BAKAI has launched “Pay with a Smile” - a new way to pay where all it takes is looking into the camera on a POS terminal. No need to pull out a card, a phone, or scan a QR code - once your identity is confirmed, the payment goes through in seconds.

The launch marks a new step in BAKAI’s payment technology, adding to the existing lineup of ways to pay - alongside cards, QR, and NFC.

How “Pay with a Smile” Works

Setting it up is free in the BAKAI mobile app: open your profile, go to “Security,” and activate “Pay with a Smile.” Your selected default card in som will be used for payments.

Once set up, it’s simple: at checkout, let the cashier know you’d like to pay with a smile, and look into the camera on the BAKAI POS terminal. Once your identity is confirmed, the transaction goes through automatically - no additional confirmation needed in the BAKAI app.

For security, each “Pay with a Smile” transaction is capped at 4,000 som.

The service is available to BAKAI clients - citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic who have completed full or remote identity verification. It can be turned off at any time.

Built on Strong Security

Security is at the core of the new service.

• Photos and videos won’t work. The system verifies that a real, live person is in front of the camera.
• You can’t accidentally pay for someone else’s purchase. If more than one person appears in frame, the transaction won’t go through.
• Your biometric data is protected. It’s used only to confirm payment, stored encrypted, and transmitted over secure channels.
• Every transaction goes through standard banking security checks.

Where “Pay with a Smile” Is Already Live

“Pay with a Smile” is now available at PAUL restaurants in Bishkek:

• PAUL, Chyngyz Aitmatov Park - 116a Kasym Tynystanov St.
• PAUL, A Plus Business Center - 243 Chyngyz Aitmatov Ave.
• PAUL, Dordoi Plaza - 115/2 Ibraimov St.

BAKAI is already accepting applications from merchants interested in adopting the new technology. The network of participating locations will keep growing, with the goal of bringing “smile pay” to more stores, restaurants, and businesses across Kyrgyzstan.

New Opportunities for Businesses

Merchants face no added cost to adopt the new payment method. BAKAI’s specialized camera-equipped POS terminals accept “Pay with a Smile” alongside cards, QR, and NFC - all under existing acquiring rates.

“Our mission is to let every client pay the way that works best for them - by card, QR code, NFC-enabled phone, and now with a smile. ‘Pay with a Smile’ makes purchases more convenient and more secure for clients, while helping businesses speed up service and improve the customer experience,” said Timur Ibragimov, Chairman of the BAKAI Management Board.

BAKAI continues to build out its digital services and bring cutting-edge technology into everyday customer experiences.

“Pay with a Smile” from BAKAI is one more step toward a future where all it takes to make a purchase is looking into a camera.

Try “Pay with a Smile” and Get Coffee at PAUL for 1 Som

To celebrate the launch of this first-of-its-kind service in Kyrgyzstan, BAKAI and PAUL are running a special promotion.

Pay for any coffee using “Pay with a Smile” from BAKAI, and that cup will cost just 1 som.

You can also score a free croissant: follow BAKAI and PAUL on social media, post a photo or video to your Stories, tag both accounts, and add the caption:

“Pay with a smile from BAKAI and get coffee for 1 som!”

The promotion runs through November 20, 2026.

*Up to 5 cups of coffee at 1 som each can be purchased per “Pay with a Smile” transaction under this promotion.