Modern contactless payment methods in Belarus
When leaving home, what do people usually take with them? Keys, money and a phone. And now, in the era of new technologies, no one needs cash, and bank cards are fading into the background. All this is already in our smartphone. We just need to link a card to it, and the smartphone itself to one of several contactless payment systems. Let's consider the options.
Mobile payment systems
- Apple Pay: This system is available to owners of Apple devices starting with the iPhone 6. It allows users to make purchases using their smartphones and smartwatches. Payments are made via NFC (Near Field Communication), which makes it easy and fast to complete the transaction by simply bringing the device to the payment terminal. Convenience and security of such payments are ensured by tokenisation technology and biometric authorisation.
- Samsung Pay: Another popular service that gives Samsung smartphone owners the ability to pay for purchases using both NFC and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) technologies. This allows Samsung Pay to be used at a wider range of retail stores, including those that do not support NFC.
But due to the sanctions imposed in 2022, cardholders of not all Belarusian banks can use these international services for contactless payment. But Belarus is not standing still, and during this time, alternative applications for payment by smartphone or watch have been created. We will talk about them in detail now.
Belkart Pay app
One of the most popular analogues will be the Belkart Pay application. As the name suggests, this app is designed to work with cards of the Belkart payment system, and it will require an Android-based smartphone equipped with an inbuilt NFC module. This application has the largest number of partner banks in the country. Your device does not need to be connected to the internet to complete transactions as the app supports offline mode. Follow these three simple steps to install and use the app:
- Downloading and installing the application: Find the "Belkart Pay" application in Google Play Store and install it on your smartphone. Make sure you have access to the internet.
- Register and add cards: Create a PIN code to log in to the app and confirm transactions. Then add your cards by following the in-app instructions. This may require entering card details and going through a verification process.
- Setup and use: After adding cards, you can customise your preferred payment options, such as choosing a primary card. Now you are ready to use Belkart Pay for fast and secure contactless payments. Bring your smartphone to the terminal and the payment will be made instantly.
Xiaomi Pay app
Watches used to be worn to recognise the time. Then it was to keep track of physical indicators, and now it's also to pay. The Xiaomi Pay app is available for Xiaomi-branded watches that have an NFC module. To pay with your watch, follow these simple steps:
- Connect your watch to your smartphone;
- Download the Mi Fitness branded app.
- Go to the "Device" tab and tap on Xiaomi Pay in the "Apps" section.
- Think of and enter the PIN-code. And proceed to add the card.
*The app currently works only with 3 Belarusian banks: Belarusbank, Belgazprombank, Belarusky Narodny Bank.
That's it, the card is linked. To pay, unlock your watch, press the Home key and select the icon with the wallet from the list. Press "pay". Done!
Important: select Samsung Pay/Apple Pay on the digital signage of the cash desk. If you select card payment, the transaction may not be completed.
Mir Pay app
In Belarus, contactless payment in shops, transfers between users, payment for utilities, traffic police fines and other payments are available through the Mir Pay app. Mir Pay is available for download in the App Store and Google Play Store.In Belarus, the app is supported by the Belkart National Payment System, and users can also download both an already issued plastic card and a virtual Mir card from VTB Belarus. To start using the app, you need to download and install it on your smartphone, register and link your bank card issued by the supporting bank.
A1 Banking app
A1 Banking is a mobile banking application developed by A1, a Belarusian mobile operator. The application allows you to use banking services without leaving your home or office.
The main functions of A1 Banking:
- Binding of cards of all banks of the Republic of Belarus (VISA, MasterCard, Maestro, BELKART).
- Payment for goods and services without commission.
- Money transfers from card to card.
- Contactless payments.
- Line of services "A1 Wallet"
- Payment for fuel at Belorusneft petrol stations.
- Virtual VISA card with free issue and maintenance.
- All A1 accounts in one application.
- Set up payment reminders.
- Cash flow report
A1 Banking is available for download in App Store and Google Play Store. The application is available to subscribers of any mobile operator of the Republic of Belarus.
Swoo app
Swoo Pay works only on Android phones with version 8.0 or higher. The application allows you to pay for purchases in shops, cafes, petrol stations and other points of sale, as well as transfer money to other users and pay for housing and utilities services.Swoo works based on NFC technology, which allows a smartphone to contactlessly exchange data with another device. To pay, just bring the smartphone to the terminal and the payment will be automatically debited from the linked bank card or Swoo wallet balance. For now, this option is available only for Mastercard cardholders.
Oplati app
The Oplati app is a Belarusian mobile application developed by Belinvestbank, which allows users to make quick and convenient QR payments and money transfers via chat. The app allows paying for goods and services, as well as transport fares, simply by scanning a QR code. To do this, you need to open the camera in the application, point it at the QR code and confirm the payment. It is also possible to pay by presenting your own QR code to the seller. Through the application it is possible to make free transfers between users who are registered in it. Transfers to accounts of other banks in Belarusian rubles are also free of charge. "Oplati" uses fast payment technology, which allows users to send and receive money instantly, regardless of which bank they are registered with.
How to register?
- Download the Oplati app from the App Store or Google Play;
- Enter the identification number from your passport (foreigners will need a foreign passport);
- Next, enter the Belarusian phone number to which you will have to send the SMS;
- Enter the code from the SMS.
And you can top up your wallet in the app and use it.
We would like to note that payment for services and goods with cryptocurrency is prohibited in the Republic of Belarus. However, this does not mean that cryptocurrency cannot be used as an investment asset or for other purposes not related to payments.
