Revolut Blocks Top-Ups from Central Asian Bank Cards for EU-Based Users

Russian citizens residing in the European Union have reported being unable to top up their Revolut accounts using bank cards issued in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. According to Oninvest, at least five individuals encountered the same issue, with Revolut rejecting the transfers and stating that the cards used are “no longer supported.” Revolut’s customer support confirmed that as of December 1, the bank no longer processes top-ups from cards issued in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan for users living in EU member states. The restriction is not temporary; the bank said similar transactions will not be accepted going forward. Notably, none of the banks in question are subject to international sanctions. Revolut attributed the change to internal policies and updated compliance requirements from international payment systems. These systems have reportedly classified Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan as high-risk jurisdictions for card-based top-up operations. The bank emphasized that the decision was mandated by its payment partners, not initiated by Revolut itself. Users also reported that top-up attempts through mobile apps of Central Asian banks resulted in error messages. However, Revolut advised that alternative methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and international bank transfers, remain available. Some customers based in France received a notification from Revolut stating that the platform will no longer accept card transfers from 52 countries. The list includes several countries where Russians relocated after 2022, such as Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Serbia, and the UAE, as well as popular travel destinations like Thailand and Vietnam.

Three Banks in Kazakhstan Resume Issuing Cards to Non-Residents

The Kazakh banks Halyk Bank, Kaspi Bank, and VTB Bank have resumed issuing payment cards to non-residents. According to official statements from the banks, Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank now allow non-residents to open accounts under certain conditions. Halyk Bank requires a residence permit, while Kaspi Bank offers its Kaspi Gold card to citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and foreigners with a residence permit in Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, VTB Bank (Kazakhstan) has resumed issuing Mir payment system cards to non-residents. The bank has adjusted its procedures to comply with new regulatory requirements, setting a standard validity period of 12 months. However, diplomats and non-resident investors are eligible for extended card validity of up to three years. Other banks, including Eurasian Bank, Nurbank, and Home Credit Bank, have yet to resume card issuance for non-residents after previously suspending the service. Earlier, Kazakhstan’s Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARFM) introduced restrictions on the validity period of payment cards for non-residents and limited the number of cards that a single individual can obtain.  However, exemptions apply to entrepreneurs, diplomats, and investors. As of January 1, 2025, Halyk Bank remains the largest bank in Kazakhstan by assets, followed by Kaspi Bank in second place. VTB Bank ranks 19th out of 21 financial institutions in the country.