Russian banks freeze customer cards even after legitimate transfers in 2025
Russian banks have started blocking customers' cards more frequently since 2025, even after legitimate transfers to their own accounts. The issue has affected transactions of all sizes, leaving many unable to access their funds. Authorities are now working on a solution to simplify the unblocking process and improve oversight.
The problem began when banks tightened security measures, flagging more transactions as suspicious. Even when no fraud was detected, cards were blocked, causing delays and frustration. Customers currently struggle with unclear procedures for tracking unblocking requests or response times.
The Ministry of Digital Development and the Central Bank are now developing a new system to address these issues. One proposal includes a dedicated section on the Gosuslugi portal for unblocking applications. This would centralise requests and make it easier for users to monitor progress.
The Ministry is also reviewing ways to streamline identity verification and hold banks accountable for processing delays. Coordination with the Bank of Russia ensures the changes align with financial regulations. Meanwhile, the Gosuslugi portal already allows users to report illegal calls and messages from creditors.
A unified system for unblocking cards is expected to reduce delays and improve transparency. Customers will have a clearer way to recover access to their funds. The Ministry and Central Bank continue refining the proposals before implementation.
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