QR Payment in Public Transportation Now Regulated
The evolution of payment methods in Argentina continues: passenger public transportation services can now be paid using QR codes.
On November 28, 2024, the Argentine Central Bank (BCRA) issued Communication A 8138, introducing measures to regulate QR code payments for public transportation. This initiative aims to standardize QR code payments, enabling passengers to pay fares using funds from their bank accounts or digital wallets.
Passengers will generate a QR code via their banking app or digital wallet, which the point-of-sale (POS) device will scan. Initially, the service will support the “consumer-presented” QR code payment method.
The BCRA will define the technical and operational specifications for this service. Currently, other QR code functionalities allowing passengers to pay directly using their accounts are not permitted.
These measures align with Decree 698/24, which expanded the accepted payment methods for public transportation beyond the mandatory SUBE card, emphasizing the inclusion of innovative mobile device-linked payment methods.
This insight is a brief comment on legal news in Argentina; it does not purport to be an exhaustive analysis or to provide legal advice.