Baku: Bir, the Caucasus region’s first fully digitally integrated ecosystem encompassing banking, payment systems, and e-commerce, has launched NFC-based payment capabilities using foreign bank cards for public transport. The new feature applies to bus routes operating across Baku and the Absheron region, as well as in the city of Khankendi, and also covers the Baku Metro. As a result, visitors to the country can now pay for public transport directly using contactless foreign bank cards via ‘tap and pay’ technology. This solution completely eliminates the need for local transport cards, cash currency exchange, and any additional registration procedures.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the move is set to enhance the convenience of public transport payments and contribute to a smarter mobility model in Azerbaijan. The Bir ecosystem, in collaboration with ‘K Group’ LLC (BakiKart), has already introduced QR-based public transport payments via the m10 digital wallet, which has brought greater agility and speed to daily commuting. By activating NFC payments across the Baku metro and bus networks through Birbank, Bir has established a fully contactless public transport experience.
This new system is designed not as a closed ecosystem, but as an open infrastructure model. It includes not only Birbank cards but also cards from other local banks, creating a fully digital payment environment across the city. The recent expansion of NFC payment capabilities to accommodate foreign bank cards marks the next strategic phase, scaling the service’s utility from local integration to global accessibility.
Ultimately, this advancement showcases how fintech solutions can elevate urban mobility by strengthening public infrastructure and making a significant contribution to the country’s broader digital transformation. Bir, launched in 2025, unites leading brands in Azerbaijan, reaching over 5 million users, and is building the foundation for the country’s first and largest digital ecosystem for consumers and businesses.