Transfers lead digital ruble use in VTB survey of respondents

Transfers were the most frequently reported digital ruble transaction in a VTB survey, cited by 28% of respondents, according to results published by RBC.

Payments to the state, including taxes and utility bills, were cited by 24%, online shopping by 23%, and purchases in physical shops by 17%. Meanwhile, 35% had only opened an account, and one in five had received a transfer or topped up a digital wallet.

Curiosity and a wish to try the new form of money prompted 42% to open an account. Another 36% cited access through their banking app, 33% free transfers and 21% advice from acquaintances.

Respondents said cashback or discounts could encourage more regular use, cited by 54%, followed by more participating shops at 42% and offline payments at 38%. The survey covered residents of major cities and allowed multiple answers to some questions.

VTB previously described the typical user as a man aged 36 to 45 who actively uses banking products and invests. About 14% of those opening accounts in the early weeks were Muscovites. Other leading cities included St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk.

Mass adoption began on September 1, 2026. The Bank of Russia said 87 thousand accounts were opened and 50 thousand transactions completed during the first ten days.