Banks of Kyrgyzstan not impose restrictions on Mir cards

12:11, 22 сентября 2022, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Tatyana KUDRYAVTSEVA

Most banks in Kyrgyzstan continue to accept Mir cards of the Russian national payment system. Call centers of banks informed 24.kg news agency.

The banking system of Kyrgyzstan has been working with Mir cards since 2019.

The National Bank told 24.kg news agency that to date, within the framework of the state program on increasing the share of non-cash payments and settlements in Kyrgyzstan, they are actively working to achieve an optimal and balanced ratio of cash and non-cash money circulation. This is done by developing the retail payment market, including innovative payment instruments, and increasing the level of penetration of banking and payment services in the country.

«In accordance with the Law on the Payment System of the Kyrgyz Republic, the National Bank regulates the activities of payment systems in the country to ensure the efficiency, reliability and safety of their work. Commercial banks, as independent participants of payment systems, decide which system to work with in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory legal acts of Kyrgyzstan and conduct a risk assessment when working with payment systems,» the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic said.

This means that banks independently decide whether to cooperate or not with a particular payment system.

There is the following situation with Mir cards in Kyrgyz banks:

! Holders of Mir cards issued in Russia can only cash out funds in Kyrgyzstan.

Aiyl Bank reported that ATMs servicing Mir cards have a corresponding logo. Mir payment system is serviced in all regions. The bank did not impose any restrictions on its use.
Bank of Asia told it is possible to cash out money from the card at the cash desks of the financial and credit institution. ATMs also serve Mir cards. The Bank of Asia does not charge a fee for this.
DosCredobank reported that they service Mir cards. The limits and tariffs of the card are set by the issuing bank.
Halyk Bank told that the money from the Mir card could be cashed at the bank’s cash desks. The fee will be 2 percent of the amount. It is not possible to withdraw funds from the card through an ATM.
The situation is different in Tolubai bank. It accepts cards, but funds from them can be cashed out through an ATM without interest. It is not possible to cash out through the cash desks.
Optimabank, Bakai Bank, Bai Tushum, Keremet Bank and Kyrgyzstan also accept cards of the Russian payment system.
«Thanks to cooperation with the Russian Mir payment system, you will be able to use FINCA ELCARD not only in Kyrgyzstan and Russia, but also in Belarus and Armenia. It is possible to withdraw money from the card at any ATM of the bank that accepts Elcard,» the FINCA bank said. But the bank does not service the Mir card itself.
Companion Bank reported that it is possible to cash out funds from the Mir card both at the bank’s cash desks and through ATMs. In addition, the bank issues Elcard cards with Mir system and services them.
«There are no restrictions on Mir cards; fees and the possibility of issuing or sending money depend on your request for transactions. Our specialists on transactions with Mir card will consult you in more detail at the bank’s branches,» Kyrgyzkommertsbank answered.
EcoIslamicBank said that they do not service Mir cards at all.

The United States imposed sanctions against Vladimir Komlev, Director General of the national payment card system of Russia (Mir card operators). The system itself is not included in the sanctions lists. At the same time, it was reported that the United States could impose sanctions for supporting the use of Mir cards outside of Russia.

«The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is ready to take action for support of attempts to circumvent sanctions against Russia, including expanding the use of the National Payment Card System and the national Mir payment system outside the Russian Federation,» the statement says.

Turkish Isbank and DenizBank, as well as some banks in Kazakhstan and Vietnam, announced suspension of accepting Mir cards.