Recently there has been a notable disruption in payments with Visa and Mastercard in the country. For everyday users, this creates issues when paying for subscriptions and apps through Google Play and the App Store. This guide outlines the alternative methods currently available for making purchases and recharging accounts.
What does the Visa and Mastercard suspension mean?
Visa and Mastercard are the predominant payment networks used by a large portion of Russian cardholders. Cards from these networks are widely accepted in online stores, enable subscriptions to streaming services, purchases of digital games, and many other day-to-day activities. The domestic MIR system cannot yet match this level of acceptance, so some services, such as buying games in the PlayStation Store, may be unavailable even if the store itself returns online. Guidance on buying games for PS Store, Steam, and eShop is provided in this material.
When using iPhone or Android devices, users are registered in the respective stores—App Store or Google Play. While many users download only free applications, paid transactions require linking a bank card. In those cases, charges for subscriptions could be debited automatically and on time before the suspension affected those payments.
Today, linked cards may no longer be read, so alternative payment methods must be explored.
Deposit money directly to your App Store account
This remains one of the simplest options. Sign in to the App Store account and select the option to upgrade the Apple ID. This method relies on Apple Pay, so it only works if a valid payment method is available in the account.
Link a new card and set it as your payment method
Apple has confirmed that Russians are blocked from making in-store payments with a MIR card. This does not necessarily forbid adding foreign cards for online purchases. Open Settings and choose the profile, then select Payment and Shipping to add a payment method. It is possible to use another option here, such as a mobile payment method. If a card from a foreign bank is available, there are generally no issues.
How to deposit money to your App Store account using a mobile phone
From the payment methods section, users can add a new card or a mobile phone as a payment source. At present, Beeline, Megafon, MTS and YOTA support this feature, allowing funds to be debited directly from the mobile balance.
How to deposit money into your App Store account with gift cards
Gift cards can be purchased through YuMoney or Qiwi applications. Some operators also offer gift cards, for example Tele2. After obtaining a card, enter the activation code in the App Store under the profile menu, by selecting Redeem Gift Card.
Methods to replenish a Google Play account are similar but with some differences. The Google Play store did experience a disruption on March 24, 2022. If the issue persists, the methods below remain relevant.
How to deposit money into your Google Play account using a different card or mobile phone
On Android devices, charges can be made from the mobile account. In Settings, go to Payments and subscriptions, then Payment methods and Add carrier. Enter the phone number to add a payment method through a mobile operator. This approach works for Beeline, Megafon, MTS and possibly YOTA users. You can also add a new card in the same menu, with a suggestion to attempt linking MIR as well.
How to deposit money to your Google Play account with Qiwi Wallet
Qiwi is perceived as a reliable option for Russian users today. The wallet can be loaded in multiple ways, including through vending machines in stores. Once a wallet is created in the app, it can be used as a payment method for Google Play purchases.
How to top up your Google Play account with a card that supports two payment systems
Many banks now issue cards that combine MIR and UnionPay. UnionPay is widely accepted in many countries, offering a potential workaround to minimize reliance on Visa and Mastercard. The same approach can be tried in the App Store as well.
How to deposit money to your Google Play account with gift cards
Gift cards are less reliable for Google Play in Russia than for the App Store. They are increasingly difficult to obtain, though accessibility is improving gradually. Some third-party platforms may offer gift cards, but users should exercise caution and assess risk before using such sources.
Source: VG Times