to verify transactions. Customers may need to register their biometrics or set up a digital PIN within the app. For instance, Dubai Islamic Bank offers both SMS OTPs and in-app notifications, with the latter allowing biometric verification.

## Security Enhancements

The shift to in-app and biometric verification aims to enhance security by reducing the risks associated with SMS OTPs, which are vulnerable to interception and fraud. Techniques like SIM swapping and phishing can compromise SMS OTPs, whereas in-app methods keep the process within the secure environment of the bank's application.

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