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Russians Now Carry 23% More Cash—but 27% Go Fully Digital

From 3,500 to 4,300 rubles in a year—why are wallets heavier? Meanwhile, a surprising share of Russians ditch cash for good. The numbers tell two stories.

The image shows an old Russian banknote with a picture of a city on it. The paper has text and an...
The image shows an old Russian banknote with a picture of a city on it. The paper has text and an image of houses, trees, and other objects.

Russians Now Carry 23% More Cash—but 27% Go Fully Digital

Cash habits in Russia have shifted over the past year, with more people carrying larger sums. A recent study shows the average amount of money in wallets has risen by nearly a quarter since late 2025. Yet not everyone relies on physical currency—over a quarter of Russians now go completely cash-free. In October 2025, economically active Russians carried an average of 3,500 rubles. By 2026, that figure jumped to 4,300 rubles—a 23% increase. The trend appears consistent across major cities, where residents now keep roughly 4,500 rubles on hand.

Gender differences remain noticeable. Men typically hold around 5,100 rubles, while women carry about 3,100 rubles. Despite these variations, six key cities—including Krasnodar—show similar averages, with locals keeping close to 4,500 rubles in their wallets. Krasnodar’s figures align closely with the national trend. Last year, its residents carried 4,300 rubles on average. That number has since risen to 4,500 rubles, matching the broader pattern.

The data highlights a growing but uneven reliance on cash. While the average wallet holds more money than before, 27% of Russians no longer carry any at all. This divide suggests changing payment habits, with digital transactions gaining ground alongside traditional cash use.

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