Cash Is Back: Russians Increasingly Carrying and Saving Rubles

14:27; 23 June 2026 year

### Russian Payment Preferences Show Surprising Dual Trend The Russian payment preferences market is showing a curious dual trend. On one hand, digitization has penetrated the wallets of 94% of citizens (up from 92% last year), while on the other hand, cash is experiencing a renaissance in trust. These findings were announced by the Bank of Russia following a sociological study conducted by NAFI at the beginning of 2026. Approximately 2,500 respondents were surveyed. ### Cash on the Rise: Stability and New Psychology Contrary to predictions of total cashless payments, the proportion of citizens willing to pay exclusively with "real" banknotes has increased by 2 percentage points to 11%. However, a more significant shift is seen in perception: 41% of respondents view banknotes as an "insurance policy" in case of electronic service unavailability. This indicates a growing digital hygiene among the population, who are wary of technical failures. The average cash purchase amount has increased by 268 rubles, reaching 1,999 rubles. Analysts attribute this to inflationary expectations and rising prices for essential goods, which are traditionally paid for in cash. ### ATM Crisis: Convenience vs Reliability 52% of cardholders complained about frequent ATM downtime due to maintenance, while 45% face a shortage of desired denominations. However, 83% of respondents acknowledge the multifunctionality of ATMs. Notably, 40% of users have already adopted QR code-based contactless cash withdrawal, indicating a rapid adaptation to new technologies. Cash is most frequently withdrawn "just in case" by residents of the North Caucasus and Volga Federal Districts (both 29%), while the North-Western Federal District has the lowest rate at 18%. ### Savings in Cash One of the most striking findings is the increase in the proportion of citizens storing their savings in cash rubles—from 32% to 36% over the year. Meanwhile, traditional bank deposits in rubles are preferred by 39%. The gap between "piggy bank" and deposit is minimal. ### Digital Front: Credit Cards and Cashback Lead Among digital tools, debit cards remain the absolute leader (79%). However, there is an explosive growth in interest in credit products (owned by 39% of citizens) and transfers via the QR code-based System for Fast Payments (used by 38%). When choosing cashless payment, the decisive factors are speed (37%) and loyalty programs (32%). Cash, on the other hand, maintains its position due to the guarantee of payment in any situation (25%) and fear of technical failure (17%). ### Trust in Money Quality Grows There is a positive trend in the condition of banknotes: 84% of citizens are satisfied with their physical state (an increase from the previous year). However, the culture of checking authenticity remains low: 47% never check banknotes (improved from 50% in 2024, but still a concerning situation). Most often, people rely on watermarks and tactile sensations, ignoring hidden color elements. The most vigilant are residents of the Far East (62% check banknotes), while the highest level of trust is in the Caucasus republics (only 39%). Financial analysts believe that the market is moving towards multiform currency: citizens are not abandoning cards but are consciously building a "safety cushion" in cash. *The study was conducted by NAFI at the request of the Bank of Russia. Approximately 2,500 respondents were surveyed. Coverage: 40 Russian regions (15 directly assigned by the Central Bank). Method: face-to-face interviews at home. Representation by gender, age, occupation, and type of settlement. Questions repeated from 2008 to track dynamics.*

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