The digital ruble may become a familiar payment method for Russians faster than it seems: its main difference is the direct transfer of money from sender to receiver, without financial intermediaries and bank commissions for individuals. This was stated by Federation Council Vice Speaker Nikolay Zhuravlev.
According to him, the new form of money should be cheaper than regular cashless payments. The digital ruble will be stored in a special electronic wallet, and not just in a bank account, so when paying, there is no usual chain involving an intermediary bank.
We will all get used to the new form of digital money, especially since it is cheaper and will not be subject to bank commissions. It goes directly from the payer to the recipient - bypassing financial intermediaries. We know that these commissions for individuals will be limited, even to zero. It's fast, convenient, and traceable. There is no risk to your financial organization, no risk to the bank.
The digital ruble will not replace cash and regular money in bank accounts. It is planned to be used as a third form of national currency: alongside banknotes in a wallet and cashless rubles in an account, another option will appear - the ruble in a digital wallet.
Large-scale implementation has already begun in 2026: the digital ruble is used for individual budget operations and transfers to federal institutions. For ordinary users, the key stage will begin with the connection of banks and trading companies. The largest banks must ensure such operations by September 1, 2026, and other market participants - gradually until 2028.
The Central Bank believes that the digital ruble could become a familiar payment method within five to seven years. In essence, Russians are offered not a new currency, but a new way to use the same ruble - faster, cheaper, and with less dependence on a specific bank.