Russia Is Developing an Offline Smartphone Payment System
The technology relies on QR codes that can be generated automatically without an internet connection.
Russia is working on a QR-code-based offline payment technology that could be used in retail locations without internet access. The National Payment Card System (NSPK) shared details of the initiative.
According to Nikita Chukhachev, head of development for the Faster Payments System, a limited number of QR codes will be transmitted to a payment device each day, allowing users to make purchases. These codes will be generated directly on a mobile phone. As a result, users will gain a more convenient financial tool that works even without internet connectivity.
Discounts Applied Straight to the Phone
Customer QR codes could also be integrated with loyalty programs run by retailers and service providers. This would make payments using Mir cards—operated by NSPK—even more attractive for consumers.
The company is also planning to phase out contact-based payments. Today, transactions that require inserting a card directly into a terminal account for about 1.5% of all operations. Payments via smartphones, biometrics and contactless cards are significantly more popular. With new digital developments, Russian payment services are becoming faster and more user-friendly.
