UZCARD continues to develop its payment infrastructure, with banks and technical partners successfully implementing new methods for accepting cashless payments. One such solution is SoftPOS, a technology that allows card payments to be accepted via a regular smartphone without the use of a terminal.
SoftPOS works on Android smartphones fitted with an NFC module and is used by banks as a convenient tool for connecting micro-businesses, the self-employed, couriers, delivery services, waiters, and mobile specialists to cashless payments. For these formats, this is a simple and affordable way to start accepting card payments without the expense to purchase and maintain terminals.
One of the key advantages of SoftPOS is its utility for business. Unlike a traditional POS terminal, a smartphone failure does not interrupt payment acceptance: the app can be quickly activated on another device without re-registration or customer service downtime.
For customers, using SoftPOS does not require changing their usual payment scenario. To pay for a purchase, simply place your bank card on the seller’s smartphone with the app installed. Within established limits, entering a PIN code is not required – the payment process remains fast and convenient.
By the end of 2025, the volume of payments using UZCARD cards via SoftPOS exceeded 9 billion UZS – 20 times more than in 2024. The largest growth was demonstrated by Anor Bank, whose share in the overall structure of payments via SoftPOS amounted to 74%. The top three also included Ipoteka Bank and Hamkor Bank with shares of 9% and 7%, respectively. SQB also demonstrated significant growth: from July to December 2025, the bank’s volume of transactions via SoftPOS increased 22-fold.
The highest turnover for SoftPOS continues to be recorded in Tashkent, where merchants in the capital account for 81% of all transactions. At the same time, Tashkent’s share in the payment structure decreased by 6% compared to 2024, which is due to the active growth in the use of SoftPOS in the regions. The highest growth dynamics were demonstrated by Khorezm, Jizzak, Namangan and Samarkand regions, whose combined share reached 16%.
In a sign of growing interest in SoftPOS, UZCARD is working with Anor Bank to expand the solution’s features to accelerate the integration of micro and small businesses into cashless payments.
Although SoftPOS still occupies a very small market share, interest in this format is steadily increasing. As micro and small businesses increasingly transition to cashless payments, SoftPOS-based solutions are becoming an important part of the development of payment infrastructure across the country.