# Qatar — payment codes and schemes

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

## Summary

- **QMP** (Qatar Mobile Payment) is the national system (2020)
- **Unified QR specifications** issued by QCB
- **National interoperable switch** for mobile payments
- **8.14% CAGR** expected 2024-2032
- **National Fintech Strategy** launched March 2023

## Banking landscape

### Central Bank
- **Name:** Qatar Central Bank (QCB)
- **Website:** https://www.qcb.gov.qa/
- **Role:** Monetary policy, QMP oversight

### Major Banks (2024)

| Rank | Bank Name | Type | Digital Platform |
|------|-----------|------|------------------|
| 1 | Qatar National Bank | Private | QNB Mobile |
| 2 | Commercial Bank | Private | CB Mobile |
| 3 | Qatar Islamic Bank | Private | QIB Mobile |
| 4 | Doha Bank | Private | Doha Bank App |
| 5 | Masraf Al Rayan | Private | MAR Mobile |

### Market Structure
- **QNB:** Largest bank in Middle East/Africa
- **Islamic banks:** QIB, Masraf Al Rayan
- **QCB regulation:** All mobile payment providers
- **Fintech growth:** National strategy focus

---

## Payment infrastructure

### National Payment Systems

| System | Operator | Type | Status |
|--------|----------|------|--------|
| QMP | QCB | Mobile payment | Active |
| QIPS | QCB | Instant payment | Active |
| RTGS | QCB | Large value | Active |
| ACH | QCB | Clearing | Active |

### QMP Features
- National interoperable switch
- Connects all licensed providers
- Digital wallet creation
- Instant money transfers
- QR code payments

### QMP User Types

| User Type | Wallets Allowed |
|-----------|-----------------|
| Citizens | Multiple |
| Residents | Multiple |
| Visitors | One |

---

## QR code standards

### QCB Unified QR Specifications

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| **Issuer** | Qatar Central Bank |
| **Purpose** | Unified payment QR |
| **Acceptance** | POS, transport |
| **Status** | Active |

### QR Features
- Easy and quick payments
- QCB-issued specifications
- Points of sale
- Public transportation
- Standardized format

### QMP QR Payments
- In-store QR scanning
- Mobile device payments
- Instant settlement
- Multiple wallet support

---

## Mobile payment apps

| App | Provider | QMP | QR |
|-----|----------|-----|-------|
| QNB Mobile | QNB | Yes | Yes |
| CB Mobile | Commercial Bank | Yes | Yes |
| QIB Mobile | QIB | Yes | Yes |
| Doha Bank | Doha Bank | Yes | Yes |
| E-wallets | Licensed PSPs | Yes | Yes |

### Bank Mobile Apps
- All major banks integrated
- QMP connectivity
- QR code payments
- Bill payments

### Licensed Payment Service Providers
- Must connect via QMP
- QCB regulated
- Unified QR standards
- Interoperable system

---

## Schemes

| Scheme | Type | Symbology | Adoption | Technical standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [QCB QR](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/QA/qcb-qr) | Unified QR | QCB | Universal | — |
| [QMP](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/QA/qmp) | Mobile switch | National | All providers | — |
| [QIPS](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/QA/qips) | Instant | QCB | Active | — |

## Sources

- [QCB - Qatar Mobile Payment](https://www.qcb.gov.qa/en/Pages/QatarMobilePayment.aspx)
- [Trade.gov - Qatar Payment Solutions](https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/qatar-payment-solutions-2023)
- [Payments Cards Mobile - QMP Launch](https://www.paymentscardsandmobile.com/qatar-central-bank-launches-qatar-mobile-payment-system/)
- [NFCW - QCB Mobile Payments](https://www.nfcw.com/2023/05/12/383767/qatar-central-bank-rolls-out-interoperable-national-mobile-payments-system/)
- [Dibsy - Qatar Online Payments](https://www.dibsy.one/blog-post/online-payment-methods-in-qatar)
- [Qatar Tribune - QMP Launch](https://www.qatar-tribune.com/article/28952/latest-news/Qatar-Central-Bank-launches-mobile-payment-system)
- [Peninsula Qatar - QMP Transfers](https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/04/05/2023/qatar-mobile-payment-allows-instant-money-transfers-via-smartphone-qcb)
- [Gulf Times - QMP Cashless](https://www.gulf-times.com/story/659469/QCB-launches-mobile-payment-system-for-cashless-transactions)
- [EPI - QMP Launch](https://www.electronicpaymentsinternational.com/news/qatar-central-bank-launches-mobile-payment-system/)
- [Peachwire - QCB Mobile](https://www.peachwire.com/qatar-central-bank-rolls-out-interoperable-national-mobile-payments-system-2/)

## Full country report

[QA-qatar.md](https://docs.barcoder.ai/docs/payments/QA)