Russia extends Visa and Mastercard validity as Mir card policies shift

Old foreign-issued cards get a lifeline in Russia, but Mir users face gradual limits. How will these changes reshape everyday payments?

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2025 December 10 . 9:12 PM

1 min read

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Russia extends Visa and Mastercard validity as Mir card policies shift

Russian banks have extended the validity of Visa and Mastercard cards issued before spring 2022. These cards will now remain active for domestic transactions. Meanwhile, the National Payment Card System (NSPK) is adjusting policies for expired Mir cards to improve service efficiency.

The Central Bank of Russia has allowed Visa and Mastercard cards issued before 2022 to keep functioning within the country. No immediate replacement has been ordered, though a final deadline for servicing these cards is still under discussion.

For Mir cards, the NSPK is introducing gradual changes. By 2028, transactions in deferred and offline modes for expired Mir cards will be limited to 2.5%. The goal is to phase out these transactions entirely by 2030. Despite this, most expired Mir cards will continue working indefinitely, with only minor restrictions.

The decision to extend card validity comes from a need to ease pressure on banking systems. It also aims to maintain convenience for users while transitioning away from outdated payment methods.

The changes mean Russians can still use older Visa and Mastercard cards for now. Mir card users will see minor adjustments over time, but most expired cards will keep functioning. Banks and the NSPK are working to balance convenience with long-term system updates.