Yandex Plus Points Expand Beyond Ecosystem but Spending Amount Set Automatically
Yandex has rolled out a new feature allowing Yandex Plus subscribers to spend their points at external partner locations through Yandex Pay. The update opens more than 10,000 partner outlets, including stores, cafes, pharmacies and other businesses, to points that were previously restricted to the Yandex ecosystem.
To redeem points, users need an active Yandex Plus subscription. On websites or in apps, they select Yandex Pay and enable the toggle labeled “Spend points.” In physical stores, customers either scan a QR code at the checkout or display a code from the partner’s application.
The system automatically calculates the number of points applied to each purchase; users cannot manually set the amount. Any remaining balance is paid with a card via Yandex Pay. A single transaction can either use points for payment or earn cashback points, but not both at the same time.
Redemption of Yandex Plus points can still be combined with any loyalty bonuses offered by the merchant itself. According to the report, Yandex intends to grow the partner network further and is including smaller independent stores in the expansion.
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