Salaries in digital rubles to be widely adopted in 2026

Salaries in digital rubles are likely to become common practice in 2026, said Senator Olga Epifanova, Chair of the Social Democratic Union of Women of Russia. 

“In 2026, salaries in digital rubles may become common practice, with a limited scope, however. Currently, about 8% of Russians are willing to receive their salaries digitally; the majority are still hesitant to make the switch due to uncertainty and technical issues. Initially, digital rubles will be used primarily in the public sector—for payments to government employees and social benefits, while expansion to the private sector will depend on further technological developments and public trust,” Epifanova noted. 

According to her, the main advantages of this payment method include a fast and easily accessible payment system across the country, transparency of transfers, and reduced corruption risks. However, there are also significant downsides: potential technical failures, lack of interest on digital ruble funds, and stricter government control over citizens' spending, the senator added. She also noted that some Russians may find unsuitable the lower level of anonymity of payments. Overall, digital wages are a convenient and modern tool that will gradually become a part of people's lives, but it will only be able  to replace traditional payment methods as trust and digital literacy grow, Epifanova concluded.

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