QR in the subway: starting this Monday, it will be possible to pay without a card or NFC

The QR payment in public transportation starts to be implemented from this Monday, May 13. The Buenos Aires subway will be the first system to incorporate this new payment method.

The rollout will be gradual, and not all virtual wallets will be available from the start. The Central Bank rejected an extension requested by several fintechs and maintained the original date.

Which wallets can be used from the start?

For now, Mercado Pago will be the only enabled wallet. The app is not only one of the payment methods but also acts as the administrator of the QR system.

The company clarified that the system is interoperable. This means any wallet can join if it adapts its platform to the technical standard.

Other wallets are working to join

During the last two weeks, other wallets requested a 60-day extension. They claim that the technical details for integration were only known on Monday, April 28.

Despite that claim, the BCRA maintained the start date for Monday, May 13. Industry sources indicate that Modo —the banks' app— is the one that has advanced the most in development.

What about the rest?

• Naranja X (Galicia) and Bueep (Banco Ciudad) have already started the process.
• Ualá and Claro Pay have also shown interest.
• The activation will be progressive to give margin to the apps that are still in the testing phase.

Mercado Pago confirmed that they will do a staggered activation of the system, just as it happened with debit and credit cards.

How will the QR work in the subway?

The new QR for transportation is not the same as the one used in stores. In this case, the passenger must generate it from the app before passing through the turnstile.

The main advantage is that it works without NFC, without an internet connection, and the transaction is completed in less than two seconds. This makes it an accessible alternative for most users.

Steps to use the QR in the subway:

1. Open the app and choose "Pay for trip with QR."
2. Bring the QR close to the turnstile reader (about 4 inches).
3. Wait for validation, which takes less than two seconds.

Will the QR reach other transportation?

Mercado Pago confirmed that the plan is to expand this technology to trains and buses. Although there is no confirmed date, work is already underway in that direction.

They also anticipated that there will be promotions to encourage its use, just as happened with card payments.

What impact can this system have?

With more than 7 out of 10 phones in Argentina without NFC, the QR appears as a massive solution. It not only democratizes access but also simplifies entry to transportation.

Interoperability will be key to adding more wallets. Meanwhile, it will improve the travel experience in a system that is modernizing at a steady pace.