Starting July 31, Tinkoff Bank will implement a new fee for replenishing Mir cards through ATMs operated by banks that are not part of its partner network. This policy shift was reported by TASS. The bank clarified that top-ups to Mir card accounts from non-partner ATM networks will not count toward the free top-up limit within the current billing period.
In its official notice, Tinkoff also highlighted that its partner roster now includes MKB, VTB, Otkritie, and Post Bank, signaling a growing and interconnected payments ecosystem within Russia. Separately, on July 8, the bank announced a planned cessation of SWIFT remittances in US dollars to Freedom Finance, a Kazakhstan-based institution, effective July 17. Remittances to Freedom Finance will continue in rubles, tenge, and yuan. This move reflects broader shifts in cross-border payment routes for certain Russian institutions as they adapt to evolving sanctions and regulatory environments.
Prior to these developments, Tinkoff Bank had begun charging a 1 percent commission on cash deposits to replenished accounts in dollars and euros. A cap was stated, limiting deposits to a maximum of 1 million rubles per transaction, or the equivalent of 20,000 dollars, euros, or yuan. These measures fit into a wider pattern seen in the Russian banking sector, where many lenders introduced transfer or top-up fees as part of ongoing adjustments to cross-border and domestic payment flows.
In May, a broad move across major Russian banks saw many lenders charging a transfer commission when funds were moved from another bank to a customer’s account. The typical range reported was about 1–2 percent, with at least fifteen large market participants implementing some form of such charges. These changes reflect a broader recalibration of bank fee structures that customers in the region need to understand, especially for those who rely on interbank transfers or international remittance services.
These developments come amid ongoing discussions around monetary policy and potential changes to the key rate, a topic repeatedly touched upon by the central bank in recent months. For residents in Canada and the United States who work with Russian accounts or intermediaries, staying informed about evolving fees, partner networks, and cross-border payment options remains essential, as it can influence the total cost of transfers and the accessibility of funds across borders. The shifts also illustrate how global financial policy dynamics affect everyday banking, even for clients who do not operate in rubles on a daily basis.
Experts note that the banking landscape is continually reshaped by sanctions guidance, regulatory updates, and the strategic realignment of correspondent relationships. For customers and businesses with recurring needs for Mir card operations or cross-border payments, understanding the timing, caps, and partner networks can help in planning costs and choosing the most predictable payment channels. While changes like these may seem technical, they ultimately affect the bottom line for users who manage funds across different currencies and financial systems.
In summary, Tinkoff Bank’s newly imposed fees for non-partner ATM top-ups, the redefinition of its partner network, the suspension of certain international remittance capabilities, and the broader fee trends across the sector together paint a portrait of a banking environment in flux. Consumers should monitor updates from the bank and verify how the available options align with their personal or business financial needs, especially when dealing with Mir card top-ups and cross-border transfers. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of comparing fees, understanding limits, and choosing payment routes that minimize costs while preserving reliability. (TASS attribution)