The newspaper reports that a growing number of large banks in the Russian Federation began levying commissions on transfers from other banks, typically ranging from 1 to 2 percent of the transaction amount. The publication notes that at least 15 major market players charge these fees, with some observers estimating the number to be higher, possibly reaching 25 institutions. This trend reflects shifting interbank payment dynamics and has implications for corporate treasuries and individual customers who rely on cross-bank remittances. (citation: News)
VTB introduced a transfer commission starting May 1 of this year. The fee stands at 1.25 percent of the transfer amount, with a minimum charge of 30 rubles, a structure that effectively raises the cost of moving funds between banks for many clients. Businesses and individuals who conduct frequent transfers may feel the impact most acutely, as the cumulative effect of small percentages compounds over time. (citation: News)
Since February 2023, Rosbank has imposed a withdrawal fee equal to 1.75 percent of the transaction amount or a minimum of 49 rubles. This adds a separate cost layer when moving money from a card or withdrawing cash via cards, potentially influencing customer behavior around where and how to perform transfers. The change also affects smaller remittance amounts, where the fixed minimum often becomes the controlling factor in the fee calculation. (citation: News)
Gazprombank and Russian Standard are noted for maintaining the lowest payment thresholds among major banks, charging 2 percent with a minimum of 30 and 50 rubles, respectively. Banks like Home Credit Bank have also begun enabling card-to-card transfers through external service providers, allowing monthly transfers up to 50,000 rubles when combined with cash withdrawals from ATMs. This mix of fees and service channels shapes how customers structure their financial activity across institutions. (citation: News)
Historically, from May 1, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation took steps to reduce bank commissions in certain contexts, including management companies and sourcing organizations paying through the Fast Payment System (FPS). These adjustments lowered some costs for intermediation, signaling regulatory interest in easing transfer expenses for consumers and businesses in specific scenarios. The evolving policy environment continues to influence how banks price cross-border and domestic transfers, and how customers respond to these pricing structures. (citation: News)