Central Bank of Russia Confirms Digital Ruble Will Be Free for Citizens with No Commissions

The Bank of Russia has announced that all operations with the digital ruble will be completely free of charge for individual citizens. Director of the National Payment Systems Department Alla Bakina stated that transfers and payments for private users will incur zero commissions. Businesses will still face fees, but the regulator promises they will be minimal and lower than standard bank rates for similar transactions. Starting 1 September, Russians will be able to open digital ruble wallets through mobile apps of systemically important banks and other payment-significant credit institutions. A dedicated button with the new currency logo will appear on the main screen of these applications. Payments will be made via a special QR code that buyers scan in their banking app before selecting the digital ruble wallet and confirming the transaction. Large retail chains with annual revenue exceeding 120 million rubles must begin accepting digital ruble payments from September, with the requirement later expanding to smaller merchants. The Bank of Russia emphasizes that the digital ruble represents a third form of the national currency alongside cash and bank deposits, available for voluntary use by citizens.

AntiMalwareTranslated from Russian

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The Bank of Russia has confirmed that operations with the digital ruble will be entirely free for Russian citizens. Alla Bakina, Director of the Department of National Payment Systems, stated that transfers and payments for individuals will carry no commissions whatsoever.

Businesses will not be exempt from fees, yet the regulator has pledged to keep tariffs minimal and below the rates currently charged by banks for comparable operations. From 1 September, citizens will be able to open digital ruble wallets directly through the mobile applications of systemically important banks and other credit organisations recognised as significant in the payments market.

A separate button featuring the logo of the new currency form will appear on the main screen of these banking apps. To make payments, users will scan a special QR code within their banking application, select the required digital ruble wallet, and confirm the transaction.

From September, retail chains with annual revenue above 120 million rubles must begin accepting such payments. The obligation will gradually extend to smaller merchants over time. The Bank of Russia stresses that the digital ruble does not replace cash or funds held in bank accounts but constitutes a voluntary third form of the national currency.

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