Sharp Rise in Cash Transactions Across Russia
By April 2026, the share of payments made in cash in Russia had climbed to 30% of all financial transactions. This increase comes against a backdrop of internet disruptions and a higher tax burden. One year earlier, in April 2025, that figure stood at 25%. Data from the first quarter of 2026 also shows a rise to 28%, pointing to a clear upward trend in the use of physical currency nationwide.
Goods and Services Most Often Paid for in Cash
The following categories are among those most frequently settled with cash:
- groceries
- furniture
- automotive products
- repair services
- hotels
- car repair shops
- entertainment centers
In certain sectors, the cash payment share has exceeded 35%, highlighting the continued importance of cash in economic activity.
According to the Central Bank of Russia, the total volume of cash in the Russian economy reached 20.16 trillion rubles in April 2026. Over the course of a single month, the amount of cash in circulation grew by 679 billion rubles—a 3.5% increase. This marks the largest monthly jump since September 2023. Meanwhile, real incomes of Russians rose by only 1.5% in the first quarter of 2026, compared to nearly 7% growth in the same period of 2025. The primary driver of this slowdown was a sharp drop in business income.
The growing reliance on cash in Russia may reflect increasing distrust of electronic payment systems, especially given unstable internet connectivity and higher taxes. It could also stem from declining entrepreneurial earnings, pushing consumers toward cash for everyday expenses. Monitoring these trends is crucial, as they could significantly shape the country’s economic outlook and consumer behavior in the years ahead.
The rising trend in cash transactions may be closely linked to the escalating financial pressures faced by households. As the economic situation deteriorates, Russian household debt has surged to unprecedented levels, indicating a growing reliance on cash for essential purchases. Understanding these interconnected dynamics is essential for grasping the broader implications for consumer behavior and economic stability in Russia.