Starting March 1, 2025, Russia has implemented a significant new system to help its citizens shield themselves from potential fraud related to loans and credit. Officially announced by the Ministry of Digital Development (MinTsifry), the self-ban service allows individuals to voluntarily restrict the issuance of consumer loans and credits through the governmental portal, known as Gosuslugi.
The service aims to provide much-needed protection for Russian consumers against fraud, thereby allowing them to control their financial decisions more effectively. According to MinTsifry, "На Госуслугах заработал сервис по самозапрету на кредиты и займы," which translates to "The self-ban service for loans and credits has been launched on Gosuslugi." This platform is expected to play a pivotal role for many users aiming for secure financial management.
Under this self-ban mechanism, once users submit their request, their credit history will display a special mark indicating the initiated self-ban. This notifies banks and microfinance organizations to deny any new credit requests. Notably, this service is not limited to merely blocking loans; users can also choose to restrict types of loans, such as entirely prohibiting remote loan applications, meaning any loan agreements would necessitate personal visits to the lender's office. The Ministry clarified, "Запрет устанавливается на все потребительские кредиты и займы […] Заключение договора будет возможно только при личном присутствии," or "The ban applies to all consumer loans and credits, and agreements will only be possible through personal presence."
While this new service provides significant safeguards, there are specific exclusions to keep in mind. The self-ban does not apply to certain loan types, such as mortgages, educational loans, and existing credit agreements. This limitation is partly aimed at ensuring those who might need loans for pressing educational and housing requirements are not unduly hindered.” The ministry emphasized the accessibility of lifting the ban, stating, "Снять ограничение можно в любой момент […] так обеспечивается дополнительная защита от мошенников," literally meaning, "You can lift the ban at any time, ensuring additional protection from fraud.”
Users wanting to remove their self-imposed restrictions are required to submit their requests again via Gosuslugi. This process necessitates the use of electronic signatures, which can be generated through the Goskluch app (Госключ). Once the request to remove the ban is made, it will be officially lifted on the second calendar day following the update of their credit history. This advancement offers citizens the ability to quickly adjust their financial boundaries as needed, offering users insights and control over how they manage their credit.
The broader goals of introducing the self-ban law go beyond merely preventing fraud. The legislation also seeks to preserve the financial interests of consumers and reduce the potential for lengthy disputes arising from unsanctioned loans. MinTsifry has declared, "Закон о самозапрете преследует несколько целей: предупреждение мошенничества, сохранение денежных средств […]" or "The self-ban law pursues several goals: to prevent fraud, retain financial resources…" Providing citizens with clarity and options around their financial interactions is at the heart of this initiative.
It is important to note, the self-ban service is just part of broader financial reforms introduced by the Russian government to modernize its banking and finance system. These changes reflect today's increasing need for accountability and consumer protection within financial transactions. By ensuring users can control their credit access, the government is promoting responsible borrowing practices and paving the way for improved financial literacy among the population.
This self-imposed credit restriction service will also be brought to multi-functional centers across Russia, with the aim of making these options even more accessible. While the government aims for these centers to roll out similar capabilities by September 2025, many individuals may find the Gosuslugi portal to be the simplest way to enact their financial safeguards.
Overall, as this new self-ban service takes effect, it promises to empower Russian consumers with the tools they need to make more informed choices about borrowing and spending. Through this initiative, the government shows its commitment to protecting its citizens from financial pitfalls, ensuring they can navigate the economic climate with greater confidence and security.