Money is close: how the villages of Tatarstan are solving the problem with ATMs

      In Tatarstan, efforts continue to address the issue of financial accessibility for residents of remote villages and settlements. In areas without ATMs and bank branches, mobile offices on wheels operate, and the "cash at the checkout" service is offered by one and a half thousand stores and gas stations. Special offices have also appeared in cultural centers and libraries—equipped with computers where one can pay taxes, request certificates, or learn financial literacy.

      For a city dweller, withdrawing money from a card or transferring it to another account is a matter of a couple of minutes. There is an ATM nearby, a bank branch, or a terminal in any supermarket. But what about those living in a small village a hundred kilometers from the city? There is neither an office, nor an ATM, nor even a checkout in a store where cash could be obtained. Tatarstan has been addressing this problem for several years now, and judging by the numbers, successfully. As of January 1, 2026, mobile bank offices were servicing 199 villages in the republic. These are specially equipped vehicles that arrive in settlements strictly according to a schedule—once a week or once every two weeks. The armored vehicle stops in the village center, and local residents can access almost all services as in a real bank branch. Open a deposit, transfer money, consult with a specialist. This is especially important for pensioners who prefer personal interaction.

      However, mobile offices are not the only solution. The "cash at the checkout" service is actively developing in Tatarstan. Its essence is simple: a person buys a product in a store or gas station and asks the cashier to give them the required amount in addition to the purchase price. The money is deducted from the bank card, and the buyer receives it in cash. Convenient, quick, and without a fee. Especially for those who do not have an ATM nearby.

      According to data from early 2026, the "cash at the checkout" service was provided by 1,600 retail outlets in the republic. One in five of them is located in rural areas. Over the past year, residents of Tatarstan conducted more than 900,000 such transactions. The average amount withdrawn at a time was 2,300 rubles. The numbers speak for themselves: the service is in demand, and people actively use it.

      The payment infrastructure is also expanding. As of early 2026, Tatarstan had 139,000 terminals for cashless payments. Their number increased by 8 percent over the year. This means that it is possible to pay by card in an increasing number of stores, cafes, and gas stations, including those in rural areas.

      Rural financial accessibility offices deserve special attention. Last year, seven of the first such spaces opened in Tatarstan. They are located in small settlements—in cultural centers and libraries. The locations were chosen deliberately: local residents visit them most often. The offices are equipped with computers with constant internet access. What can be done with their help? Pay utility bills and taxes online. Access the "Gosuslugi" portal and request the necessary certificate. Arrange insurance or impose a self-ban on loans. Sign up for an appointment at the Multifunctional Center. Additionally, connect to free online financial literacy lessons from the Bank of Russia or read useful materials on the educational portal "Financial Culture."

      An important point of security. All computers in such offices are protected by special software. It only grants access to verified resources. A person who does not feel very confident on the internet can rest assured that they will not end up on a fraudulent site. This is especially relevant for elderly people who often become victims of fraudsters.

      Mарат Шарифуллин, the manager of the National Bank branch for the Republic of Tatarstan, emphasized that work to improve financial accessibility in rural areas will continue. The goal is for every person, regardless of their place of residence, to have equal opportunities to use modern financial services. Without queues, without trips to the district center, without unnecessary stress. Tatarstan understands this and is doing everything to ensure that villages do not feel cut off from the world.

      Diana Salikhzanova