A recent survey maps Russians’ willingness to receive salaries in digital rubles, showing shifting support and notable differences across genders, ages, and professions. Over a two‑year span the share of people preferring digital ruble salary payments decreased from 35 percent to 25 percent, with a five‑point uptick from the prior year. The results reflect a broad cross‑section of respondents and indicate a growing curiosity about digital payroll options despite cautious overall interest.
More than half of those surveyed, 55 percent, do not want salaries paid in digital rubles; 18 percent would accept the full salary in digital rubles, while 6 percent would agree to such payments but not for more than half of their monthly earnings. These figures illustrate a clear split between traditional payment preferences and growing openness to digital methods, along with a sizable segment that remains undecided or cautious about full conversion.
In earlier waves, roughly one in five Russians showed willingness to receive salaries in digital rubles. Earlier results indicated that about one third were open to digital ruble payments via a card, with most favoring full transfer into a digital ruble card and smaller shares opting for partial transfers. Additional responses showed that a minority were ready for partial or full adoption, while a substantial portion opposed the idea or chose not to answer. The trajectory suggests gradual testing of digital pay while many workers still prefer conventional methods.
Men generally displayed more positive sentiment toward digital ruble salaries than women. About 22 percent of men were ready to receive the full salary in digital rubles, compared with roughly 12 percent of women. A larger share of men, 8 percent, were willing to accept payments but not exceed half of the salary, whereas about 5 percent of women fell into that category. These gender differences reflect a broader pattern in financial technology perceived benefits and risk tolerance across demographic groups.
Age plays a significant role as well. About a third of those aged 18 to 24 would be willing to receive a salary in digital rubles, around a quarter of respondents aged 25 to 34, and roughly one fifth of people aged 45 and older. The trend points to greater openness among younger workers, with a gradual decrease in enthusiasm as age rises, alongside varying comfort levels with digital payment infrastructures.
Among different professions, roughly one in three IT specialists and production workers view salaries in digital rubles positively, while sales managers show the greatest dissatisfaction, with a large share reluctant to embrace this form of payment. The professional mix highlights how occupational context and exposure to digital tools shape attitudes toward new monetary forms.
Despite mixed enthusiasm, a large majority are ready to participate in a pilot program to test digital ruble transactions in real life. Approximately 83 percent of respondents expressed willingness to join such a trial. The strongest readiness appeared among those aged 35 to 44, followed by residents of major cities and IT professionals, underscoring the role of experience with digital services in shaping acceptance.
The survey covered 1,991 Russians in aSeptember wave. In parallel developments, officials discussed a policy plan that would require systemically important banks to enable customers to conduct digital ruble transactions, including opening and funding digital ruble accounts, transfers, and acceptance within the payment infrastructure. These steps aim to broaden practical use while testing the system across financial institutions and merchant networks.
Officials have not confirmed any increase in the overall money supply tied to the digital ruble. The conversation around digital currency remains focused on payment efficiency, security, and integration with existing financial ecosystems rather than scaling up money in circulation. A measured approach continues as attitudes evolve and pilots expand to broader audiences, with observers watching how user experience, merchant acceptance, and regulatory clarity unfold in the months ahead.