Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Mainfin Bank –
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Image: mainfin.ru
Why won't the Central Bank of the Russian Federation limit acquiring fees?
The Bank of Russia sees no reason to limit fees for acquiring services. The regulator conducted a study and concluded that the measure does not improve the structure of the payments market or affect prices for end consumers. Therefore, even with the restrictions in place, price reductions in stores are not expected.
"The Bank of Russia will continue to develop payment services and instruments, creating conditions for fair competition and reducing the cost of banking services," the regulator noted.
Another reason for abandoning the fee cap is that such a measure would only redistribute income from banks to small businesses. As a reminder, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation has previously capped banking service fees: in 2020 amid the pandemic and in 2022 due to the onset of the economic crisis.
What is the reason for the increase in the cost of banking services in 2026?
Discussion about supporting small businesses by limiting acquiring fees began in January 2026, prompted by the implementation of tax reform, which primarily impacted small and medium-sized businesses. Thus, the authorities introduced the following measures:
The limits for the preferential tax regimes of the simplified tax system (STS) and patent tax system (PTS) have been revised; the VAT rate has been increased from 20% to 22%; the VAT exemption for banking operations has been abolished; and taxation has been introduced for banking operations and services, including account maintenance, card issuance, PIN code changes, etc.
Tighter taxation conditions have already led some entrepreneurs to abandon their operations, while others have begun raising prices. As a result, the changes could trigger a new round of inflation and prompt the Central Bank of Russia to return to its policy of raising the key interest rate.
09:00 02/03/2026
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