Nearly Half of Russians Are Open to Adopting the Digital Ruble

A nationwide survey finds that 46% of Russian citizens are ready to use the digital ruble—especially if cashback incentives are included.

According to a new study cited by the Russian outlet Argumenty i Fakty, 46% of surveyed Russians said they would be willing to convert their savings to digital rubles under the right conditions. Among respondents aged 18 to 24, more than a quarter expressed interest in using the digital currency, especially if it includes a cashback program.

Russia plans to roll out the digital ruble on a large scale by 2026. The currency is expected to support a wide range of applications, from receiving social benefits and paying fines to topping up transit cards and processing corporate payments.

In the meantime, 25% of citizens already rely almost exclusively on digital payments, avoiding cash. An additional 10% are ready to fully adopt digital financial tools. Still, a majority—over 50%—believe it's too early to eliminate physical currency altogether.

The study also found that one in four Russians considers biometric eye-scanning to be the most promising method for verifying financial transactions. Other future-facing methods like DNA analysis and voice authentication were favored by 21% and 12% of respondents, respectively.

When asked about artificial intelligence in finance, the top interest was automating routine tasks. Around 38% said they would like to receive investment tips and credit product suggestions—particularly among residents of Moscow and other large cities. Meanwhile, 20% would trust a neural network to manage their household budgets (with men more open to the idea than women), and 4% said they'd prefer AI to handle utility and tax payments automatically.