In August, test payments using the digital ruble were launched in Russia. Although it cannot be considered a cryptocurrency, nevertheless, the bet is on functionality that ordinary money lacks, but cryptocurrency has.
   A PSB client working in the field of online education opened an electronic wallet, created a QR code and handed it to the buyer for subsequent payment for services, which was successful.
   The entrepreneur was also able to exchange digital rubles for non-cash rubles and back in the PSB mobile application, and performed a b2c operation in digital rubles. Transactions to pay for purchases with a QR code will be charged at a lower rate of 0.3%, which is significantly lower than the current acquiring tariffs.

   VTB Bank conducted pilot operations with the digital ruble in a mobile application
On the first day, the focus group participants from among the bank's employees tested operations for opening accounts in digital rubles and transfers between individuals

   The first stage of testing real operations with digital rubles started on August 15,

   On the first day, the focus group participants from among the bank's employees tested operations for opening accounts in digital rubles, transfers between individuals, as well as operations for paying with digital rubles for goods and services using a QR code.

   At the first stage, wallets for banks, citizens and businesses will be registered, transfers between individuals will be tested. Companies from 11 cities of Russia will join the testing. The digital national currency platform has already been put into commercial operation, it is fully ready for operations,
   The first groups of clients who will participate in the pilot testing of the digital ruble from August 15 have already been selected, their number will be about 600 people.
   Mass introduction of the digital ruble in Russia is possible from the beginning of 2025. Testing of the digital ruble will begin with basic operations, in 2024 they will be expanded to other operations, in particular, contactless payments using NFC technology.