Russian banks are creating a new cardless payment system

      The project is focused on developing alternative payment methods — via QR codes, biometrics and Bluetooth, RBC reports. According to the publication, the new system will not compete with the national payment system Mir, but will concentrate on expanding digital payment methods and increasing banks' commission income, as well as reducing dependence on marketplaces.

      Investments in the project could amount to around 10 billion rubles. The idea of creating such a system was discussed two years ago, but the project did not progress at that time. The issue became relevant again after banks failed to reach an agreement with the Central Bank on maintaining several payment QR codes on the market.

      In addition, from December 2025 Russia may introduce limits on the number of bank cards issued to a single person: no more than five cards at one bank and a maximum of twenty across all credit institutions. These measures are aimed at combating fraud and the activities of droppers. A service is also planned that will allow checking where and in which banks a client has cards open.