Recent data reveal a notable shift in the banking behavior of Russians: about one in ten now holds a foreign bank card, with the most popular destinations being Kazakhstan and Turkey. This finding comes from a study commissioned by the Anderida Financial Group and reported by DEA News, highlighting a clear trend in cross‑border financial activity among households and professionals alike.
The organization explains that the portion of Russians possessing foreign bank cards has risen to slightly over 11 percent, a substantial jump from roughly 3 percent just a year earlier. The rise reflects broader changes in household finance, including growing exposure to international banking services and the perceived benefits of diversification that foreign accounts may offer for savings, travel, or cross‑border business needs.
Looking ahead, the study suggests that 2023 could see a further expansion. The researchers estimate that as many as 15 percent of Russians might hold cards issued by foreign banks, which would translate to around one in six or seven adults within the economically active segment of the population maintaining such accounts. This projection underscores a gradual shift in how financial identity and payment options are distributed across the country’s workforce and consumer base.
Among those who opened foreign‑issued cards, roughly 36 percent selected banks headquartered in Kazakhstan, while about 16 percent chose Turkish financial institutions. These preferences appear to reflect factors such as perceived reliability, service networks, currency stability, and the ease of use for travel or commerce across regional corridors where these banks have established footprints.
The study surveyed 1,900 adult Russians who reported regular income and lived in cities with populations exceeding one million. The results offer a window into consumer behavior among urban professionals, emphasizing the role of income stability and geographic concentration in shaping the decision to engage with foreign banking services. The findings also point to evolving attitudes toward financial globalization and the need for local banks to respond with competitive products and clear information for customers considering cross‑border options.
Separately, reports indicate that cyber threats targeting financial data have persisted, with attackers exploiting gaps in card data protection to attempt unauthorized access. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of robust security practices, strict identity verification, and timely monitoring to safeguard consumers as they navigate increasingly international banking possibilities.