Among a large group of Russians surveyed, roughly half expressed a preference for a short-term cash advance of up to 30,000 rubles. The majority would repay the entire sum within a single month. The data indicates that most people use this quick access to funds to manage everyday expenses or sudden financial needs. The survey was conducted by the research firm Robot Seimer and reported by socialbites.ca, reflecting attitudes toward small, rapid-credit products in the current financial landscape.
Other findings show that 43 percent rely on cash advances to cover their day-to-day expenses, while 20.2 percent turn to these loans to handle unforeseen costs. When looking at the top reasons for borrowing, purchases of clothing accounted for 6.2 percent, medical treatment for 5.9 percent, and the repayment of existing loans for 4.5 percent of respondents. These numbers reveal a pattern of using short-term credit as a flexible tool for immediate, predictable expenditures and occasional debt management needs.
Around 39.1 percent of respondents opt for medium-term loans of up to 100,000 rubles with a repayment period of about one year, following a predefined repayment plan. Such microloans help meet ongoing needs, with 21.9 percent using them for current expenses and 15.2 percent for unexpected costs. Beyond daily spending, these loans are frequently chosen for larger purchases or improvements, including acquiring tools or more expensive equipment (11.8 percent), repairing a vehicle (10.1 percent), or renovating an apartment (9.3 percent). The data suggests a spectrum of credit solutions that households in Russia use to balance immediate liquidity with longer-term financial goals.
Another form of credit noted in the study is store-based financing, sometimes offered directly at the point of sale. Approximately one in ten respondents prefer this pay-later option, which allows purchases to be completed in installments and repaid over time rather than in a single payment. This type of financing tends to be attractive for individuals making larger purchases who want to spread the cost, rather than paying upfront in full at the point of sale.
The survey sampled subscribers of the Zaimer community on VKontakte during June 2024, with responses from more than two thousand participants. The results provide a snapshot of consumer credit preferences within a specific online audience, illustrating how people weigh speed, cost, and repayment terms when considering different borrowing options. The findings align with a broader interest in accessible credit that can bridge gaps between paycheck cycles and major expenditures, while also highlighting concerns about repayment commitments and the potential impact on monthly budgets. It is important to note that individual circumstances vary, and the relative appeal of each loan type depends on factors such as interest rates, fees, confirmation requirements, and the stability of income streams. The study also underscores the enduring role of microloans and retailer financing as practical tools for managing everyday financial pressures, even as traditional banks maintain or adjust their lending policies in response to changing economic conditions.