Gazprombank warned of problems with Union Pay cards abroad

“From November 21, difficulties may arise in the operation of Union Pay payment system cards abroad. If you are abroad, we recommend using cash,” the bank said in a letter sent to all Union Pay cardholders.

The day before, the bank assured its clients on its Telegram channel that the sanctions would not in any way affect customer service or the operation of any card within Russia.

A similar warning about a possible interruption of the operation of Union Pay cards abroad was also issued by Primsotsbank, which was the target of the US sanctions package yesterday. Based on the bank’s support, overseas customers are advised to withdraw cash as soon as possible due to the situation. a possible interruption of the operation of Union Pay system cards outside Russia. The bank also temporarily suspended foreign currency transfers.

Currently, cards of the Chinese payment system UnionPay in Russia are issued by Gazprombank, Primsotsbank, Asian-Pacific Bank (ATB) and Rosselkhozbank. Previously, Union Pay cards were offered by MTS Bank, T⁠-⁠Bank, Russian Standard and Pochta Bank, but the issuance of cards was discontinued after these banks fell under sanctions restrictions.

The US Treasury introduced a new package of sanctions against about 100 Russian financial organizations and individuals on November 21 of this year. In particular, the restrictions included Gazprombank, the state corporation Dom.RF and BKS Bank, as well as the first vice-presidents of the Central Bank of Russia, Vladimir Chistyukhin and Dmitry Tulin.

According to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Gazprombank is “a channel for the acquisition of military equipment for Russia” (quote from Reuters).