VTB called for simplifying payment acceptance at various retail locations.

      April 22, 2026 16:06 Economy VTB insists on the need to simplify the payment acceptance process at Russian retail points. The bank's first deputy chair, Olga Skorobogatova, stated in an interview with RBC that all trade and service enterprises must support any payment technologies, and the National Payment Card System (NSPK) should resolve the interoperability issue this year. According to VTB data, the share of alternative payments in Russia has reached 50% of all cashless transactions. Half of these are processed through traditional cards, while the other half is through biometrics, QR codes, and other innovative methods. However, as Skorobogatova noted, consumers face problems when retail points accept only one technology, for example, "Wave," but do not support "Vzhuh," and vice versa. "NSPK, as a neutral player, should come up with a solution for interoperability this year so that any payment technology is accepted at any retail point. This is technically feasible and does not require significant costs," she emphasized. Additionally, VTB plans to implement Bluetooth payments using "Wave" technology at its acquiring points in the second to third quarter. "We act 'through the eyes of the customer and for the customer,' and we will insist that 'Wave' be used by all banks and customers in all trade and service enterprises," Skorobogatova concluded. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When republishing, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+