Cash and cashless payments: Russians’ preferences in 2025
According to the annual poll, last year, Russians mostly opted for cash to make both everyday payments and savings. Households were stocking up cash in case card payments were unavailable due to internet disconnection. Almost half of respondents cannot imagine life without cash.
Nevertheless, the proportion of cashless payments continued to go up. Individuals preferring digital technologies were choosing convenient services. Specifically, debit cards were the most popular option, the number of QR code-based payments via the Faster Payments System increased, with mobile and online banking being the third most popular choice. Overall, people appreciate cashless payments because this service is fast and simple and provides for bonus and cashback programmes.
More detailed results of the opinion poll are available on the Bank of Russia website.