Russian banks will be required to use a universal QR code for all money transfers. This is stated in a letter from Dmitry Tulin, First Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, in response to an appeal from Mikhail Delyagin, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy.
In order to develop competition, convenience for citizens and businesses, and ensure equal access to infrastructure, a federal law on a universal payment code has been adopted. From September 1, 2026, all credit institutions will be required to use it for any money transfers via QR codes.
It is expected that the new measure will improve the customer experience and allow consumers to choose more convenient payment methods.
We believe that the development of the payment market and payment methods convenient for consumers that are alternatives to cards will create conditions for reducing the volume of card payments and leveling the transaction costs of TSP (trade and service enterprises), including SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises).
From September, only one universal QR code will be used at cash desks in trade and service enterprises, which will work on an equidistant infrastructure. Today, buyers may encounter both universal and various banking QR codes.
Earlier www1.ru reported that banks temporarily blocked up to 3 million accounts and cards in the first weeks of 2026.