Uzbekistan to Require SIM, ID and Bank Card Match For New Payment App Users
Uzbekistan will introduce new rules requiring SIM cards to be registered in the user’s name for those signing up to payment services from April 22, the Central Bank said.
The requirement will not affect users already registered in banking apps or payment platforms.
New verification rules
Under the updated system, new users must pass a three-way verification check. Their phone number, personal identification number and bank card must all be registered to the same individual.
If the data does not match, registration may be denied or access to services restricted. Users attempting to link bank cards to numbers registered to others will also face blocks, with notifications sent via SMS.
Who is exempt
Existing users do not need to make changes, even if their number is not registered in their name. The rules also allow the use of SIM cards registered to close relatives, including parents, spouses, siblings or children.
Potential issues for new users
Restrictions may arise for new customers if a phone number is registered to someone outside the immediate family or if a bank card belongs to another person. In such cases, access to digital services may be limited.
To transfer a SIM card into the user’s name, both the current owner and the user must visit a mobile operator office with original identification documents.
Checking registered numbers
Authorities have also warned of increasing cases of SIM cards being registered using others’ passport details. Users can check which numbers are linked to their ID free of charge via USSD codes: Beeline (*303#), Ucell (*360#), Mobiuz (*151#), and Uzmobile (1005# or a blank SMS to 106). A list of registered numbers will be sent in response.
Officials advise users to verify ownership of their phone numbers in advance and, if necessary, re-register them or link their banking services to a number issued in their own name.
