Qvik mobile payment: first available nationwide at Praktiker

From left to right: László Flórián (Praktiker Zrt., CEO), Lajos Bartha (MNB, Executive Director responsible for cash flow, cash logistics and banking operations), Dr. Gáber Al-Absi Seif (SimplePay Zrt., Deputy CEO), Attila Bessenyei (Laurel Kft., CEO)

Qvik payment has reached a new milestone, after the nationwide network Praktiker is making the convenient and secure Hungarian-developed mobile payment service available in all 23 stores after its webshop. Customers have been able to use qvik in the DIY chain’s webshop since August. From December 11, it will be introduced in all stores of the national network, so that every customer can pay quickly, conveniently and securely on any of Praktiker’s sales channels. The solution does not require a bank card or a separate application: it can be used automatically by every customer with a mobile banking application. Customers only need to scan the QR code displayed at the checkout and then start the transfer with a single click. qvik payment is available at both traditional and self-service checkouts, and banks cannot charge a fee for its use.

Lajos Bartha, Managing Director of the MNB responsible for cash flow, cash logistics and banking operations, said in connection with the launch:

“qvik is a domestically developed, reliably operating mobile payment solution that offers customers a simple and secure payment experience, which is why it is worth considering its use by as many merchants as possible. The current national launch also indicates that both banks and technical service providers are prepared for the smooth operation of the system. We are pleased that Praktiker was the first to join the system on a national level, recognizing the advantages of the solution for customers as well.”

László Flórián, CEO of Praktiker, highlighted:

“Customer feedback is clear – fast and convenient payment is now a basic expectation. qvik provides a new opportunity for this, while fitting into the direction that Praktiker has been following in recent years to strengthen the customer experience. We are consistently developing the digital and physical shopping environment: we have modernized the shopping area in several locations, which allows for a more transparent and faster navigation. We have renewed our application and are continuously developing our webshop. We are also strengthening our on-site support: starting this fall, brand ambassadors will provide personal advice to customers arriving with larger home renovation projects in our Budaörsi and Bécsi úti stores.”

SimplePay Zrt., part of the OTP Group, contributes significantly to the rapid expansion of the qvik acceptance network with its nationwide merchant acceptance network and many years of experience. Laurel Kft., which ensures the integration of cash register systems, offers a stable technological background for qvik payments to work smoothly during physical purchases as well.

SimplePay Deputy CEO, dr. Al-Absi Gáber Seif said:

“We are proud to be among the first to make the qvik payment option available in our merchant network. The popularity of the payment method is clearly demonstrated by the fact that within a year of its launch – by September this year – the number of instant transfer-based payments reached 1 million transactions with our merchant partners. We experience that qvik is particularly popular in the online environment for larger basket value transactions, such as payments for investments and insurance premiums, which is a good reflection of the trust of users. In addition to the rapid spread in the online environment, the new payment method is also becoming available at more and more physical acceptance points – a prime example of this is our cooperation with Praktiker.”