What is SBP and how to use it

After disabling Google Pay and Apple Pay in Russia, an active search began for mobile applications that can replace them. An important criterion is the independence of transactions from payment systems like MasterCard and Visa.

A suitable application was released back in 2021 by the state organization National Payment Card System (NSPK), which is also responsible for the operation of the system.World». It is based on the Fast Payment System.

By July 1, 2022, application support obligedInformation letter on non-application of measures against subjects of the national payment system / Bank of Russia adjust all major Russian banks under the threat of fines.

What is the Fast Payment System

The Fast Payment System (FPS) is a service that allows you to make instant transfers using a mobile phone number between accounts in any banks connected to the FPS. Operations are carried out at any time of the day, without days off.

The service is suitable both for sending money to other users, and for transferring between your accounts. For example, this way you can quickly transfer part of the money from the salary card to the piggy bank. Up to 100,000 rubles per month pass without commission.

You can also use SBP to pay for goods via a QR code or via a payment link in online stores: the user is redirected to the mobile application of the selected bank, where they need to confirm or cancel writing off money. You don't have to enter card information.

This payment method is beneficial for stores, especially small ones. In SBP banks chargeHow the fee for settlements / SBP is set 0.4% commission on transactions for consumer goods, medicines, transport, educational services, and for other transactions - 0.7%, but not more than 1,500 rubles. The size of these commissions is fixed by the Central Bank. In other payment systems, they vary from 1.5 to 2.5%.

In addition, retail outlets can accept non-cash payments without special equipment. To do this, it is enough to display a QR code at the checkout or use a smartphone.

More than 200 banks have registered in the system, including Sberbank, Alfa-Bank, Raiffeisenbank, Tinkoff, VTB and other well-known organizations. They have added SBP capabilities to their applications - quick transfer and payment by QR code. But NSPK decided to release its own program, which is tailored only for operations without the use of cards.

What is "SBPey"

"SBPey" is a mobile application from NSPK. It is suitable for paying for goods in offline stores and on the Internet. It has the main features of the SBP: transactions by QR code, by a button on the site or through a link. The app is compatible with Android version 6.0 and above and iOS version 13 or higher.

The program can be useful for those who really want to use their smartphone as a payment tool without SberPay, MirPay or Samsung Pay. It will help out iPhone owners who do not have third-party services.

The application does not use card data, but works with the user's bank account. Everyone who has issued a card or opened a deposit in a bank has such an account. "SBPey" allows you to bypass the payment systems "Mir", Visa and Mastercard, while transactions are performed almost instantly.

Some stores already accept payment using QR codes. Of the large networks, these are, for example, Wildberries, L'Etoile and Red & White. Additional discounts may be offered for this payment method.

It is important that SBPey is suitable for those whose smartphone does not support NFC contactless payment technology. Although NSPK continue to test this technology too.

How to use the SBP application

First you need to install it from Google Play or the App Store.

Then - launch and select your bank from the proposed list, enter the phone number to which notifications will be sent, as well as the account number for debiting funds. It is important to note that SBPey only works with accounts debit cards.

The application has three main screens: "Home" with a QR code scanner, "Accounts" with all transactions performed, and "More" with settings and help.

To pay for offline purchases, you need to open the main page and hover over the highlighted area on the QR code offered at the store's checkout. After that, select the payment account, specify the payment amount and confirm.

If you buy something on the Internet site, you need to select the SBP payment method, and then also scan the code generated on the screen or click on the appropriate button or payment link. Next, you will need to open this link in the SBPey application. Here, as when paying at the checkout, you should select the desired account from which the money will be withdrawn, then check the name of the seller, the amount of the purchase and click "Pay".

Does SBP have any disadvantages?

At the moment, the service is not yet ready to completely replace other payment applications. In it, NFC is unstable and not for all banks connected to the SBP. Payment by QR codes has not yet been organized in stores in large quantities, and contactless transactions require terminals configured for SBP. It is also worth remembering that the purchase through "SBPey" goes through as a bank transfer, so customers are not charged cashback.

In addition, Sberbank, Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank and other popular companies have not yet joined the application. Therefore, dissatisfied users underestimate the ratings in the reviews. Of the fairly well-known organizations, so far there are only Moscow Credit Bank and Russian Standard.