The economist named the reasons for the reduction of credit limits in banks

The reduction of credit limits in banks is due to the mandatory reservation of funds for the entire approved limit on the card, even if the client does not use it. This was announced to Izvestia on September 23 by Fyodor Sidorov, a private investor and founder of the School of Practical Investment.

According to him, according to the National Bureau of Credit Histories (NBKI), the average limit on new cards in August 2025 was 104.5 thousand rubles, which is 9.6% less compared to the same period last year. The reduction in limits primarily affected dormant cards, whose owners do not use credit facilities, but are limited only by the grace period.

"First of all, users who do not bring income to the bank fall under the reduction: they never go beyond the interest-free period, receive cashback, but do not use other bank services. According to experts, about 26% of all credit card holders have such clients. Banks can no longer afford to "support" unprofitable customers with high interest rates and strict reserve requirements of the Central Bank," the expert said.

Sidorov drew attention to the fact that although the situation is related to the total debt burden of Russians, which averages 34% of their income, this does not mean that lending has stopped. On the contrary, banks have become more selective, and active customers with a good credit history and extensive use of banking products can count on improved conditions. The situation has been stabilizing for several quarters, but at a new level of requirements for borrowers.

"In order to maintain credit opportunities, you need to use several banking services at the same time — replenish a deposit, make transfers, and periodically use a loan with interest payments. The market is adapting to the new conditions, and in a few quarters the situation will stabilize, but at a new level of requirements for borrowers," the economist concluded.

Major Russian banks have begun to massively reduce credit card limits, Izvestia reports. Complaints from VTB, Postbank, and Renaissance Bank customers show that the limits are reset suddenly, without prior notice or explanation. In some cases, the cards were blocked after the limit was changed, which made it difficult to pay even for daily expenses, despite compliance with all the bank's conditions.

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