Sberbank has launched contactless payments with iPhone using a new Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology called "Vzhuh". To do this, you need to install the latest version of the "Sberbank Online" application on iOS and allow the use of Bluetooth. In the AppStore, it is called "Assets Online".
Payment is made on Sber's new biometric terminals without buttons. The client needs to launch the application, bring the smartphone to the terminal and confirm the payment. The system works from any application screen, does not require the Internet and is suitable for any accounts, regardless of the card type.
Previously, iPhone owners in Russia lost the ability to make contactless purchases after Apple Pay stopped working in 2022. Android users continue to use Mir Pay, SberPay and SBPey, as their devices have open access to NFC.
Currently, the "Vzhuh" technology is supported on 1.2 million out of 2 million Sber POS terminals. The bank carried out a large-scale update of the device fleet during the year. Similar systems are being tested by T-Bank and Alfa-Bank.
In the fall of 2024, Sberbank first announced plans to introduce payments via BLE. The National Payment Card System (NSPK) is also developing a similar technology called "Volna", which allows you to pay for purchases via Bluetooth with Mir cards or through the Faster Payments System. VTB, PSB, MKB, Sinara and Center-Invest banks participated in the pilot project. Sovcombank, Russian Standard and Dom.RF bank are planning to join the project.
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