Banks in Russia have resumed expanding credit card limits for individual customers for the first time since autumn, according to statistics compiled by the Rating Bureau and reported by RBC. The data show a notable shift in lending activity, reflecting banks’ return to higher ceiling limits amid moderation in overall risk. The average credit line on cards reached 96.6 thousand rubles, a number that has fallen over the previous four months, dipping by 12.2 percent. At the same time banks have quietly pushed up debit card limits, with a rise of 3.4 percent observed in February as part of a broader recalibration of consumer credit products.
Bank issuances indicate robust activity. In February lenders issued 2.08 million new credit cards to individuals, carrying a total credit limit of 200.8 billion rubles. Compared with the prior month, the number of new cards climbed by 5.1 percent, while the total limit increased by 8.6 percent. These figures point to renewed bank willingness to extend credit in a controlled manner, supported by improved risk assessments and ongoing monitoring by credit history agencies. The data, tracked and analyzed by Rating Bureau, help explain the contours of consumer credit demand in a changing macro environment.
Beyond the headline numbers on card limits, observers note broader behavioral trends in household finance. A study based on 2023 data from the Unified Credit Bureau indicates differences in financial behavior across demographics, with women tending to exhibit stronger credit discipline compared to men. Analyses show higher personal credit scores among women, lower overall debt, and fewer late payments, signaling a potential shift in how different segments manage borrowing and repayment. Such insights are relevant for lenders evaluating risk and for policymakers considering consumer credit safeguards and financial inclusion measures.
Meanwhile, a shift in regulatory practices has affected the disclosure of sanctions related data. The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has elongated the period during which banks can decide not to disclose certain sanctions sensitive information, a move that has implications for transparency and for how market participants gauge risk. The evolving regulatory framework continues to shape the information environment surrounding consumer credit, credit bureau reporting, and bank lending strategies as the economy navigates volatility and sanctions pressures.