Karla Barker 
Russian telecom operators are getting ready for the mandatory start of digital ruble payments. MTS, Rostelecom and MegaFon have been preparing their systems ahead of Sept. 1. Vedomosti reported the news. MTS plans to let customers use digital rubles through the My MTS app and its online store. The option will also work wherever MTS Pay is already installed. Rostelecom is finishing technical work with one of Russia’s largest banks, though it did not name the lender. At first, digital ruble payments on Rostelecom’s website will be limited to one-time payments. Recurring payments and automatic top-ups will have to wait until the Bank of Russia’s platform can handle them. MegaFon is also adding the CBDC as a payment option. Beeline operator VimpelCom declined to comment.
Merchants face a deadline
The telecom launch comes just before a legal deadline. From Sept. 1, merchants with revenue above 120 million rubles in the previous year must accept digital ruble payments if they meet banking conditions. This applies to those with an electronic payment acceptance agreement with a significant bank. More businesses will be added in 2027 and 2028. Wildberries and Ozon have also said they will start supporting digital ruble payments. Ozon plans to test it first. Wildberries says its work follows central bank requirements.
No fees for consumers, at least for now
For individuals, digital ruble transfers do not carry a platform fee. Businesses get a temporary zero tariff through the end of 2026. After that, a 0.3% charge up to 1,500 rubles per customer-to-business transfer is planned. People can move up to 300,000 rubles per month from their bank account into a digital ruble account. That limit applies to funding, not the total balance if someone receives digital rubles from others. Transfers back to regular bank accounts are allowed before cash withdrawal. Russia began testing the digital ruble in August 2023 with limited banks and users. The rollout has required big changes in banking systems. Smaller banks raised concerns in 2024 about costs of 120 million to over 200 million rubles to connect. That is why the central bank gave them more time. Universal-license banks join in 2027, and basic-license banks later.
Separate from private crypto rules
The digital ruble is legally different from private cryptocurrencies. Russia is also updating its crypto framework. Sberbank has said it plans to introduce a cryptocurrency wallet and digital asset depository after the new rules take effect. The Bank of Russia has proposed rules for regulated crypto exchanges and depositories, while keeping restrictions on retail investors. Private crypto and stablecoins remain banned for ordinary domestic payments. The digital ruble, by contrast, is issued by the central bank and works as national currency. From Sept. 1, covered merchants can open a digital ruble account at a participating bank and configure payment equipment. Payments can be made using a universal QR code, with funds credited in real time.