In the first half of 2025, Russian pawnshops issued loans totaling 190 billion rubles. The number of borrowers increased by 12% compared to the same period last year, driven by an influx of new customers. Repeat clients also used pawnshop services more often, with the average number of outstanding loans per borrower rising from 1.8 to 2 agreements over six months.
Following the expiration of a moratorium on using the effective interest rate (EIR) for consumer loans and microloans, interest rates on pawnshop loans fell in the second quarter of 2025. About 75% of new microloans had an EIR not exceeding 100% per annum. According to the Bank of Russia, “The moderate interest rate allows customers to repay their loans themselves and have their pawned items back.” Loan repayment data shows that one third are paid off early, a quarter are settled when due, and only 15% end with collateral being sold.
Pawnshops continue to monitor both customer profiles and collateral portfolios closely. They refuse loan applications if there is suspicion that a customer does not own the pledged item, doubts about its authenticity arise, or if required documents are missing.
Further information can be found in the publication Pawnshop Market Trends in 2025 H1.
