Starting September 1, 2025, new regulations will introduce a cooling-off period for consumer loans and microloans in Russia. Under the law, loans and microloans ranging from ₽50,000 to ₽200,000 will be accessible only four hours after signing the agreement. For amounts exceeding ₽200,000, funds will become available after 48 hours. During this time frame, borrowers have the right to cancel the loan agreement.
The measure is designed to protect consumers from making loan decisions under fraudulent influence. According to the announcement, “These rules are established by the law, which will help protect people from taking out loans and microloans under the influence of fraudsters.”
Certain types of loans are exempt from these new rules. The cooling-off period does not apply to loans or microloans below ₽50,000 or to mortgage, education, and car loans if funds are transferred directly to a legal entity selling the car. Fast purchases on credit can still occur during an in-person visit to a store or organization.
Additionally, the cooling-off period is not required for loans involving co-borrowers or guarantors or when a borrower’s trusted contact person participates in the process. Loans and microloans issued earlier can be refinanced without delay as long as there is no increase in the outstanding amount.
Further details about these measures and other efforts against credit fraud can be found in the Questions and Answers section on the Bank of Russia’s website.
