In a move described by the bank as part of a broader push to modernize daily commuting, Sber has introduced a streamlined service for renewing the Troika transport card and for buying travel tickets directly within the SberBank Online mobile app. Android users can now save the payment data for their Troika card with near‑instant processing, making quick top‑ups and ticket purchases possible at any moment during a journey or while planning one. The update reflects a growing trend toward seamless, card‑free transit experiences in a city that hosts millions of riders each month.
Vyacheslav Tsybulnikov, who serves as a Vice‑President of Sberbank and chairs the Moscow Bank, emphasized that Sberbank and Moscow Metro are continually expanding digital services aimed at improving the lives of residents and visitors to Moscow. The overarching goal is to reduce friction in everyday travel, from card management to ticket validation, so people can move through the city with less stress and more predictability. This cooperation aligns with Sberbank’s broader commitment to integrating financial services with urban mobility platforms.
As part of the rollout, the bank highlighted a practical benefit: users can top up a Troika card quickly, reliably, and securely, whether they are online or at an ATM. The feature has already resonated with a substantial customer base—hundreds of thousands of card renewals take place each month using this very method—demonstrating strong user adoption and trust in this digital option for everyday transit needs. The initiative is framed as a core component of Moscow’s ongoing effort to digitalize public services and improve commuter convenience across the capital.
Maxim Liksutov, the Moscow Deputy Mayor overseeing transport, noted that the city has expanded the roster of payment methods to reflect the preferences of passengers, as directed by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. The expanded choices include not only the traditional Troika card but also a fast‑payment option at checkouts using bank cards, biometrics, social cards, United tickets, and the BKL system, all supported by smartphone integration. Liksutov underscored that these enhancements place Moscow among global leaders in affordable transit payments and highlighted the city’s early adoption of practical digital payment solutions that ease everyday travel for residents and visitors alike.
For those loading funds, Android users can navigate to SberBank Online, type Troika in the search bar, and select the option to load and book tickets. The process requires entering the Troika number, confirming the transfer, and sending an electronic receipt to the user’s mobile number, followed by choosing the appropriate ticket. The user experience is designed to be fast and clear, reducing steps that used to require standing in line or visiting a terminal. This streamlined flow is part of a broader push to merge urban mobility with secure digital payment methods, ensuring reliability even during peak travel times.
According to Sber, NFC‑enabled Android devices can write a ticket directly to the Troika card by placing the card at the back of the phone. iPhone and other iOS devices can perform similar actions at designated locations, such as the yellow information terminals in metro lobbies or at street level in Moscow’s transit hubs. These capabilities reinforce the principle of convenient access to transit funds and tickets, with multiple entry points for users depending on their device and location. The approach also aligns with evolving standards in contactless payments and digital wallets across major urban centers, contributing to smoother transitions between different modes of transport in the city.
The transport ecosystem in Moscow is increasingly characterized by interoperability and flexible payment options. By integrating Troika top‑ups and ticket purchases into the SberBank Online app, the city’s transit system becomes more accessible to a broader segment of riders, including tourists and new residents who rely on quick, dependable digital tools to navigate the capital. The collaboration between Sberbank and Moscow Metro exemplifies how financial institutions and public transit authorities can work together to deliver practical benefits that affect daily life, from shorter wait times to fewer cash transactions and stronger security for both card data and payment records. In this evolving landscape, users can expect ongoing enhancements that further shorten the path from wallet to ride, making Moscow’s public transportation experience more intuitive and responsive to real‑time travel needs. (Attribution: Sberbank press service and Moscow Transport Government statements)