Today marks one year since the launch of MIA Instant Payments, a strategic project by the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) that has revolutionized the country’s payment infrastructure. Designed for fast, secure, and affordable transactions, MIA has quickly become an essential part of everyday financial life, proving its value in just 12 months.
MIA in Numbers
- Unique users: Over 532,000 people rely on MIA for daily financial transactions.
- Number of payments: More than 5 million instant transfers completed.
- Total value of payments: Over 4.8 billion MDL processed.
MIA enables instant transfers between all payment accounts, regardless of the financial institution, using only the recipient’s phone number—there is no need to share bank details. Users can transfer up to 10,000 MDL per month for free, while fees for higher amounts remain capped at 5 MDL per transaction, regardless of the bank.
Key Innovations in MIA’s First Year
Over the past year, MIA has introduced new features to simplify and accelerate digital payments, improving the user experience and expanding its role in both personal and business transactions:
✅ Phone Number Transfers – Users can send money instantly using only a phone number, eliminating the hassle of entering bank details.
✅ Payment Requests & Responses – A seamless way to manage peer-to-peer payments, making it easier to split bills and settle debts.
✅ QR Code Transfers – Users can send and receive payments by generating or scanning a QR code, reducing errors and enhancing security.
✅ Me2Me Transfers – Allows free, instant transfers between users’ accounts across different banks, providing greater flexibility in managing personal finances.
✅ QR Code Payments for Businesses – Enables fast, contactless payments in cafes, restaurants, medical offices, travel agencies, and more—offering businesses a modern alternative to traditional payment methods.
Through these innovations, MIA is not just a payment tool—it’s driving Moldova’s digital transformation, modernizing financial transactions, and fostering a more connected economy.
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The NBM’s Vision: What’s Next for MIA?
The National Bank of Moldova is committed to expanding and improving MIA with two main priorities:
1️⃣ Enhancing the Consumer Experience – Introducing new features to make transactions more convenient and user-friendly.
2️⃣ Expanding Business Adoption – Encouraging more businesses to accept MIA payments.
“We are not stopping here,“ said the NBM Governor Anca Dragu in a special video message marking MIA’s first anniversary. “Moldova has recently joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). In a few months, banks in Moldova will offer secure, fast, and low-cost transactions between Moldova and the European Union.”
MIA: Aligned with Global Payment Standards
Developed by the National Bank of Moldova, MIA follows the SEPA Instant Credit Transfer model and meets the highest international technical standards. By aligning with the world’s leading instant payment systems, MIA ensures that Moldova remains at the forefront of financial innovation.
In just one year, MIA has reshaped the way Moldovans handle transactions. As it continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in advancing the country’s digital economy and financial independence.