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Starting in 2026, the digital ruble becomes the third form of national currency alongside cash and non-cash money. For some companies, accepting digital rubles will become mandatory, although payment will remain voluntary for buyers. The account is opened on the Bank of Russia platform, and a company can have only one such account.
The digital ruble is intended exclusively for settlements and transfers. It is not possible to open a deposit or obtain a loan in digital rubles.
The digital ruble is intended exclusively for settlements and transfers. It is not possible to open a deposit or obtain a loan in digital rubles.
Timeline for the Mandatory Requirement
The obligation to accept the digital ruble is being introduced in stages, depending on the company's revenue and its relationships with banks.
From September 1, 2026 — for companies with revenue exceeding 120 million rubles for 2025 that have an acquiring agreement with a significant bank as of January 1, 2026.
From September 1, 2027 — for companies with revenue exceeding 30 million rubles that are clients of a significant bank or a bank with a universal license under an electronic payment service agreement as of January 1, 2026.
From September 1, 2028 — for other sellers with revenue from 20 million rubles.
Individual entrepreneurs will not be able to open a digital ruble account at the first stage — the rule applies only to legal entities.
From September 1, 2026 — for companies with revenue exceeding 120 million rubles for 2025 that have an acquiring agreement with a significant bank as of January 1, 2026.
From September 1, 2027 — for companies with revenue exceeding 30 million rubles that are clients of a significant bank or a bank with a universal license under an electronic payment service agreement as of January 1, 2026.
From September 1, 2028 — for other sellers with revenue from 20 million rubles.
Individual entrepreneurs will not be able to open a digital ruble account at the first stage — the rule applies only to legal entities.
Who Is Exempt
The following are exempt from the mandatory acceptance of the digital ruble:
- companies with annual revenue of less than 20 million rubles;
- individual points of sale with revenue up to 5 million rubles per year, even if the company's total revenue is higher;
- points of sale without internet access;
- companies working exclusively with legal entities (B2B) that do not sell goods to citizens for personal needs.
Preparation Checklist Before September 1, 2026
- Check your status. Verify your 2025 revenue, confirm you have an acquiring agreement with a significant bank as of January 1, 2026, and confirm you work with individuals.
- Contact your bank. Clarify connection to the Bank of Russia platform. A grace period without commissions is in effect until the end of 2026.
- Audit your equipment. Request a software update from your cash register supplier. If you already work with the Faster Payment System (SBP), a new terminal is usually not required.
- Set up accounting. Check how digital ruble payments will be reflected in your accounting and whether system modifications are needed.
- Run a test. Make a test payment, check transaction statuses, and train employees on the new workflow.
There is no need to wait until the deadline: setup can begin as soon as the bank connection is established.
Risks of Not Accepting the Digital Ruble
If a company falls under the requirement but has not set up acceptance of the digital ruble, it will not be able to process legal payments using this method. For each case of refusal, fines are imposed under Part 4 of Article 14.8 of the Code of Administrative Offenses:
- for officials — from 15,000 to 30,000 rubles;
- for legal entities — from 30,000 to 50,000 rubles.
How Acsour Can Help Your Business
- Advise on connecting to the digital ruble platform.
- Audit your revenue and bank agreements to determine whether you fall under the mandatory requirement.
- Help set up accounting for digital ruble transactions.
- Provide full accounting and tax support in line with legislative changes.
Learn more about Acsour's Accounting and Taxation of Cryptocurrency Mining services.
Submit a request — our experts will help prepare you for the changes.
We will also cover the new regulation of crypto exchange operators and a practical model for a compliant crypto business at the Acsour webinar. Registration is open until September 25, 2026. Spaces are limited.
