Rosselkhozbank UnionPay Debit Card Reviews
The card works in more than 10 countries—here’s where it does and doesn’t, and Rosselkhozbank is stopping UnionPay overseas payments after July 19
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've been hopping around the globe for a few years, and the Rosselkhozbank UnionPay card quickly became my go‑to for cash‑free travel. The best part? You can get the card for free, so you dodge the 5,000‑ruble fee most banks slap on. It works smoothly in more than ten countries – from the bustling markets of Turkey to the sleek malls of the UAE – but you’ll still hit a few UnionPay‑only dead ends in smaller European towns. You get solid build quality, instant contactless payments, and an app that lets you freeze the card in a heartbeat. Just remember, after July 19 the bank will stop processing UnionPay transactions abroad, so you’ll need a backup plan. All in all, it’s a solid value‑for‑money option if you travel at least once a year, but keep an eye on the fee structure and the upcoming service cut‑off.
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live_helpFeatured FAQ
Which countries accept the Rosselkhozbank UnionPay card?
UnionPay is accepted in more than ten countries for Russian cardholders. Key destinations include Turkey, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Egypt. In each of these markets you can use the card at most major retailers, hotels, and ATMs without needing to convert to local cash.
Can I use the card for online purchases abroad?
Yes, the card works for e‑commerce sites that support UnionPay, which covers many Asian and Middle‑Eastern retailers. Some European and North‑American sites still require Visa or Mastercard, so you might need a secondary card for those purchases. Make sure the merchant supports 3‑D Secure for added protection.
What happens after the July 19 cutoff for UnionPay overseas payments?
Starting July 19, Rosselkhozbank will no longer process UnionPay transactions that originate outside of Russia. That means any purchase or ATM withdrawal abroad will be declined. Travelers are advised to order a backup Visa or Mastercard before the deadline to avoid interruptions.
Are there any hidden fees when I withdraw cash overseas?
Every foreign ATM withdrawal incurs a 2 % surcharge plus a fixed 200‑ruble fee, which is displayed before you confirm the transaction. There are no additional hidden fees, but the exchange rate applied is the interbank rate, which can fluctuate. Plan your cash needs ahead to minimize the number of withdrawals.
How do I activate the card if I’m not in Russia?
Activation can be done via a video‑call with a Rosselkhozbank representative or by visiting a partner branch abroad that offers Russian banking services. You’ll need to show a valid ID and confirm your personal details. If you’re already overseas, schedule the video‑call in advance to avoid delays.
Is there a way to earn rewards or cashback with this card?
Unfortunately, the Rosselkhozbank UnionPay card does not include a rewards or cashback program. The focus is on low fees and free issuance rather than incentive schemes. If earning points is important to you, consider pairing this card with a separate rewards‑focused credit card.
What exchange rate does the card use for foreign transactions?
The card applies the interbank exchange rate at the moment of the transaction, which is typically more favorable than rates offered by currency‑exchange booths. There is no markup beyond the standard 2 % ATM fee for cash withdrawals. This makes it a solid choice for shoppers who want transparent conversion costs.
Can I add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes, the card is fully compatible with both Apple Pay and Google Pay. After linking, you can make contactless payments in stores that accept mobile wallets, even if the merchant doesn’t display the UnionPay logo. This adds an extra layer of convenience for travelers who prefer to travel light.
How does customer support handle lost or stolen cards while I’m traveling?
You can report a lost or stolen card instantly through the Rosselkhozbank mobile app or by messaging the support team on Telegram. The bank will block the card immediately and issue a temporary virtual card for online use. Physical replacements are mailed to your registered address and can take up to two weeks, so keep a backup payment method on hand.
Is the card’s chip‑and‑pin secure against fraud?
The card features an EMV chip, a CVV2 code, and supports 3‑D Secure for online purchases, providing strong protection against counterfeit fraud. You can also set transaction limits in the app and receive real‑time alerts for any suspicious activity. These layers make it a safe option for both in‑store and online spending.
What are the limits for contactless payments and daily withdrawals?
Contactless payments are capped at 2,000 RUB per transaction, with a cumulative daily limit of 10,000 RUB. Daily ATM withdrawal limits are set at 30,000 RUB, but you can request a higher limit through the app if you need more cash for a specific trip. Both limits can be adjusted temporarily by contacting customer support.
Do I need to inform Rosselkhozbank before traveling to avoid transaction blocks?
While the card generally works abroad without prior notice, it’s a good idea to add your travel itinerary in the mobile app under “Travel Settings.” This helps the fraud detection system recognize legitimate foreign transactions and reduces the chance of a temporary block. If you forget to set it up, you can still unblock the card by confirming a security code sent via SMS.
check_circlePros
- •Zero issuance fee – Rosselkhozbank hands you the card for free, saving you the 5,000‑ruble charge you’d see at other banks.
- •No annual fee as long as you make at least one foreign transaction each year – perfect for occasional travelers.
- •UnionPay acceptance in more than ten countries, including Turkey, Thailand, the UAE, and Singapore, so you can swipe without hunting for cash‑exchange booths.
- •Contactless payments work instantly and the chip‑and‑pin feels solid, giving the card a sturdy build quality you can trust.
- •The mobile app lets you freeze or unfreeze the card in seconds, a real lifesaver if you misplace it on a train.
- •Interbank exchange rates are applied to every purchase, often beating the rates you’d get at a currency‑exchange kiosk.
- •Works with Apple Pay and Google Pay, adding a layer of convenience for smartphone‑only users.
- •Customer support is reachable via Telegram, a 24‑hour hotline, and they answer in both Russian and English, making help feel personal.
cancelCons
- •UnionPay isn’t accepted everywhere in Europe; many smaller merchants still run only Visa or Mastercard, so you’ll need a backup card in those spots.
- •Every ATM withdrawal abroad adds a 2 % surcharge plus a fixed 200‑ruble fee, which can add up on longer trips.
- •Card activation requires a visit to a Rosselkhozbank branch or a video‑call, which can be a hassle if you live far from a branch.
- •The app’s user interface feels dated and sometimes lags when loading transaction history, making real‑time spend tracking a bit frustrating.
- •After July 19, Rosselkhozbank will stop processing UnionPay payments made outside Russia, meaning future trips will need a different card or network.
- •There’s no rewards program or cashback, so you don’t earn anything for the money you spend on the card.
- •PIN changes can only be done at a Russian ATM, not abroad, which limits flexibility if you forget your code on the road.
- •If you lose the card while traveling, the replacement process can take up to two weeks, leaving you without a primary payment method for a while.
