Russia, Iran to complete integration of payment systems by year-end

Russia and Iran are on track to finalise the integration of their national payment systems — Russia’s “Mir” and Iran’s “Shetab” — by December 2025, Iranian Central Bank Deputy Governor Asgar Abolhasani confirmed.

According to Abolhasani, the third and final phase will allow Iranians to use a mobile application to make purchases in Russian stores, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“The pilot phase will begin in September 2025, and full implementation is scheduled for December,” he stated in remarks shared by the Central Bank of Iran’s press service.

On May 13, the second stage of the “Mir” and “Shetab” integration was completed, making it possible for Russian citizens to use “Mir” cards in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Russians travelling to Iran can now make payments at Iranian terminals using “Mir” cards with contactless NFC technology, as well as smartphones equipped with the Mir Pay application. The Central Bank’s press office noted that a formal ceremony was held in Tehran to mark the completion of the second stage of integration between the Russian and Iranian payment systems.

“Currently, the Iranian payment network supports NFC-based payments, including small-value transactions that do not require a PIN code. This functionality is also available via the Mir Pay application as part of the Shetab-Mir network integration. Russian tourists and business representatives can make purchases at designated commercial locations using Android smartphones. Cardholders from Russia will be able to perform low-value transactions via Mir Pay on Shaparak terminals without a PIN, while PIN entry will be required for high-value purchases,” the Central Bank of Iran said in a statement.

The bank added that the most popular tourist destinations in Iran, especially those frequented by Russian visitors, were the first to be equipped with this payment technology.

During the ceremony marking the completion of the second stage, Central Bank of Iran Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin delivered remarks, expressing appreciation to the Chairwoman of the Bank of Russia, Elvira Nabiullina, and other Russian officials for their cooperation.

Back in July 2024, Farzin had announced that Moscow and Tehran had completed technical preparations for the integration of their national payment systems. He explained that the process would be carried out in three stages. The first stage allowed holders of Shetab cards to withdraw rubles from ATMs in Russia. The second stage, now implemented, allows Russian “Mir” card users to pay for purchases in Iran. Following the third stage, Iranian citizens will gain the ability to make payments with Shetab cards inside Russia.

The first stage was completed on November 11, 2024, enabling Iranians to withdraw rubles from Russian ATMs. Now, with the second phase implemented and the third on schedule for the end of the year, both countries are significantly expanding financial cooperation amid increasing Western sanctions.

By Tamilla Hasanova