In 2026, Russian courts increasingly require banks to return to borrowers the money paid to reduce the interest on the loan. The banks charged these fees for changing the terms of the loan. Lawyers point out: the interest rate is an essential condition in the contract, and not a separate service that can be sold in addition to the client.
It is this approach that allows the courts to see the rate reduction fee as hidden interest and a violation of consumer rights. Officially, the borrower expects to lower the cost of the loan, but to access a more favorable rate, he must first pay the bank. Some of the expected savings become additional expenses.
Back in April 2024, the Central Bank of Russia advised credit institutions to abandon this practice. Despite this, disputes continue to reach court, and decisions on the return of fees are made more often. The key question for the borrower is now not only the size of the guaranteed rate, but also the legality of the fee for changing it.