Analysts told where Russians most often pay using QR codes

Russian banks are recording an increase in the use of QR codes to pay for goods and services. According to VTB analytics conducted on the eve of the 16th Investment Forum “Russia Calling!”, half of all QR payments account for five key segments.

This payment method is most in demand in supermarkets and the entertainment sector – these categories together account for 17% of transactions. Another 10% of transactions are made in clothing and shoe stores, and more than 5% are made when booking tours and excursions.

The growth dynamics are also 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 through QR codes is becoming a popular alternative to traditional POS terminals.

The incentive for the spread of technology is not only the convenience and speed of payments, but also 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 travel industry, this technology simplifies the booking process by eliminating the need for customers to enter card details.

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

General market forecasts confirm the promise of alternative payment methods. According to VTB estimates, by 2026, SBP, electronic wallets, QR codes and biometrics will account for 47% of all non-cash transactions in Russia. The growth is facilitated by the expansion of online trade, the share of which in retail turnover reached 23% by 2025, which is twice as high as in 2020.

The volume of transactions through SBP, QR and biometrics is expected to increase more than five times by 2026 compared to 2023, indicating a systemic transformation of payment habits in the country.

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