
Will Russia’s payment system become predominantly cashless by late 2026?
Russia is rapidly moving toward a fully digital payment economy. By mid-2025, 87.5% of retail transactions were already cashless, up from just 31% in 2015. Growth is being driven by QR payments, biometrics, and Bluetooth-based transactions, while preparations continue for the mass launch of the digital ruble on September 1, 2026. However, consumer trust remains mixed, with surveys showing only about half of users ready to adopt the digital currency.
Conditions
Resolves “Yes” if by September 30, 2026, official data confirms that cashless payments exceed 90% of retail transactions or the digital ruble reaches at least 20 million active users. Otherwise — No.
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