Russia Digital Ruble

According to the Bank of Russia Digital Ruble Status Report (June 2025), approximately 2,500 digital wallets were opened by May 2025 across 15 participating banks, with cumulative pilot transactions including over 63,000 money transfers, nearly 13,000 payments for goods and services, and over 17,000 smart contract executions (~93,000 total). According to the Bank of Russia, mass-scale rollout is mandated for September 1, 2026, when systemically important banks are required to offer digital ruble transactions and retailers with revenue exceeding 120 million RUB are required to accept digital ruble payments. Phase 2 (September 2027) extends to all universal-license banks and mid-size retailers; Phase 3 (September 2028) to all remaining institutions. According to the Bank of Russia, digital ruble became available for all federal budget payments (pensions, scholarships, state employee salaries) starting January 1, 2026. Person-to-person transfers are permanently free; merchant payment fees set at 0.3% and utility fees at 0.2% (grace period through end of 2026). According to TASS (December 2025), more than 20 banks were participating by late 2025.

Updated: Mar 29, 2026