Secure, Seamless, And SMS-Free: Axis Bank Rolls Out In-App Mobile OTP To Combat Digital Frauds

Axis Bank, one of India's leading private sector banks, has introduced a new security feature called 'In-App Mobile OTP' on its mobile banking app, 'Open', aimed at strengthening digital authentication and enhancing customer protection against OTP-related frauds and scams.

Unlike traditional SMS-based OTPs that depend on telecom networks, this new feature generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) directly within the mobile app. By eliminating reliance on SMS delivery, the feature not only ensures faster and more reliable authentication but also mitigates the risk of OTP interception, SIM swap attacks, and phishing attempts.

The In-App Mobile OTP is a device-bound, time-sensitive authentication method, offering customers a more secure and seamless banking experience.

According to a statement by the bank, this initiative forms a key part of Axis Bank's broader roadmap to become India's safest bank, with multiple fraud-prevention measures currently underway. The feature is especially beneficial for frequent international travelers, seafarers, and NRIs, as it works over the internet and remains functional globally, ensuring uninterrupted access to secure banking even when the user is outside India or without a local mobile network.

In addition to providing secure logins and transaction approvals, the feature offers real-time alerts for login attempts and suspicious activity, further empowering customers to monitor their account usage actively.

Highlighting the significance of this innovation, Sameer Shetty, President & Head - Digital Business & Transformation at Axis Bank, said, "At Axis Bank, we are focused on introducing measures to reduce fraud incidences and enhance customer safety."

He continued, "The introduction of In-App Mobile OTP on our mobile app, 'open', is a significant step in ensuring safe and secure digital banking experience for our customers. We are investing heavily in building multiple layers of protection against cyber frauds. In addition to enhanced security against frauds, the Mobile OTP option also eliminates reliance on telecom networks, thus providing customers with a seamless, more reliable authentication experience."

With the rise in digital frauds and cyber threats, the Mumbai-based bank has always strived to provide safer, smarter, and more dependable digital banking solutions for a rapidly evolving user base.

In February 2025, Axis Bank launched 'Axis Mobile OTP', extending the TOTP functionality for various services such as logging in to internet banking, transferring funds, and modifying account details.

To access this feature, users must be registered for Axis Mobile Banking and be able to log in to the Axis Mobile app. Additionally, customers must have an active mobile network and ensure that their SIM card is registered with the bank.

The Axis Mobile app enhances both the security and convenience of digital banking by offering real-time, secure authentication. It eliminates delays associated with SMS-based OTPs and provides the flexibility for customers to choose between multiple two-factor authentication (2FA) methods based on their preferences.

With this feature, Axis Bank not only strengthens its digital infrastructure but also reaffirms its commitment to delivering safe, intuitive, and customer-centric banking solutions in an increasingly digital world.