In Russia, from January to September 2025, the number of payments made using biometrics increased 9-fold, to 145.9 million transactions, compared to the same period last year, according to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.
In monetary terms, the turnover increased to 112.5 billion rubles. Marianna Danilina, a representative of the "FinTech" association, stated that this growth is partly due to the introduction of mandatory biometrics for foreigners when purchasing SIM cards.
In addition, there are more terminals supporting biometrics in retail outlets. For example, the number of devices for paying with a smile has increased to 1.3 million units.
You can pay for goods in retail outlets, travel on transport, and services in the MFC in this way.
What are other ways to pay using biometrics:
- Voice
- Fingerprints
- Palm scanning
- Iris scanning
Hybrid payment models are less in demand in the Russian market: with NFC, QR and "smart glasses".
Read more materials on the topic:
- "Did you forget your head at home?" The State Duma will consider a bill on access to schools using biometrics
- Face instead of a card: from 2026, you will be able to pay for travel on the St. Petersburg metro using biometrics
- Payment for travel using biometrics has been introduced on Sevastopol boats
