Primorsky Krai embraces digital payments as cashless transactions surge in 2026

Residents of Primorsky Krai are turning to digital payment methods in growing numbers. The use of QR codes and biometric authentication for transactions has risen sharply in the first quarter of 2026. This shift reflects a broader trend towards cashless and mobile-based payments in the region. In the first three months of 2026, the region saw 199.4 million bank card transactions, totalling 458.5 billion rubles. Cashless payments alone accounted for 320 billion rubles of this volume. QR codes and biometric authentication played a significant role, making up 39.2% of all cashless transactions.

The number of QR and biometric transactions reached 13.8 million, with a total value of 19.5 billion rubles. This represents an increase of 8.9 percentage points compared to the same period last year. Mobile banking apps also saw a 10% rise in usage, with payments exceeding 3 trillion rubles.

Online banking transactions grew by 1.3 times during the same period. Olga Popova, head of the Payment Systems and Settlements Department at the Far Eastern Main Directorate of the Bank of Russia, attributed the growth to consumer convenience and lower transaction fees for businesses. The rise in digital payment methods marks a clear move away from traditional cash transactions in Primorsky Krai. QR codes, biometric authentication, and mobile banking are now central to how residents manage their finances. The trend is supported by both user demand and cost benefits for merchants.