The outlook for using Mir payment system cards overseas remains cautious, with warnings that the challenging situation facing Armenian banks could reemerge in other markets. This view was shared by Timur Aitov, who chairs the financial security commission of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, during a discussion with a media outlet. As of late March, many Armenian ATMs have halted operations, signaling a strain on cross-border card use. Credit: RBC.
There is no simple forecast about which country might impose new restrictions. The choice to drop Mir support depends on multiple factors, with geopolitics playing a prominent role. Some Russians have already secured cards from allied nations, while others rely on third-party service providers who deploy payment terminals at travel hubs and major accommodations, including airports, train stations, and large hotels. These observations point to a pattern some observers call adaptive use in the face of sanctions. Credit: RBC.
The expert noted that the terminals in question connect directly to Russian banks that issue these cards. He added that Russian financial institutions maintain representative offices in several foreign jurisdictions, and those branches continue to process Mir cards and provide service to holders abroad. Credit: RBC.
For Mir cardholders, the complications could extend beyond everyday purchases to cross-border transfers. Foreign banks act as a vulnerable link in sanction environments, often opting for caution and risk aversion. Legal entities face the most immediate pressure, and while some tools have been proposed to bypass restrictions, including certain digital assets, the overall risk landscape remains challenging. Credit: RBC.
Recent updates indicate that the use of Mir cards with Armenian banks has been under scrutiny as of March 30. The National Payment Card System, represented in some public briefings, has stated that there is no blanket ban on Mir card activity with Armenian financial institutions. Credit: RBC.
Earlier assessments suggested that a revision of international agreements on Mir card acceptance could occur in response to ongoing sanctions. In the broader context, this signaling underscores the ongoing uncertainty faced by users and businesses that rely on the Mir payment system when operating across borders. Credit: RBC.