VTB Kazakhstan Introduces Mir Cards in Plastic Form
A VTB subsidiary bank in Kazakhstan has begun issuing plastic cards for the Russian payment system Mir. This move follows the earlier introduction of Mir digital maps last December, with the bank now expanding to plastic cards, according to the press office of the bank.
The financial institution announced that VTB Kazakhstan will service both its own Mir cards and foreign Mir cards. This means customers can withdraw cash from Mir cards without a limit on the number of transactions, ensuring smoother access to funds for holders regardless of card origin. The development is part of a broader push to expand Mir acceptance across regions and institutions in Central Asia and nearby markets.
Additional capabilities accompany the plastic Mir cards. Cardholders will be able to receive transfers from Mir cards issued by any foreign bank, make online purchases through Russian services, and pay using the VTB KZ Online mobile application. These features are designed to integrate Mir more deeply into everyday financial activity for residents and travelers in Kazakhstan.
In related developments, there have been reports regarding preparations for extending Mir to other markets. A former Russian ambassador to Havana has indicated that work toward launching the Mir payment system in Cuba is nearing completion, signaling ongoing expansion beyond Russia and the CIS. This context helps explain the broader trend of Mir adoption in various regions.
Mir cards currently enjoy acceptance in Abkhazia, Armenia, Belarus, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, South Korea, and South Ossetia. The expansion into plastic cards in Kazakhstan aligns with Mir’s strategy to broaden cardholder accessibility and improve cross-border usability for both residents and international visitors. This broader footprint reflects ongoing partnerships and negotiations across banks and payment networks in Eurasia.