Starting September 1, a universal QR code for purchases will begin operating in Russia. As Maria Ermilova, financial advisor, associate professor of the Department of Sustainable Development Finance at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, explained, banks will have to switch to a unified solution for QR payments, and large retail chains will begin using the new format at checkouts.
The universal QR will not become a separate method of debiting money. After scanning, the buyer will be able to choose how exactly to pay – via SBP, banking service, or installment plan.
The universal QR is not a new independent way of debiting money, but a single "window" through which different payment methods can be chosen.
The main idea is to eliminate confusion when several different codes are simultaneously placed at the checkout. In the future, operations with the digital ruble are also planned to be carried out through the universal QR.
From September 1, digital rubles will be accepted by large retail chains with annual revenue exceeding 120 million rubles. A year later, the requirement will extend to businesses with revenue over 30 million rubles, and from September 1, 2028, to other companies.