Purchases with Russian Bank Cards Now Possible in Iran
WANA (May 13) – Russian tourists and business travelers can now make purchases in Iran using their domestic bank cards, following the launch of the second phase of a joint payment network integration between Iran’s “Shetab” and Russia’s “Mir” systems. The new phase was officially unveiled in a high-level ceremony attended by senior officials from the central banks of both countries.
This milestone allows Russian cardholders to use the Mir Pay mobile application at designated retail terminals across Iran that support NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. Transactions initiated in Iran will now be routed through Iran’s “Shaparak” and “Shetab” networks to the Russian “Mir” payment system, ensuring secure and seamless cross-border payments.
Iran’s Tourism Bank Joins Russia’s MIR Payment Network
WANA (Nov 13) – Iran’s Tourism Bank has officially joined Russia’s MIR payment network, following the launch of the first phase connecting Iran’s Shetab card payment network with MIR. According to a statement from the bank’s public relations office, the unveiling ceremony took place at the Central Bank of Iran, where Tourism Bank became […]
Three-Phase Project Strengthens Financial Ties
The Shetab-Mir integration is being implemented in three stages, each designed to enhance financial cooperation and ease of access for citizens of both nations:
- Phase 1 was successfully launched in November 2024, allowing Iranian travelers to withdraw Russian rubles from ATMs in Russia using NFC-enabled Android devices and dedicated mobile apps. This provided a convenient solution for tourists and businesspeople alike, while also demonstrating the high degree of technical coordination between the two countries.
- Phase 2, launched today (Tuesday, May 13, 2025), enables Russian citizens to use their Mir Pay app on compatible Iranian retail terminals. Purchases can be made without the need for a physical card, and low-value transactions may be completed without entering a PIN, in line with global standards.
- Phase 3, currently under development, will enable Iranian citizens to conduct retail purchases in Russia using Iran’s own NFC-based mobile apps. A pilot rollout is scheduled for September 2025, with full implementation expected by December.
The “Mir” to “Shetab” Connection Model Could Also Be Implemented for Iraq and Turkey
WANA (Nov 11) – An advisor to the Governor of Iran’s Central Bank announced that Iran intends to apply the model of connecting Russia’s “Mir” banking network to Iran’s “Shetab” network for other regional countries, such as Iraq and Turkey. Speaking to reporters, he stated: “Given the extensive social interactions with countries like Iraq, […]
Features and Benefits
The new system is expected to facilitate trade and tourism between Iran and Russia, reduce the cost and complexity of currency exchange, provide secure, 24/7 financial services, minimize the need for travelers to carry cash, Boost international financial integration, increase revenues for local merchants, and support the development of domestic fintech infrastructure
Mir Pay, the Russian mobile payment app, now functions seamlessly on Iranian point-of-sale terminals equipped with the “Kahroba” NFC service, thanks to technical collaboration with the Central Bank of Iran. Russian users with Android smartphones can simply tap and pay at select Iranian retailers.
With Phase 2 now active and Phase 3 on the horizon, the Shetab-Mir integration is rapidly transforming how Iranian and Russian citizens access and use financial services abroad — marking a new chapter in bilateral economic cooperation.
