MOSCOW, March 27. /TASS/. The majority (89%) of Russians use bank cards, according to a survey conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM).
"Today, nine out of ten Russians (89%) use bank cards, in the older age group - seven out of ten (73%). According to self-reporting by Russians, over the past 4-5 years, 57% have started using bank cards more to pay for goods and services, with another quarter reporting no change in use (25%); 7% reported that they started using them less," the statement said.
In the older age group, 25% of respondents say they do not use cards, preferring to use cash. Those who use bank cards mention convenience (78%), financial benefits such as bonuses and ease of payment (25%) and the advantage of going cashless (17%). In addition, people like receiving their salary, payments, pension on them (11%).
More than half (54%) of respondents believe that in the next 20 years cashless payment will completely replace paper money. In the past year, 83% of respondents used some kind of banking products. Most often, this refers to debit cards (57%), money transfers (38%), and credit cards (22%). Another 15% took out loans, 7% - mortgages, 4% - currency operations.
The survey also showed that respondents with low income levels are more likely to use credit cards (25% compared to 19% in the high-income group) and loans for any purpose (21% compared to 14%).
The poll was conducted on March 16, with the participation of 1,600 Russians aged 18 and older.