# Iran, Islamic Republic of — payment codes and schemes

> Source: https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/IR
> extracted at 2026-10-03
> Publisher: Barcoder — encyclopedia of QR, barcode and payment-code standards

## Summary

- **Shetab** national interbank network (2002)
- **92% debit card** access population
- **4 million POS** terminals (97% via Shetab)
- **MIR integration** with Russia (July 2024)
- **Sanctions isolated** from international networks

## Banking landscape

### Central Bank
- **Name:** Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran (CBI)
- **Website:** https://www.cbi.ir/
- **Role:** Monetary policy, Shetab oversight

### Major Banks (2024)

| Rank | Bank Name | Type | Digital Platform |
|------|-----------|------|------------------|
| 1 | Bank Melli Iran | State | Melli Mobile |
| 2 | Bank Mellat | State | Mellat App |
| 3 | Bank Saderat | State | Saderat Mobile |
| 4 | Tejarat Bank | State | Tejarat App |
| 5 | Iran Zamin Bank | Private | Amber App |

### Market Structure
- **92% debit access:** Population coverage
- **15,000+ online portals**
- **4 million POS terminals**
- **Isolated system:** International sanctions

---

## Payment infrastructure

### National Payment Systems

| System | Operator | Type | Status |
|--------|----------|------|--------|
| Shetab | CBI | Interbank network | Active (2002) |
| MIR | Russia | Cross-border | Active (2024) |
| Card Networks | Banks | Domestic | Active |

### Shetab Statistics
- **97% of transactions** via Shetab
- **4 million POS** terminals
- **ATM, EFTPOS** processing
- **Internet/kiosk** channels

### MIR Integration (July 2024)
- Connected to Russia's MIR network
- ATM withdrawals in Russia
- Bilateral currency transactions
- Sanctions circumvention

---

## QR code standards

### Domestic QR Payments

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| **System** | Via Shetab apps |
| **Usage** | Growing |
| **Examples** | Phone Pay (taxis) |
| **Status** | Fintech developing |

### QR Payment Features
- Card-to-card transfers
- QR code-based payments
- Smartphone top-ups
- Utility bill payments
- Charitable donations

### Phone Pay Example
- Taxi fare payments
- Mobile wallet top-up
- QR code scanning
- Instant payment

### Fintech Growth
- Surge in startups
- Mobile wallet creation
- QR code payment methods
- Major city adoption

---

## Mobile payment apps

| App | Provider | QR | Features |
|-----|----------|-------|----------|
| Amber | Iran Zamin Bank | Yes | NFC + QR (Jan 2024) |
| Phone Pay | Various | Yes | Taxi payments |
| Bank Apps | Various | Yes | Card transfers |

### Amber App (January 2024)
- Iran Zamin Bank launch
- Contactless NFC payments
- QR code support
- In-store payments

### Mobile Wallet Features
- QR scanning at merchants
- Bill payments
- Mobile top-ups
- P2P transfers

---

## Schemes

| Scheme | Type | Symbology | Adoption | Technical standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Shetab](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/IR/shetab) | National | CBI | 97% transactions | [`shetab`](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/standards/shetab) |
| [MIR](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/IR/mir) | Cross-border | Russia | Active (2024) | — |
| [QR Apps](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/IR/qr-apps) | Mobile | Various | Growing | — |

## Sources

- [GlobalData - Iran Cards Market](https://www.globaldata.com/store/report/iran-cards-and-payments-market-analysis/)
- [Wikipedia - Shetab Banking System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetab_Banking_System)
- [Central Banking - Iran Russia Connection](https://www.centralbanking.com/central-banks/payments/7961601/iran-and-russia-connect-payments-systems-governor-says)
- [Blockchain.com - Iran Digital Rial](https://www.the-blockchain.com/2024/11/26/irans-digital-rial-a-fintech-solution-to-sanction-resilience/)
- [Iran International - MIR Integration](https://www.iranintl.com/en/202407060308)
- [OFAC - Iran Sanctions](https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/iran-sanctions)
- [JLSDA - Legal Studies](https://jlsda.com/index.php/lsda/article/download/107/93/480)
- [Shanbe - Online Payment Methods Iran](https://en.shanbemag.com/3324-online-payment-methods-in-iran/)
- [Mah Card - Payment Methods Iran](https://www.mahcard.com/blog/money-and-finance/payment-methods-in-iran/)
- [Visit Our Iran - Payment Methods](https://www.visitouriran.com/blog/payment-methods-in-iran-what-you-need-to-know/)

## Full country report

[IR-iran.md](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/IR)