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How in-app online payment approval works

When you make an online card payment, some transactions need extra approval before they go through.

Here’s how it works in the app.
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Step 1: You get a push notification

If your online payment needs approval, you’ll receive a push notification on your phone. Tap the notification to open the app.

Before You Begin

To ensure you receive OTPs for transactions and payments:

  • Install the Pemo mobile app on the cardholder’s device.

  • Enable push notifications for the Pemo app in your device settings.

  • Ensure the app is updated to the latest version.

  • Log in to the app using the cardholder’s account credentials.

Step 2: Open the approval page

The notification takes you straight to the payment approval page in the app.

On this screen, you’ll see a verification code linked to your transaction.


Step 3: Copy the code

Copy the code shown in the app.


Step 4: Enter the code on the merchant’s payment page

Go back to the merchant’s checkout page and paste or type the code into the approval field.


Then confirm the payment on the merchant’s side.

Step 5: Receive your transaction notification

Once the payment is confirmed, you’ll receive your normal transaction notification as usual. That means the payment has been completed successfully.


Good to know

  • You’ll only see this step for online payments that need extra approval.

  • The code must be entered on the merchant’s payment page to complete the transaction.

  • After approval, your transaction will appear like any other completed card payment.

  • OTPs for transactions and payments are tied to the cardholder's account and cannot be delivered to admins or other users.

  • OTPs are not delivered via browser or laptop notifications. Always check the Pemo mobile app for transaction OTPs.


Troubleshooting

Didn’t get the push notification?

Open the app and check your notifications are enabled.

  • Check that the app is updated to the latest version.

  • Ensure you are logged into the correct account on the registered device.

Code not working?

Make sure you’re entering the latest code shown in the app and completing the payment before it expires.

Closed the page by mistake?

If you've closed the page you will have to re trigger a new transaction

Login OTP Issues

  • SMS OTPs Not Received: Confirm your mobile number is correctly registered with Pemo. Contact your mobile carrier if messages are being blocked due to regional or carrier restrictions.

  • Ensure your registered mobile number is active and capable of receiving SMS messages. If you are in a region where SMS OTPs are not arriving, contact your mobile carrier to unblock messages from short codes or verification services.

Why is this change happening? And why can I not receive it by email or SMS anymore?

The UAE Central Bank (CBUAE) has mandated all banks to replace SMS and email one-time passwords (OTPs) with stronger, more secure authentication methods. This change is driven by the rising risk of fraud through SIM-swap attacks, phishing, and SMS interception, which made OTPs an unreliable security measure. You will now verify your transactions directly through your Pemo mobile app — making your payments faster and significantly more secure.

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