Sber Introduces Biometrics at Azbuka Vkusa Registers Across Russia
A new biometric-based payment method is now active at every checkout of the Azbuka Vkusa retail chain, powered by Sber. The rollout, confirmed by Sberbank’s press service, marks a milestone in how shoppers can pay in stores.
According to Sberbank, the network has been equipped with modern SberPay terminals that support four payment options: card payments, contactless NFC, QR codes, and biometric verification. This upgrade is described as a modernization of the cashless experience for both Sberbank customers and Azbuka Vkusa shoppers, providing a streamlined checkout experience across all stores in the network.
Kirill Tsarev, First Vice Chairman of the Board at Sberbank, explained that Sber has built a family of SberPay services designed to maximize payment convenience. He noted that these capabilities now include internet payments via QR codes, NFC-based payments on Android devices, and even payments initiated by a biometric smile. The aim is to broaden payment options while preserving security and speed at the point of sale.
Tsarev also emphasized Sber’s commitment to improving payment experience nationwide. He stated that Azbuka Vkusa’s adoption of the latest devices aligns with Sber’s plan to expand cashless payments and provide diverse payment methods for customers throughout the network. The goal is to ensure a fast, reliable, and intuitive checkout process in every location.
On Azbuka Vkusa’s side, Denis Sologub, the chief executive, highlighted how the new technology can cut transaction time and is expected to attract customer traffic at busy locations. He predicted that the broader retail market would gradually adopt this method, integrating biometric payments alongside existing options.
Beyond standard payments, customers can also use Azbuka Vkusa’s loyalty card or biometric verification to complete purchases. The importance for both customers and cashiers is to consolidate all payment methods on a single terminal, letting shoppers pick the option that suits them best. The idea is to keep the process simple and fast from start to finish.
Activation of the service for Sber users involves adding biometrics through the SberBank Online app. Users connect facial recognition in their profile, select a payment card, and set a security code. A voice prompt from the SberBank Online virtual assistant can also initiate a payment with the phrase Pay with a smile. In subsequent plans, Sber intends to integrate loyalty program cards from Vkusomania when paying with biometrics.
When the service is connected to SberBank Online, users can complete purchases by simply looking at the camera. The system is designed to work even if a customer does not have cash, a debit card, or a mobile device on hand. The result is a seamless, contactless experience that blends convenience with robust biometric security. (Source: Sberbank press service)