Հայոց Русский

Extra Block Types (EBT) - New Layout Builder experience❗

Extra Block Types (EBT) - styled, customizable block types: Slideshows, Tabs, Cards, Accordions and many others. Built-in settings for background, DOM Box, javascript plugins. Experience the future of layout building today.

Demo EBT modules Download EBT modules

❗Extra Paragraph Types (EPT) - New Paragraphs experience

Extra Paragraph Types (EPT) - analogical paragraph based set of modules.

Demo EPT modules Download EPT modules

Scroll
  1. Home
  2. Articles

Payment systems in Russia

17/04/2025, by Ivan

Shopping without queues, 24 hours a day, all from the comfort of your computer — thanks to the convenience of electronic payments, digital money is becoming increasingly popular. In real time, it can be used to pay for nearly any goods and services: from online games to university tuition. “Time to Live” explains how it works.

National Recognition

Today, 7% of the Russian internet audience (2.24 million people) use digital money to make purchases each month, according to research by the Public Opinion Foundation. Trust in virtual payments is growing. Once viewed as something abstract, e-money is now backed by law. What rights, capabilities, and restrictions does it include? Without verifying your identity with a passport, you can make single payments of up to 15,000 RUB, and spend no more than 40,000 RUB per month. The maximum balance allowed in an e-wallet is 100,000 RUB. However, that’s rarely needed: according to Yandex.Money, the average balance in their wallets is under 100 RUB. What do people buy with e-money? According to QIWI Wallet, the most popular uses are paying fines and fees, online shopping, and loan payments.

How Does It Work?

Paying with e-money is simple and doesn't require special skills. All online purchases follow a similar process. First, register with a payment system (each one has its own network of partner stores), and create a digital wallet. You’ll receive a login and password to access your wallet. It can be funded through terminals, bank cards, prepaid cards, or online banking. Funds are credited instantly and become usable digital currency. You can then spend or withdraw them — converting back to cash or bank funds via exchange services or partner banks. How to choose a system? The wider the payment system’s coverage, the more partner stores it has, and the more opportunities you have for smart shopping. In Russia, the most common platforms are WebMoney (webmoney.ru), Yandex.Money (money.yandex.ru), and QIWI Wallet (qiwi.ru).

Yandex.Money

Yandex.Money is the most widely used digital currency in Russia. Just enter your email and a password — your wallet is ready. Under the “Pay” section, you’ll find a vast list of online stores offering products and services: airline tickets, clothing, insurance, currency exchange, wire transfers, and loan repayments. The system charges a 3% fee. Check the “Discounts and Bonuses” section — you might find up to 50% off in your region. The Yandex.Money “Delayed Payment” feature allows you to schedule payments for when funds are available. If you need to urgently pay for internet or transfer funds, just place the order — the system will automatically process the payment once your wallet is funded. Yandex.Money works on both computers (via web interface) and mobile phones — just install the app from money.yandex.ru.

WebMoney

WebMoney Transfer launched in 1998 and is used worldwide. It supports over 17,000 merchants and works with RUB, BYN, EUR, USD, UAH, and UZS. Each currency requires a separate wallet — typically you create four by default, avoiding currency conversion fees. With WebMoney, you can pay for mobile service, utilities, government services, fines, make transfers, and more. The “Megastock” directory lists all stores that accept WebMoney — from travel and groceries to digital goods and Forex trading. Many stores offer discounts for using WebMoney. Payments can be made through the WM Keeper Classic or WM Keeper Mobile apps, or directly via the browser. WebMoney has a global network of exchange points for converting cash to virtual money (and vice versa), as well as bank and mail transfer options. For example, topping up via Internet Banking incurs a 1% fee, and can be done instantly with the correct 12-digit identifier via e-invoicing.

QIWI Wallet

QIWI Wallet is ideal for everyday services. It supports over 1,600 providers across regions and cities — from utilities to train and movie tickets. Payments can be made via mobile, PC, or one of 100,000+ QIWI terminals nationwide. To create a wallet, go to qiwi.ru, enter your phone number (it becomes your account ID), and enter a captcha. You’ll receive an SMS with a password — and you’re ready to use your wallet.