Primorsky Krai's digital payment boom reshapes how locals shop in 2026

Residents of Primorsky Krai are embracing digital payment methods at a rapid pace. The first quarter of 2026 saw a sharp rise in the use of QR codes and biometric authentication for transactions. These modern options are becoming a preferred choice for many in the region. In the first three months of 2026, locals conducted nearly 199.4 million bank card transactions, totalling 458.5 billion rubles. Cashless payments overall reached 320 billion rubles during this period. QR code and biometric payments alone accounted for 13.8 million transactions, worth 19.5 billion rubles.

The share of online banking transactions jumped by 1.3 times compared to the previous year. By early 2026, these transactions made up 39.2% of all cashless payments in Primorsky Krai. Mobile banking app payments also grew by 10% in volume, surpassing 3 trillion rubles. The use of QR codes and biometric authentication increased by 8.9 percentage points year-on-year.

Olga Popova, head of the Payment Systems and Settlements Department at the Far Eastern Main Directorate of the Bank of Russia, highlighted the benefits. She noted that these methods offer greater convenience for shoppers and lower fees for businesses. The shift towards digital payments is clear in Primorsky Krai. More people are choosing QR codes and biometrics, while overall cashless and mobile transactions continue to rise. The trend reflects both consumer preference and the practical advantages for local businesses.