Sberbank has begun a wide-ranging test of a fresh payment option, announced by the bank’s communications team. The trial invites a substantial group of users to try the technology at no cost, with 100,000 individuals eligible to participate. The objective is to capture real-world insights on how quickly people adopt the system, how easy it is to use, and how dependable it proves under everyday conditions before any formal rollout. This phase highlights Sberbank’s determination to modernize everyday payments and signals a clear intent to simplify routine transactions for customers across Canada and the United States, where digital wallets and contactless payments are already popular. Participation will help the bank fine-tune the solution and address consumer needs, paving the way for a smoother experience when it scales to a broader audience.
The centerpiece of the project is a payment sticker that enables one-tap transactions. At first, the technology targets iPhone users who already benefit from contactless payment capabilities. The sticker allows payments at Sberbank terminals by scanning a QR code, with long-term plans to broaden its reach to a wider segment of users seeking fast, frictionless checkout options. This aligns with a broader shift toward seamless commerce, where errands and purchases are completed with a simple tap rather than digging for cards or phones. The sticker is designed to complement existing wallets, extending contactless payments into more moments of daily life and offering a convenient bridge between digital wallets and physical store interactions.
The sticker itself is a compact, card-like gadget that adheres to the back of a smartphone. It resembles a traditional bank card in silhouette but does not store a card number or any transaction codes on the device. This approach balances convenience with security, since the absence of visible card details reduces exposure to sensitive information. When paired with a compatible contactless terminal, users can complete payments by bringing their phone with the sticker near the reader. The technology also supports cash withdrawals from ATMs using contactless authentication, expanding the sticker’s practical use beyond purchases to quick access to funds wherever supported.
Igor Kovalev, who heads the Customer Wallet division at Sberbank, noted that the testing phase has launched with 100,000 participants to assess popularity and practicality in everyday life. His comments underscore the bank’s aim to collect meaningful feedback from real users to guide future development. The objective is to learn not only whether the sticker operates technically, but how customers perceive convenience, speed, and trust in this form of payment as part of a broader digital wallet ecosystem across North America.
Drawing on insights gathered during the large-scale trial, the bank will decide whether to introduce payment labels into commercial operation. Key factors will include tester feedback and measurable outcomes related to user comfort and ease of use. If the trial shows tangible benefits and broad acceptance, Sberbank intends to move the sticker into wider deployment, while continuing to refine the product to better align with customer expectations and everyday shopping patterns in both Canada and the United States.