数字人民币正式迈入“计息时代” 六大国有行同步落地新规

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of interest-bearing digital RMB wallets by six major state-owned banks in China marks the transition of digital RMB from "digital cash" to "digital deposit currency" starting January 1, 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Digital RMB Wallet Policy - The six major banks will apply interest on personal and corporate wallets (categories 1, 2, and 3) at the current rate of 0.05%, aligning with regular savings account interest rates, while category 4 wallets will not earn interest due to their non-real-name status [2]. - This policy is part of the People's Bank of China's initiative to enhance the management and service system for digital RMB, establishing a new ecosystem for its measurement, management, and operation [2]. Group 2: Digital RMB Usage and Adoption - As of November 2025, digital RMB has processed 3.48 billion transactions with a total transaction value of 16.7 trillion yuan, indicating significant adoption [3]. - The digital RMB app has facilitated the opening of 230 million personal wallets and 18.84 million corporate wallets, with cross-border payment transactions amounting to 387.2 billion yuan, where digital RMB accounts for approximately 95.3% of the total [3]. Group 3: Wallet Opening Process - Users can open digital RMB wallets through various banks, including six major state-owned banks and several joint-stock banks, with pilot programs expanded to multiple provinces and municipalities [6]. - The wallet opening process involves downloading the official app, completing real-name authentication, selecting wallet types, and optionally binding a bank card for transactions [7][9][10].