Wise blocks all cards held by Russians and Belarusians without EU residence permits

The international payment system Wise has blocked all Russian and Belarusian customers' cards in line with the EU's latest sanctions package. Access will only be restored after customers have confirmed their citizenship or residency in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

Source: Wise press service

Quote: "In order for us to unblock these cards, we need to verify citizenship or residency in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland."

Details: Russians and Belarusians will be able to have their cards unblocked by providing proof of EEA citizenship or an EU/Swiss residence permit by 30 January 2026.

Customers from Russia and Belarus will not be able to use their Wise physical or digital cards to make in-store or online purchases, withdraw money from ATMs, or pay for recurring subscriptions using their card details.

Meanwhile, they can still send, receive, hold and convert money.

Background:

• On the morning of 23 October, the European Union finally approved the 19th Russia sanctions package.
• The package includes a ban on the direct or indirect provision of payment services to Russian/Belarusian citizens, individuals living in Russia, and Russian-registered legal entities, organisations or bodies.

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