Cryptocurrency transactions are becoming a viable alternative to traditional electronic payments and Russia is no exception to the trend. Recently conducted surveys indicate that a large number of Russians have already started using digital coins for online purchases and many others are willing to try.
Also read: Russians to Be Allowed ICO Investments up to $9,000 per Year
Crypto Payments Among Preferred Cashless Methods
A poll conducted among 924 residents of the Russian Federation on the eve of the Christmas holidays shows that 13 percent of Russians use cryptocurrencies to pay for items they buy on the internet. That may not sound like a lot, but the results of the survey, which covers the full range of cashless payment methods, also demonstrate there is more ground to be conquered.
For example, 18 percent of respondents said they are using peer-to-peer mobile payment systems and 38 percent are regularly making payments through contactless applications such as Paypass, Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay, Forklog reported.
Another 48 percent have a mobile bank account and 56 percent prefer alternative nonbank payment systems. 76 percent have stated they use electronic wallets to buy goods and services. That means many of the participants in the study are well acquainted with a number of digital payment methods and could easily switch to cryptocurrency-based platforms in the future.
The majority of the respondents have confirmed they often pay with debit and credit cards or through direct bank transfers, as is the case in any country with a developed traditional banking system. Almost half of those questioned in the poll, which was ordered by Kaspersky Lab, admitted they are uneasy about online payments in general because they don’t feel their funds are safe.
