A majority of Russians think that transfers between bank accounts held at different institutions should come with no charges, regardless of the transfer size. This view comes from a study conducted by the NAFI analytical center, which surveyed a broad cross section of the population to understand attitudes toward interbank fund movements. The research sheds light on public expectations about free middleman services and how people imagine the costs tied to moving money between banks.
According to the same study, 29% of respondents find the idea of a free commission limit acceptable for transfers up to 1.4 million rubles between their own accounts held in different banks. The poll involved 1,600 adults from across all regions of the Russian Federation, providing a snapshot of opinions on what constitutes reasonable limits for self-directed transfers within the banking system. These figures illuminate a divide between smaller, everyday transfers and larger movements that people may want to perform without fees.
The survey also reveals that nearly half of Russians, 49%, report facing a commission when transferring funds between their accounts in different banks. About 11% of respondents transfer funds between banks on a regular basis, while a little over one third, 38%, encounter commissions only occasionally. These patterns point to a varied experience with interbank transfers, shaped by factors such as the banks used, the type of transfer, and the account arrangements people hold with multiple financial institutions.
Beyond the question of fees, the study highlights how common self-initiated transfers are. A striking 91% of Russians have practical experience moving money between their cards or accounts, and for many, performing transfers within the self-directed framework is a routine practice rather than a rare event. This prevalence underscores the importance of understanding fee structures and policy design from both consumer and system perspectives.
Earlier reporting from the Central Bank noted the official position on the transfer limits between citizens’ accounts in different banks. The central bank did not propose reducing the free transfer threshold below 1.4 million rubles. This stance was communicated by the head of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, Elvira Nabiullina, and it has been interpreted as a policy choice aimed at balancing accessibility with the integrity of the payment system. The public record of these remarks informs ongoing discussions about how best to structure fees and limits in a way that serves ordinary users while maintaining financial stability, and it continues to influence debates among regulators, banks, and consumers alike. [citation: Central Bank statements and NAFI analysis]