Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of area and also has one of the biggest populations in the world. With the development of the digital economy in this massive country, digital wallets and mobile payment apps have become very popular in Russia.
Russia being such a massive country, it is not surprising to see that it is home to some excellent mobile payment apps, both local and international.
The best mobile payment apps in Russia are mentioned below.
1. Sberbank Online
Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, commands over 50 percent market share in the country and has the most widely used online payment service. Their services enable their customers to perform cashless payments online or offline. Through their mobile app, Sberbank Online, retailers receive real-time payment confirmation and assurance. Additionally, users can use this app to make offline payments at major stores.
2. QIWI Wallet
The digital payment platform QIWI Wallet was introduced in late 2007, with a view to facilitating online with ease. Users can pay utility bills, recharge cellphones, buy internet packs, shop online and manage loans via its app. QIWI Wallet operates via cash-collection terminals, while managing around 15 million virtual wallets associated with Visa. It is one of the most widely used mobile payment apps currently operating in Russia.
3. YooMoney
YooMoney is Russia’s most well-known digital payment provider, with simple, secure, and dependable ways to pay and receive payments online. Using its digital wallet, YooMoney, you can easily pay utility bills, make purchases, transfer funds and much more. Moreover, you can also buy internet packs, make payments in certain retail stores and issue loans using one of the best digital wallets in Russia.
4. Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a digital payment app that was introduced in late 2016, to create a global channel of digital payment for Apple users. Apple Pay is well-known and frequently utilized in Russia because of its NFC-enabled technology. Cashless transportation and digital payments are becoming more and more common in Russia. So, Apple Pay is now one of the most extensively used apps in the country. Payments via Apple are also directly accepted in numerous stores across Russia.
5. Alfa-Bank
Alfa-Bank is a mobile payment app that enables users to access and manage their accounts and bank cards in a secured manner. Moreover, users can send money to their friends and family, view and manage their balances and issue loans online. Additionally, Alfa-Bank’s payment method is simple and affordable, and requires no charge on paying utility or cellphone bills. Furthermore, it lets you issue a card or transfer funds to other banks using your phone.
6. WebMoney
WebMoney, founded in 1998, is Russia’s largest digital payment service. Currently, there are over 20,000 merchants accepting WebMoney as payments across Russia. WebMoney Keeper, WebMoney’s online transaction app supports multiple currencies, while also offering numerous payment solutions. WebMoney Keeper users can make payments, transfer funds, pay bills, set up merchant accounts and much more completely online.
7. Tinkoff
Tinkoff Bank is a Moscow-based Russian commercial bank that lets you enjoy its service with its banking app. Using Tinkoff app, you can recharge mobile phones, pay for internet packages, pay utility bills or traffic charges and many other things. Moreover, customers can also conduct in-store payments and Card-to-Card transfers without any registration. Furthermore, using Tinkoff app, you can set up automatic payments and recurring payments for your cellphone, or taxes and fines.
8. Google Pay
Google Pay is one of the most well-known e-Wallets in the world, and is one of Russia’s most extensively used digital payment apps. Customers can use the Google Pay app to perform in-app payments, web-based payments, bill payments, and even in-store transactions as well. Google Pay is also functional with other Google devices, such as watches or tablets. Because this app was developed by Google, it offers great flexibility and convenience for Android users.
9. МТС Банк
МТС Банк is one of the most used money wallet apps in Russia that can be used to make seamless payments and transfer money with ease. Using МТС Банк, you can use cards, bank transfers or your phone number to transfer funds or make payments. Payment options include, online payments and physical payments via QR codes. МТС Банк allows its customers to pay for their favorite items in seconds and pay utility bills or fines without needing any cash.
10. Samsung Pay
Samsung Pay is a mobile payment and e-wallet app launched by the multinational electronics corporation, Samsung. This app enables its users to pay using their smartphones and other Samsung gadgets. Moreover, customers can practically keep their credit, debit, or gift cards on their smartphones through Samsung Pay. Furthermore, users are also rewarded for buying things with Samsung Pay with cashback and discounts.
Russian-based payment apps like Sberbank Online and QIWI Wallet are the most frequently used mobile payment and digital wallet apps in Russia. But, the convenience and scalability offered by international mobile payment apps like Google Pay and Apple Pay is rapidly increasing in popularity in Russia.
