In Russia, Biometric Payments Increased Ninefold in One Year
In 2025, Russians used biometric payment methods 146 million times, with the total volume reaching approximately $1.23b underscoring rapid nationwide adoption
According to new data released by the Bank of Russia, biometric payments have become one of the fastest‑growing financial technologies in the country. Over the first nine months of 2025, Russians completed 146 million biometric transactions. After currency conversion, the value of these payments reached approximately $1.23b — five times higher than the previous year. The popularity of biometric authentication grew ninefold, and experts anticipate further expansion as banks and retailers scale the technology.
By mid‑2025, Russia registered more than 7 million biometric users — double the previous year’s figure. Analysts attribute this surge to the rapid deployment of biometric payment terminals, where customers can ‘pay with a smile.’ The number of these terminals is expected to reach 2 million nationwide in 2026, supported by active promotion campaigns from major banks.
The ecosystem surrounding biometric services continues to expand. Foreign citizens can now register SIM cards exclusively through biometric identification, and the same method will soon be required when applying for microfinance loans. Biometric authentication is already used for public transportation payments, hotel check‑ins, and airport registration. Authorities are considering applying similar systems in schools to streamline access control.
Russia continues to enhance its digital financial infrastructure, offering users a growing range of convenient, secure, and modern payment options powered by biometric technologies.
