YEREVAN, March 19. /ARKA/. VTB Bank (Armenia) said today that from March 30, 2024 holders of VTB "Mir" cards may face restrictions when making non-cash payments through POS-terminals or withdrawing cash from ATMs of other Armenia-based banks.

The bank said that possible restrictions will not affect operations with VTB (Armenia) "Mir" cards.

'The bank continues to serve "Mir" cards in its infrastructure in full. Holders of "Mir" cards of VTB Group banks and any other Russian bank still have access to key services such as cash withdrawal from VTB (Armenia) ATMs, payment for services via "Mobile Bank" application, remote service channels "Videobank" and "Phone Bank"," the bank said.

It added that VTB (Armenia) 'Mir' cards can be used for money transfers, including cross-border ones. Depending on the country, money transfers can be made by phone or card number, by bank details, as well as with cash withdrawal. In Russia, it is possible to make cashless payments at retail outlets and withdraw cash from ATMs.

Also from March 30, VTB (Armenia) will terminate its participating in the cashback program designed for pensioners and recipients of varioyus government allowances. Rewards (no more than 5,000 drams for cashless payments) for March 2024 will be credited to the beneficiaries' active account in VTB (Armenia) until April 25.

'We are grateful for your participation in the program and are ready to offer you favorable terms of service on VTB (Armenia) own products. As before, you can receive your pensions and allowances in our bank," the bank said in a statement.

VTB (Armenia) operates 53 branches in Armenia, 22 of which are located in Yerevan, as well as 190 ATMs throughout the country.

The activities of VTB Bank (Armenia) CJSC are regulated by the Central Bank of Armenia.

Today the Russian RBC reported that Armenian banks will stop servicing cards of the Russian payment system "Mir" from March 30, 2024, with the exception of "VTB Armenia" bank (a subsidiary of the Russian VTB). 

ARKA news agency contacted the Central Bank of Armenia and Armenian Card  national payment system for comment.-0-