Get a Free MIR Card in Russia - Here's How!

How to Get a Free MIR Card in Russia (No Catch!)

summarizeEditor's Summary

I gotta say, getting a free MIR card in Russia isn't as hard as you'd think. I recently got mine, and I'm here to share the lowdown on how to get one and use it. Plus, I'll give you the inside scoop on what to expect when you're using it abroad.

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Hello there!

Thanks for stopping by!

I've got to say, the 'Pension' card from Sberbank isn't just for pensioners, despite what the bank reps might tell you. I mean, it's no secret they don't want to give away freebies, so I'm guessing there's an order from the top to keep it that way.

Pension Card MIRWhy do I need it?

Let's face it, we're being actively pushed to use the 'MIR' payment system. On the one hand, it's nice to have something of our own, but on the other hand, I'm often abroad, and 'MIR' hasn't exactly taken off there.

But slowly but surely, people are being encouraged to use these cards - for example, direct payments from the Social Insurance Fund are only possible on 'MIR' cards. And soon, benefits and other payments will be announced only on these cards too.

Since I was planning a long maternity leave, and in my region, the rules for direct payments from the Social Insurance Fund had already come into effect, I needed a 'MIR' card. But I wasn't about to give up my Visa card, so I started looking for the cheapest (read: free) option. And in Sberbank, that option was only available with the pension card.

Pension Card MIRI'd heard horror stories about how hard it is to get this card, how they just won't give it to you or make you jump through hoops to get it. None of those options appealed to me, so I was hoping for a freebie.

So, I decided to order the card online from Sberbank. But being the cautious person I am, I sent a question through their chat to confirm that the card would be suitable for maternity benefits and whether I could get it. I'll explain why I did that in a minute. The bank's positive response (which, of course, it would be, since there are no age restrictions in their rules, and pensions come in all shapes and sizes) was just what I needed to show to the bank rep who was trying to tell me I couldn't get the card. And that's exactly what happened. When my card was ready and waiting for me at the bank, I armed myself with my phone and the bank's response, and headed out to pick it up.

Pension Card MIR I'll never forget the look on the bank teller's face when they found my Pension Card MIR and handed it to me. They said, 'Sorry, we can't give you this card, it's only for pensioners, and you're clearly not of retirement age.' I was like, 'Recommended to get the MIR card, but a different one?' They said it would be even more convenient, and I could use it to make contactless payments in stores. The application process was super quick, just hand over your passport. Yeah, right. I pulled out my phone and showed them the screen, where the bank had already approved me for the card. I was like, 'I want this card, not any other one.' The teller was stubborn, but I was too. I asked to call the hotline for a consultation, and she reluctantly agreed. When she came back, she said she'd checked with her supervisor and they'd make an exception and give me the card. But our conversation had already taken a turn for the worse. I was ready for it, though.

Now, about the benefits:

The card is free to get, no fees at all. There's no annual maintenance fee. The SMS notification fee is way lower, almost half the price. Contrary to what the bank teller said, you can actually use the card for contactless payments. You can use the card with mobile payment apps, like Samsung Pay. Online stores like Wildberries, Ozon, and even Aliexpress accept the card without any issues.

Pension Card MIR There are some downsides, though.

First of all, you can't use the card abroad. That's a limitation of the MIR payment system as a whole, not just this card.

Secondly, I've noticed one weird thing with this card - it sometimes doesn't work in the 'Perekrestok' store. I use it through the app, and it usually goes through, but sometimes it fails. One of the cashiers told me it's because of social cards, but I'm not sure if that's true. The fact remains that it doesn't always work in that store. But you can always transfer the money to another card and it'll be fine.

Mir Pension CardVerdict: I've gotta say, the more they push Mir on us, the more I want to get my hands on those sick benefits - sick leave, maternity leave, government payouts, the works. And the best part? You don't have to pay a dime for the Mir Pension Card. Plus, you can still use your regular cards. If you're not planning on traveling abroad, you can just have the Mir card as a backup and not have to pay a thing. And the question of how to deal with Pierrochka is a breeze, and it's all free - on top of the Mir card, you can even open a virtual Visa or Mastercard in the Sber app.

I hope this review was helpful.

Thanks for reading)

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the MIR card, and why do I need it?

The MIR card is a Russian payment card that's designed to be used domestically and internationally. You'll need it to receive direct payments from the Social Insurance Fund and other government agencies.

How do I apply for a MIR card?

You can apply for a MIR card online or in-person at a bank. You'll need to provide some basic identification and proof of address.

Can I use my MIR card abroad?

Yes, you can use your MIR card to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs abroad. However, it's always a good idea to check with your bank first to see if they have any restrictions or fees.

What's the difference between a MIR card and a Visa or Mastercard?

A MIR card is a Russian payment card that's designed to be used domestically and internationally. It's similar to a Visa or Mastercard, but it's not as widely accepted abroad.

Can I load cash onto my MIR card?

Yes, you can load cash onto your MIR card at ATMs or exchange offices. You can also use the card to make online purchases and pay bills.

What are the fees associated with using a MIR card?

The fees associated with using a MIR card are generally pretty low. You'll pay a small fee for international transactions, but that's about it.

Can I use my MIR card to pay bills?

Yes, you can use your MIR card to pay bills online or by phone. Just make sure to check with your service provider first to see if they accept MIR cards.

What's the security like on a MIR card?

The security features on a MIR card are pretty standard. You'll get a PIN and a chip on the card, and you can also set up online banking to monitor your account activity.

Can I cancel my MIR card if I don't like it?

Yes, you can cancel your MIR card if you don't like it. Just contact your bank and they'll help you through the process.

What happens if my MIR card is lost or stolen?

If your MIR card is lost or stolen, you'll need to contact your bank right away to report it. They'll help you cancel the card and issue a new one.

Can I use my MIR card to get cash back?

Yes, you can use your MIR card to get cash back at some merchants. Just check with the merchant first to see if they offer this service.

What's the interest rate on a MIR card?

The interest rate on a MIR card is generally pretty low. You'll pay a small interest rate on your outstanding balance, but that's about it.

check_circlePros

•The application process is super straightforward, and you can do it online or in-person at a bank.
•You don't need to be a pensioner to get a MIR card - it's available to anyone, and it's totally free.
•The card is accepted at most Russian merchants, and you can use it to make online purchases too.
•You can load cash onto the card at ATMs or exchange offices, which is super convenient.
•The MIR card is accepted at many international merchants, especially in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

cancelCons

•The card can be a total letdown if you're traveling abroad, especially to countries where MIR isn't widely accepted.
•Some merchants might not accept the card, even in Russia, so it's always a good idea to check beforehand.
•You'll need to have a Russian bank account to apply for the card, which can be a hassle if you're not a resident.
•The card doesn't offer any rewards or benefits, which is a bummer if you're used to getting something back for your purchases.
•The card's security features can be a bit finicky, especially when making online transactions.