Due to sanctions restrictions

 

, Russian banks no longer issue VISA and MasterCard cards, which complicates the ability to make international

payments, book services abroad and use popular foreign services. 

 

Nevertheless, the demand for cards of these payment systems remains high among entrepreneurs, freelancers, and

travelers. In this article, we will consider whether there are ways to continue issuing VISA and MasterCard cards for

residents of Russia.

Possibilities of payment systems VISA and MasterCard

 

VISA and MasterCard are the two largest international payment systems, providing convenient and secure payments

all over the world. Their cards are accepted in millions of retail outlets, online stores and services, and also allow you to

withdraw cash from ATMs in almost any country. 

Both brands support contactless payment technologies, including Apple Pay and Google Pay in countries where these services are available. In addition, cards can be linked to popular international financial platforms such as PayPal and Stripe , which is especially important for entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Although VISA and MasterCard are functionally similar, b2b email list there are some differences between them. Traditionally, VISA cards are better supported in North America, while MasterCard is more often preferred in Europe. The difference can also manifest itself in exchange rates and fees, which depend not only on the payment system, but also on the specific issuing bank. 

Both options offer various bonus programs, cashback, insurance and discounts from partners, which makes them a convenient tool for international payments. Today, VISA cards are accepted in more than 200 countries and support over 160 currencies, and MasterCard is available in more than 210 countries, offering a wide range of tariff plans – from standard debit cards to premium solutions.

Restrictions for Russian citizensRussian banks stopped working

In 2022, due to the sanctions imposed, VISA and MasterCard suspended their operations in Russia. Cards issued by Russian banks stopped working outside the country and were also disconnected from international services. This created significant difficulties for those who used these cards to make purchases abroad, book hotels, pay for subscriptions to foreign services, and conduct business.

In the face of such restrictions, Russia began to actively develop the national payment system MIR . These cards operate within the country and are supported in a number of foreign countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and Cuba, but their international use remains limited. 

UnionPay cards , a Chinese payment system accepted in how to effectively manage and promote over 180 countries, have also begun to be offered as an alternative . Some Russian banks have begun to issue co-branded MIR-UnionPay cards, allowing them to be used both in Russia and abroad. However, due to fears of secondary sanctions, many foreign banks and services have begun to restrict work with Russian UnionPay cards, which has reduced their availability.

Can Russians use VISA and MasterCard cards in 2025?Russian banks stopped working

Despite the remaining restrictions, Russians still have the opportunity to use VISA and MasterCard cards. The solution is to issue cards from foreign banks, mainly from the CIS countries and Turkey , which continue to issue cards of international payment systems for non-residents.

There are two ways to open such a card: by personally slovakia business directory visiting a bank branch in another country or remotely using specialized services, such as Easy Payments , which help you go through the registration process online. This requires a minimum package of documents – a foreign passport, in some cases a power of attorney and additional documents at the bank’s request. After successful registration, the card can be delivered right to your door.