Business · Companies · 3 hrs ago
Russia may consider new terms for Visa and Mastercard if they return
Russia’s central bank would assess new terms if Visa and Mastercard decide to return to the country.
The companies left the Russian market in spring 2022 and are not currently registered to operate there.
They would need to complete required procedures and obtain a licence before restarting services.
The bank says Russia’s payment system is now largely self-sufficient, and no talks with the companies are taking place.
Cards issued earlier by Visa and Mastercard still work inside Russia because they are treated like cards on the domestic Mir system, so cardholders do not need to replace them.
Some older cards have faced problems paying online, linked to a switch to Russian security certificates, while any return would depend on new approval from the regulator.
The Bank of Russia will assess terms for Visa and Mastercard to operate in Russia if they decide to return.
The regulator is not holding talks with the companies about a return, an official said.
Visa and Mastercard left the Russian market in spring 2022 and are not currently registered to operate there.
To resume activity, they would have to complete required procedures and obtain a licence.
Previously issued Visa and Mastercard cards still work within Russia and do not need to be replaced.
- Who
- The Bank of Russia and international payment systems Visa and Mastercard.
- What
- The regulator may assess new terms if the companies decide to return to Russia.
- When
- The statement was reported on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- Russia.
- Why
- Visa and Mastercard are no longer registered to operate in Russia, so they would need to complete required procedures and obtain a licence to resume activity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Visa and Mastercard left the Russian market.
The National Payment Card System warned of problems paying online with Visa and Mastercard cards issued before sanctions.
The Bank of Russia said it would assess possible operating terms if Visa and Mastercard decide to return.
- Potential return
- The Bank of Russia would assess terms if Visa and Mastercard decide to return
- Current status
- Visa and Mastercard are not registered to operate in Russia
- Required to resume activity
- Complete required procedures and obtain a licence
- Previously issued cards
- Continue to be serviced within Russia; replacement is not required
- Payment system
- Mir, Russia’s national payment system
What people are saying
negotiations with representatives of the companies on this issue are not being held
If Visa and Mastercard decide to return, the regulator will additionally assess under what conditions they can operate in the country