Sanctions and restrictions have made it difficult for many in Russia to pay for international services like Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, and more. With limited access to traditional payment systems and the inability to use Visa and Mastercard from Russian banks abroad, instant virtual cards have become a practical solution. This article explores how to open a virtual card for international payments, the available options, and key considerations.

Virtual Cards from Foreign Banks and Fintech Services

One of the most reliable methods is opening a virtual card through foreign fintech companies or online banks. These cards enable payments abroad and on international platforms.

How to Open a Card:

1. Register on the platform by providing your details and verifying your identity.
2. Select the type of virtual card (usually Visa or Mastercard).
3. Fund your account via bank transfer or cryptocurrency, depending on the service.
4. Use the card details to pay for international services.

Advantages:

• Broad access to international payments.
• Ability to open cards in multiple currencies.
• High level of security since virtual cards can’t be physically lost.

Limitations:

• Some platforms require residency proof in specific countries, especially in the EU or US, limiting access for Russian users.
• Fintech companies like Revolut and Monzo have restricted services for new users from Russia or limited operations for existing customers.

NoWALL: A Faster, Simpler Solution

NoWALL is a convenient and reliable service offering virtual cards for international payments. Unlike traditional cards from foreign banks, NoWALL doesn’t require you to be a resident of another country, and the registration process takes just a few minutes.

How to Open a Card with NoWALL:

1. Submit an application via the NoWALL chatbot.
2. Choose your card’s currency (EUR or USD).
3. Fund the account—rubles can be converted at a competitive market rate with no hidden fees.
4. Use the card for international purchases and services as you would with any Visa or Mastercard.

Advantages of NoWALL Cards:

• Fast setup—just 15 minutes for registration and issuance.
• Supports payments on all major international platforms.
• Converts rubles into the required currency at an up-to-date exchange rate.
• High level of data security and protection.

Prepaid Cards and E-Wallets

Some prepaid cards and e-wallets support international payments without needing to connect to Russian banks. These are among the easiest ways to get a virtual card for one-off payments.

Examples of Prepaid Cards:

• Paysafecard: A prepaid card usable for international purchases. It isn’t tied to a bank account, making it accessible for users struggling to open accounts with foreign banks.
• Advcash: An e-wallet offering both virtual and physical cards, supporting multiple currencies and available to Russian users.

How to Open a Card:

1. Register on the platform and create an account.
2. Fund your account using a convenient method (e.g., cryptocurrency, exchange services, or bank transfers).
3. Order a virtual card and use it for international payments.

Advantages:

• Simple registration with no complex account setup requirements.
• Ability to control expenses since the card is prepaid.
• Supports payments on many popular international sites.

Disadvantages:

• Limited usability on some international platforms, especially in regions with strict sanctions on Russian users.
• Fees for currency exchange or card usage.

Cryptocurrency Cards

With the rising popularity of cryptocurrency, many users have turned to crypto cards for international payments. These cards convert your cryptocurrency into fiat currency, enabling payments on any website that accepts Visa or Mastercard.

Popular Cryptocurrency Cards:

• Binance Card: Supports cryptocurrency-to-fiat conversion and payments through Visa.
• Crypto.com Card: A multi-currency crypto card for both cryptocurrency and fiat payments.
• Wirex: One of the first platforms offering cards fundable with cryptocurrency.

How to Open a Card:

1. Create an account on a cryptocurrency platform.
2. Complete verification and fund your account with cryptocurrency.
3. Order a virtual card via the app.
4. Use the card for international services like Spotify, Amazon, and more.

Advantages:

• Instant cryptocurrency-to-fiat conversion.
• Enables the use of cryptocurrency for everyday purchases.
• Some cards offer crypto cashback.

Disadvantages:

• Services like Binance and Crypto.com may restrict services for Russian users due to sanctions.
• Volatility in cryptocurrency values can affect transaction costs.

Virtual Cards from Russian Services

Some Russian banks and e-wallets still offer virtual cards for international purchases through intermediary services. However, their usability depends on whether the foreign seller accepts payments from Russian cards under sanctions.

Examples of Russian Services:

• YuMoney (formerly Yandex.Money): Offers virtual cards for some international payments.
• Qiwi: An e-wallet offering virtual cards, though their international usability may be limited.

How to Open a Card:

1. Register on the platform and create a wallet.
2. Issue a virtual card through your account.
3. Fund the card via bank transfer or other available methods.

Advantages:

• Simple registration without complex requirements.
• Allows the use of Russian funds without foreign banks.

Disadvantages:

• Limited usability on international platforms due to sanctions.

Using P2P Platforms

If opening a card through traditional or fintech services isn’t an option, P2P platforms can help exchange cryptocurrency or rubles for foreign payment cards.

Popular P2P Platforms:

• Binance P2P: Facilitates cryptocurrency-to-fiat exchanges and access to payment cards for international purchases.
• LocalBitcoins: Although popular, its operations for Russian users may be limited due to global sanctions.

Conclusion

Despite challenges in paying for international services, virtual cards remain one of the best solutions for Russian users. With NoWALL, you can open a European card in just 15 minutes and immediately start using it for global purchases.

To learn more or open a card, contact NoWALL’s manager via our chatbot on Telegram or through our website.