QR payments are gaining popularity in retail and the service sector.

      27 November 2025 15:46 Economy Russian banks are recording an increase in the use of QR codes for payment of goods and services. According to VTB analytics conducted ahead of the 16th Investment Forum "Russia Calling!", half of all QR payments are accounted for by five key segments. This method of payment is most in demand in supermarkets and the entertainment sector — these categories together account for 17% of transactions. Another 10% of operations are made in clothing and footwear stores, and more than 5% when booking tours and excursions.

      The growth dynamics are confirmed by other market participants. Tinkoff notes an increase in the number of QR payments in the HoReCa segment (hotels, restaurants, cafes), as well as in small businesses, where simplified acquiring integration via QR codes is becoming a popular alternative to traditional POS terminals.

      The spread of the technology is driven not only by convenience and speed of payments, but also by additional bonuses from retail chains. Many retailers, especially in the FMCG and fashion retail segments, offer special discounts when paying via QR code. In the tourism industry, this technology simplifies the booking process, freeing customers from the need to enter card details.

      According to VTB, in 2025 the volume of QR code transactions grew by more than 1.5 times compared with the same period last year. The further development of this payment method will be facilitated by the launch in September 2026 of a universal QR standard being developed by the National Payment Card System. The new standard will allow payments to be made through any bank's app, creating a single payment space and eliminating the need to use different types of QR codes.

      Overall market forecasts confirm the prospects of alternative payment methods. According to VTB estimates, by 2026 the share of the SBP (System for Fast Payments), e-wallets, QR codes and biometrics will account for 47% of all cashless transactions in Russia. Growth is supported by the expansion of online commerce, whose share in retail turnover reached 23% by 2025, which is twice the 2020 figures. It is expected that the volume of transactions through the SBP, QR and biometrics will increase more than fivefold by 2026 compared with 2023, indicating a systemic transformation of payment habits in the country.

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