Russians have started using the digital ruble for everyday purchases — from groceries in supermarkets to electricity payments. According to VTB, among the most popular places for such payments were the Magnit retail chain, marketplaces, and Mosenergosbyt. However, a month after the mass introduction of the new form of national currency, its share in the total volume of cashless payments remains insignificant. Most users still prefer familiar payment methods.
According to the Bank of Russia, 220 thousand digital ruble accounts were opened in the first month. VTB clients opened tens of thousands of such wallets in September. At the same time, the new form of money is already being used not only for transfers between people but also for paying for real goods and services, including online purchases and utility payments.
T-Bank reported opening over 50 thousand accounts. In the first month, its clients made tens of thousands of transactions, but most often they simply topped up digital wallets rather than paying for purchases. The average transaction amounts are still small. According to bank representatives, Russians are only just mastering the new financial instrument.
The digital ruble has become the third form of national currency alongside cash and non-cash money. It is stored on the Central Bank platform, and access to the wallet is through bank applications. For citizens, transfers, account top-ups, and purchase payments are free. At the same time, using the new form of money is not mandatory.
The mass introduction of the digital ruble began on September 1, 2026. In the first stage, the connection involved the largest banks and trading companies that met the established requirements. Other market participants will join gradually until September 2028. Despite the first purchases, it is too early to talk about a mass transition of Russians to digital rubles.