Debit cards for foreigners in 2024

Debit cards for foreign citizens in 2024

Currently, debit cards for foreign citizens can be issued in only two Russian banks: Tinkoff and Sberbank. We have prepared detailed descriptions of the terms for cards from both credit institutions.

T-Bank 'Tinkoff Black'

The maintenance fee for such a card is 99 RUB per month. It can be free if at least one of the following conditions is met:

• with a total minimum balance across Tinkoff accounts starting from 50,000 RUB;
• if a loan has been issued to this card account;
• using card tariff 6.2.

The advantage of the card is that it can be opened in one of 27 currencies. In addition, the cardholder can open accounts in the required currencies and switch between them as needed.

Another plus of the Tinkoff Black card is profitable cashback. The bank awards from 1% to 15% for purchases in selected categories and from 3% to 30% for purchases at Tinkoff partner stores.

In addition, the card's maintenance terms provide for interest on the balance. The holder can receive up to 5% per annum on account yield for a balance starting from 300,000 RUB.

Sberbank "SberCard for Foreigners"

The maintenance cost of the "SberCard for Foreigners" is 150 RUB per month. It can be free if at least one of the following conditions is met:

• make purchases totaling at least 5,000 RUB per month;
• receive your salary or social benefits on the card;
• pay for the SberPrime Start, SberPrime, or SberPrime+ subscription.

By paying with a debit card, the holder can receive up to 10% of the amount spent on standard purchases, as well as up to 70% for purchases at Sberbank partner stores.

To sum up. The terms for both debit cards are practically identical. The only difference is that Tinkoff Black can be issued in one of 27 currencies, while the SberCard is only in rubles. In addition, Tinkoff Bank accrues a small interest on the card account balance.