UAE Banks to replace SMS OTPs with In-App approvals by 2026

Secure app environments make it harder to hack bank accounts, easier to stop such attempts. For UAE residents who frequently make payments, transfer money, or shop online, this is a big upgrade in everyday convenience.

With UAE banks now officially phasing out SMS and email OTPs, customers are being encouraged to switch to in-app banking authorisation — a more secure and faster way to approve transactions.

The move comes under new UAE Central Bank guidelines, which mandate that all banks transition to app-based authentication for domestic and international transactions. By March 2026, SMS OTPs will be discontinued entirely.

So, how does in-app authentication actually work? And why are banks saying it’s the safer, smarter choice? Let’s break it down.

What is in-app banking authorisation?

In simple terms, in-app authorisation allows you to approve or reject a banking transaction directly inside your bank’s mobile app – no need to switch to your SMS inbox or type in codes.

Here’s how a typical transaction works:

You make a payment, transfer, or online purchase using your bank's app or website.

You get a push notification from your bank's app on your phone.

You tap the alert to open the app and view full transaction details.

You confirm your identity with a fingerprint, Face ID, or PIN.

You approve or decline the transaction — instantly.

It’s all done within a secure app environment, which makes it harder to hack and easier to control.