Starting July 25, 2025, UAE banks OTPs phase out today as they stop sending one-time passwords (OTPs) via SMS or email for transactions. Instead, customers will need to confirm transactions through their bank’s mobile app or by using fingerprint or face ID. The move is part of a wider push by the Central Bank of the UAE to make everyday banking safer and reduce the growing number of fraud cases.
The update is already rolling out at major banks such as Emirates NBD, FAB, and ADIB. More banks are expected to follow soon.
Banks are asking customers to update their apps. They also need to turn on app-based authentication to avoid any disruption once OTPs are phased out.
The change comes as online scams continue to rise across the UAE. UAE banks OTPs phase out today in response to phishing links and fake calls tricked many victims into sharing OTPs, causing financial losses that averaged AED 8,000 in some cases. The Central Bank of UAE says traditional OTPs are no longer secure enough, especially with the rise of SIM-swap and social engineering attacks.
To address the issue, the Central Bank of UAE has given financial institutions until March 2026 to fully adopt app-based or biometric verification methods. The aim is to offer customers more control over their banking activity, right from their phones. This approach removes the need to rely on potentially vulnerable codes sent by SMS or email.
All Banks in UAE Required to Comply with New System
This shift doesn’t just affect the big-name banks. It applies to the entire list of banks in UAE, which includes over 50 licensed institutions. Whether you’re with a national brand or a smaller financial provider, all users will eventually transition to this new system. Even lesser-known banks on the list of banks in UAE will be required to comply with the new digital standards.
Over the next few weeks, customers will start seeing fewer OTP messages and more prompts popping up directly in their banking apps. If you’re not too familiar with mobile banking, don’t worry—banks are ready to help. You can get support either online or by visiting a branch, making sure the shift feels simple and stress-free for everyone.
The shift may take some adjustment, but it aims to make banking in the UAE safer and simpler. With banks of all sizes on the list of banks in UAE, the rollout is broad yet well-coordinated.
With UAE banks OTPs phase out today, the country joins a global trend toward safer, app-based banking security. Countries like Singapore, India, and several across Europe are also moving away from SMS-based security. They are in favor of smarter, app-driven verification. The UAE is replacing outdated systems with ones built for the digital age.
