Open Russian Bank Account

US Citizen can open Russian Bank account. Upon arrival in 2015 I opened the bank account in Sberbank (the largest Bank in Russia) and got my debit card the same day. However, first you need to get Russian cell phone number.

They called it Momentum card back in the days. I put money on it, and I could use it right away.
However, it is october 2023 now, they discontinued those Momentum Cards, so you will have to wait some time. 2-3 days.

What are the required documents to apply for Russian debit card?
1.) US Passport (Get it translated and notarized in Russia).
2.) Migration card. You got it at the border when you arrived.
3.) Russian Visa or Patent (work permit) Or Temporary Residence Permit or Permanent Residence - whatever you have.
4.) Russian cell phone number. ( They will send you confirmation messsages while in the branch).

How much time do I need to wait for my Debit Card?
In Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod and other large cities, the debit card will be ready in 2-3 working days; in the regions ( oblasts), delivery will take from 3 to 10 working days.

Do they have customer service phone number?
Yes. Dial 900 from your Russian cell phone and press 9 for English.

So, this debit card has nice feature.
For 70 rubles a month you will get on your Russian cell phone notifications (SMS) for EVERY transaction that you do. For example you paid 65 rubles in the bus using your card, so the SMS will come right away to your Russian cell phone. So youb are always in control on where your money goes. Also, every time in SMS you will get a remaining balance on your card.

Is there a monthly service fee for this debit card?
Yes. It is 150 rubles monthly, however, if you spend more than 5 000 rubles a month, which most likely you will, - there is no service charge. I never paid a service charge for my debit card, because I spend way more than 5 000 rubles a month.

Is there a limit on how much cash I can withdraw from an ATM?
Yes. The amount is 150 000 rubles per day. You can take all of your money if you go to the branch.

Do I get Visa, Mastercard or MИР?
You will get МИР. This is Russian national card system. We don't need visa or mastercard anymore to pay for services in Russia.

Can I pay with my cell phone?
Yes. You just set up once and you can do that. МИР enables you to pay with your cell phone.

When does my card expire?
It is good for 10 years.

What if I lose my card, how much do I have to pay for a new one?
150 rubles.

So, by all means, you don't have to choose Sberbank. I chose it because it is the largest bank in Russia and ATM's are everywhere, so it is good for me. You can open the bank account in any other bank you like.

You can apply online for this debit card, but please understand that you have to fill out the form in Russian language.