VTB: 94% of Russians have identified their "bank of first choice"

      March 31, 2026 15:07 Economy Survey results* by VTB showed that an absolute majority of Russians (94%) have a bank where they carry out almost all financial transactions. When choosing a primary bank, respondents pay attention to the security of funds, favorable product conditions, and trust in the bank within society.

      For most respondents, the primary bank is the one through which the majority of income and expenses pass (59%), whose app is used most often (64%), where the main part of savings is kept (42%), where there are several different products (41%), and which they trust (34%).

      For a bank to become the primary one for Russians, it must be secure and offer favorable financial conditions (21% each), cashback, and bonuses (18%).

      When choosing a primary bank, Russians primarily focus on a convenient mobile app and internet banking (58%), as well as favorable product conditions (46%). For 45% of respondents, significant influence comes from the habit of using one bank for many years and receiving their salary in that bank. 41% value a wide network of ATMs, 30% – the quality of service and support, and 27% – joint services for the whole family.

      Regional preferences in choosing a primary bank differ among respondents. Convenient mobile apps were most often noted by residents of the Northwest Federal District (67%), favorable product conditions – in the Volga Federal District (55%), habit – by residents of the Far Eastern Federal District (56%), and salary deposits in a specific bank – by the North Caucasian Federal District (58%). A wide network of ATMs is important for residents of Moscow and the Moscow region (45%), service quality – for residents of the Urals (37%), and convenience for the whole family is noted by respondents from the Northwest and the Far East (31% each).

      * The survey was conducted in February 2026 among 1,500 adult residents of large cities. Multiple answer options were available in the survey. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+