Paying for purchases from a smartphone without a physical bank card is a reality that all modern Xiaomi based on Android. But how does it work if you do not have plastic or you do not want to tie it? In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways, including built-in Mi Pay and Google Pay services, virtual cards, mobile wallets and even cryptocurrency.
Xiaomi phones (like the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, or Xiaomi 13T) have NFC support even in budget models, which allows access to contactless payments, but NFC is not the only option. We will analyze each method according to three criteria: convenience, speed and security, and we will give checklists for setting up.
Important: some methods require pre-registration in services (for example, YuMoney or Qiwi), others work out of the box (like Mi Pay in China). If you travel often, pay attention to geographical restrictions - not all services are available outside of Russia and the CIS.
1.Mi Pay: Xiaomi's built-in wallet
Mi Pay is a Xiaomi-branded payment service that was originally developed for the Chinese market, but is partially operational in other countries, and the main advantage is that you do not need to link a bank card if you replenish your balance through related services (for example, AliPay or local partners).
How to set up:
- 📱 Open the Mi Pay app (if not, download from the Mi App Store or APKMirror).
- 🔗 Link your Mi Account (required!).
- 💳 Choose the method of depositing: via Qiwi, YuMoney or bank transfer (depending on the region).
- 📶 Activate. NFC in settings (Settings) → Connected devices → NFC).
Limitations:
- ⚠️ Mi Pay does not officially support the binding of cards of local banks, but works with virtual cards of some services.
- ⚠️ The maximum amount of one payment - up to 5 000 ₽ (Depends on the intermediary service).
2.Google Pay with a virtual card
Google Pay is a universal solution for contactless payments on any Android smartphone, including Xiaomi. But what if you don't have a physical card? The solution is virtual cards from banks or fintech services.
Step-by-step:
- Download Google Pay from the Play Market (if previously deleted).
- Register a virtual card in one of the services: 🏦 Tinkoff (Tinkoff Black card with virtual number). 💳 Revolut or Wise (for international payments). 📱 YuMoney or Qiwi (Balance-Based Virtual Cards).
Google Pay
Add a map → Enter data manually
Bring the phone to the terminal - the payment will pass as with a regular card.
Install the latest version of Google Pay|
Check for NFC support on your phone (Settings → NFC)|
Register a virtual card in the bank |
Add a card to Google Pay and confirm SMS|
Enable screen unlocking by fingerprint/face (for security)
-->
Advantages:
- ✅ Operates in 90% of terminals (including transport and shops).
- ✅ Supports tokenization – the real card number is not transferred to the seller.
- ✅ You can link several virtual cards.
⚠️ Note: Qiwi and YuMoney virtual cards are often blocked in suspicious transactions. If you plan to pay for overseas purchases, use Revolut or Wise.
3. Mobile wallets: Qiwi, YuMoney, WebMoney
Mobile wallets – an alternative to bank cards, which allows you to pay for purchases through the Internet QR-On Xiaomi, this works through wallet apps or integration with Mi Pay.
Comparison of popular services:
| Service | Methods of payment | Commission | Geography |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qiwi | QR, translations, virtual map | 0–2% (depending on the tariff) | Russia, CIS, partly Europe |
| YuMoney | QR, translations, map "UMoney Card" | 0% on payment in stores | Russia, Kazakhstan |
| WebMoney | Translations, WM-map | 0.8–2% | Worldwide (restrictions in some countries) |
| PayPal | Online payments, card binding | 2.9% + fixed fee | Worldwide (except for some countries) |
How to pay via Qiwi:
- Open the Qiwi Wallet app.
- Click "Pay» → «QR-code" and scan the seller's code.
- Confirm payment by SMS or fingerprint.
💡
If the terminal does not support NFC, Ask the seller to generate QR-Most of the cashiers today (Atoll, Evotor) can do that.
4. Payment through SBP (Fast Payment System)
SBP is a Russian development that allows you to transfer money by phone number without commission. Many banks (for example, Sberbank, VTB, Tinkoff) support payment through SBP in stores, even if you do not have a card.
How it works for Xiaomi:
- 📲 Install the application of the bank supporting the SBP (for example, Sberbank Online).
- 🔄 In the phone settings, allow auto-complete payment data (Settings) → Google → Auto-filling).
- 🛒 In the store, select the option “Pay through SBP” and confirm the transfer in the banking application.
Advantages:
- ✅ Zero commission for transfers between individuals and in some stores.
- ✅ Instant enrollment (up to 15 seconds).
- ✅ It works even without it. NFC — enough internet.
⚠️ Note: Some stores (for example, Magnet or Pyatio) limit the amount of payment through the SBP to 15 000 ₽. Check the limits with the cashier.
5. Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, TON, USDT
If you own a cryptocurrency, you can use it to pay for purchases directly from Xiaomi’s phone, which requires a crypto wallet (such as Trust Wallet, Binance Pay) and a service that accepts crypto.
How to pay with cryptocurrency:
- Install a wallet (e.g. TON Wallet for Telegram or Binance for BTC/USDT).
- Refill the balance through P2P-Platforms or exchanges (e.g. Bybit, OKX).
- In the store: 🛒 Ask the seller to generate QR-wallet-address. 📱 Scan it through the wallet app and confirm the transfer.
Where crypts are received:
- 🌍 International services: Bitrefill (phone recharge), Travala (hotels), Newegg (electronics).
- 🏪 Offline stores: some locations in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan (listed at CoinMap.org).
How to avoid high fees when paying with crypto?
6. Payment through the telecom operator (MTS, Beeline, Tele2)
If you don't have a credit card but have a positive balance on your phone, some carriers allow you to pay directly from your mobile account, which is suitable for small purchases (up to 1,000-3,000). ₽).
How it works:
- 📞 Send. USSD-team: MTS: *111*1*1# → «Payment for goods and services." Beeline: *145# → «Payments.2: *155*1# → «Payment for purchases».
- 🛒 Enter the seller’s number (check with the cashier) and the amount.
- 🔢 Confirm payment SMS-code.
Limitations:
- ❌ It does not work in most supermarkets (only in partner outlets).
- ❌ Commission to 5-10%.
- ❌ Limit: usually up to 5,000 ₽ monthly.
7.Alternative methods: gift cards and bonuses
If you need to pay for a purchase without a card, but you have gift cards or bonuses (for example, SberSuperibo, MTS Cashback), they can be converted into a payment instrument.
Ways:
- 🎁 Gift Cards: Buy a Gift Card Visa/Mastercard In salons or online (like Ozon), add it to Google Pay like a regular card.
- 💰 Bonuses and cashback: In the application Sberbank Online exchange SberSberSupport for rubles (1 point) = 1 ₽). In MTS Bonus, pay for purchases directly with bonuses (up to 50% of the cost).
💡
Visa/Mastercard gift cards are the only way to tie untethered money to Google Pay, but check the card’s expiration date (usually 1-2 years).