Getting a loan is often easier than keeping track of the real payments over time. Hidden commissions tend to hide in the loan agreement and in documents published on bank sites, even when the terms seem straightforward. In discussions, lawyer Elena Kuderko raised concerns about how these details remain buried in long text and fine print rather than being clearly disclosed up front.
She explained that even though laws push banks to disclose fees, many charges survive in rule texts, public contracts, and multi‑page documents posted online. Only a fraction of these details might be printed on paper, and even then they often appear in small print that is easy to overlook during the loan process.
According to her assessment, lenders sometimes introduce higher costs for early loan repayment and other unexpected commissions. These charges can surface during routine bank visits when cashing, withdrawing, or making a loan payment. In many cases, banks also include insurance within the loan contract, even when the insurer itself is protected against those risks. In such situations, the insurance becomes another product pushed by the bank rather than a necessity for the borrower.
Additionally, she noted that every loan carries interest that must be paid, which means that promotional offers claiming “0% credit” are typically marketing tactics rather than actual cost-free options. Consequently, applicants should approach any bank loan with caution, recognizing that some level of cost is inevitable and that even seemingly favorable terms can strain a borrower’s monthly budget.
In related coverage, Izvestia referenced a letter from a public institution, Opora Rossii, addressed to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in mid-December. The report indicates that small and medium-sized enterprises are urging authorities to extend the bank fee reimbursement program through the year after 2023 for payments processed via the Fast Payment System (FPS). This move would help businesses manage liquidity and avoid unexpected charges during periods of rapid financial activity.