The mass launch of the digital ruble is scheduled for September 1, 2026. The Bank of Russia states that the largest banks are ready for it. One or two significant market participants may not complete all work by the deadline, but the regulator allows that they will be given until the end of the year.

User interest is already noticeable. According to a survey by "Vyberu.ru" and "Evrokredit.ru", 46% of Russians are ready to use the digital ruble immediately after launch, and another 36% later, when the instrument becomes more familiar. Among young people aged 18–24, the proportion of those ready reaches 62%.

At the same time, 70% of respondents already know something about the digital ruble: 32% understand its operating principle well, and another 38% are generally familiar with it. The remaining 30% admitted that they know almost nothing about the new form of currency.

In the first stage, the digital ruble will be used primarily for transfers and payments. Banks will act as an interface for clients, while the wallets themselves will be on the Bank of Russia platform.

The next step could be full-fledged banking products. Closer to 2029, an experiment with loans and deposits in digital rubles is being discussed. If the model works, the new form of money could go beyond ordinary settlements and become part of familiar banking services.