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Kazakhstan plans to launch three payment services in 2027: interbank payment requests, marketplace payments without card details and QR stickers. They will run through the Interbank Mobile Payment System, National Bank Deputy Governor Binur Zhalenov said (profit.kz). Buyers will be able to confirm payments in their own bank’s app.
What happened
Zhalenov said all three services are technically ready. Banks are now connecting them and fine-tuning their own processes. The launch is scheduled for 2027.
The new features will expand the Interbank Mobile Payment System. It already lets users transfer money using a phone number and pay for purchases with a single QR code across different banks. According to the National Bank deputy governor, buyers pay no fee for these payments.
What this means for buyers and sellers
The first service will let users send payment requests to customers of another bank. Internationally, it is known as Request to Pay. A business owner or an individual will send a bill, and the recipient will see it in their banking app and approve it with one tap.
“There’s no need to read out payment details or send screenshots. It’s handy for paying for services, rent or orders placed on social media, for example,” Zhalenov explained.
The second service is designed for online stores and marketplaces. Buyers will choose to pay through the interbank system, be taken automatically to their bank’s app and confirm the payment. They will not need to enter their card details.
Where QR stickers will come in handy
The third service is a static QR code that can be printed on a sticker. Buyers will scan it, enter the amount themselves and pay for their purchase.
Here’s a useful detail: QR stickers can be used where there is no payment terminal. Zhalenov gave parking facilities and public service centres, known as TsONs, as examples. These codes will also be useful on public transport and for small sellers.
Plans for payments abroad
The National Bank also wants to connect the system to payment systems in other countries, including China and Kyrgyzstan. Turkey and Uzbekistan were also named as countries to connect.
Under the plan, people from Kazakhstan will be able to scan overseas sellers’ QR codes using their usual banking app. The aim is to give foreign visitors the same option when shopping in Kazakhstan.
