MOSCOW, December 8 The Bank of Russia intends to continue piloting the digital ruble at least until the end of 2024, and maybe longer if necessary, with all operations for the population will be free, the regulator’s press service reported.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov earlier on Friday expressed confidence that next year everyone will be able to try opening a digital wallet to pay in digital rubles.
«»Currently, a pilot is underway on real digital rubles with a limited number of clients. This is a circle of employees of the Bank of Russia and clients of 13 banks. Next year the number of participants will expand, but will still remain limited. The pilot will continue at least until the end of 2024 and, if necessary, will be extended Only after the completion of the pilot will the digital ruble be introduced into mass circulation,” the regulator said.
The Central Bank also recalled that back in August it approved tariffs for transactions with digital rubles: any transactions with them for citizens (opening and replenishing digital wallets, paying for purchases and services, as well as transfers) will be carried out free of charge.
«Free transfers of digital rubles for any amount is one of the main advantages of the national digital currency. This will allow citizens not to depend on the conditions and limits that banks set for their transfers. In this case, the person will choose what to use – cash, non-cash or digital money – depending on your desire,” the Central Bank said.
At the same time, for businesses, fees for accepting payments in digital rubles will be minimal — 0.3%. This is several times less than the commission for accepting payments by card, and even lower than the commission of the fast payment system, the regulator concluded.