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The largest Russian online retailer Wildberries has launched a pilot program allowing Belarusian users to pay for purchases using cryptocurrency. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the fintech company Whitebird and is under the supervision of the High Technologies Park — the key regulator of digital and blockchain projects in Belarus.

How does the new payment system work?

Instead of directly accepting cryptocurrency from buyers, the platform has implemented an innovative hybrid model. Users can convert popular digital assets — including bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and the token Toncoin (TON) — into electronic gift certificates denominated in Belarusian rubles.

These certificates act as a full-fledged payment method within the Wildberries ecosystem: they can be used both on the website and in the mobile app of the marketplace. However, the funds cannot be withdrawn to external wallets or bank accounts — they are intended solely for making purchases.

From cryptocurrency to purchase in a few steps

The process begins with registration on the Whitebird platform. After authorization, the buyer goes to its interface, where they select the desired cryptocurrency and the amount for exchange. The system instantly displays the current conversion rate without hidden fees.  

As soon as the user confirms the operation, the corresponding amount in Belarusian rubles is automatically credited to their Wildberries account and becomes available for payment of orders.

For now — only for a select few

At this stage, the function is available only to a limited number of marketplace clients in Belarus. This is due to the fact that the project is in the testing phase: developers are assessing the stability of the system, the convenience of the interface, and compliance with local regulatory requirements. If the pilot is successfully completed, this payment format may be expanded to a wider audience.