157 billion for six months: what do ulyanovsk people spend money from cards

In the Ulyanovsk region for the first half of 2026, bank cards paid for purchases worth more than 157 billion rubles. In six months, residents of the region and business representatives made 185 million such transactions. At the same time, the share of non-cash payments on cards reached 97%.

As it became known “MK in Ulyanovsk”, by July 1, the number of bank cards in the region exceeded 3.5 million. On average, one Ulyanovsk citizen has about three cards.

Alternative payment methods are also gaining popularity. Compared to the first half of 2025, the number of purchases using QR codes and biometrics increased by 9%.

At the same time, the payment infrastructure is expanding. At the beginning of July, about 35 thousand POS-terminals worked in the Ulyanovsk region, through which customers can pay for goods and services. Over the year, their number increased by 4%. Most devices support payment by QR code.

About changes in the system of non-cash payments "MK in Ulyanovsk" said the Manager of the Ulyanovsk Department of the Volga-Vyatka Main Directorate of the Bank of Russia Alexander Kupriyanov.

According to him, since September 1, a single universal payment code is used at the cash desks of large retail chains and stores instead of several separate QR codes.

It combines various payment services: SBP, pay-services, digital ruble, installments. The buyer can choose the method of payment. At the same time, all privileges, if they were provided, are preserved, Alexander Kupriyanov explained.

Thus, buyers do not need to search for a separate QR code for each payment service. The choice of payment method remains with the client, including the opportunity to use the stipulated payment terms and privileges.