Russian banks are preparing to offer a new mechanism for making purchases via Bluetooth (by bringing a smartphone close to a terminal).
"Sber" will launch this service in the second half of 2025, according to Dmitry Malykh, the bank's senior vice president.
This will be an alternative to Apple Pay, which exited the Russian market. The system will be available to both iOS and Android users.
Previously, the National Payment Card System (NSPK), the operator of the Mir payment system, also announced plans to introduce a similar technology called "Volna" (Wave).
What’s the Difference?
Apple Pay worked via NFC (a function that enables data exchange between devices at a distance of about 10 cm).
The new Russian system will interact with payment terminals via Bluetooth, which offers a greater range and more flexibility.
It is also worth noting that Bluetooth payments are independent of Apple's ecosystem, giving them an advantage in the context of sanctions.
However, experts explain that new encryption standards will need to be implemented to ensure security.
In 2020, Russia was the second-largest country in the world in terms of Apple Pay users.
However, following the introduction of sanctions in March 2022, Apple Pay and Google Pay ceased operations in Russia. As a result, Russians lost almost all options for contactless smartphone payments.
The Central Bank has supported market participants’ initiatives aimed at developing payment technologies that make life more convenient for Russians.
