What Is a Cross-Border Payment
A cross-border payment is any transaction where the card issuer and the acquirer (merchant's bank) are in different countries. When you pay with a card issued by a Russian bank on an American website — that's a cross-border payment.
Such payments are processed through international payment networks (Visa, Mastercard) and subject to additional checks. It's at this level that blocks can occur.
Why Cross-Border Payments Get Blocked
Sanctions restrictions. After February 2022, Visa and Mastercard suspended operations with a number of Russian banks. Cards issued by those banks are no longer processed through international networks — they only work domestically (via Mir or national processing). If your bank is under sanctions, cross-border payments are simply not available.
Issuer bank policy. Even if the bank isn't under sanctions, it may restrict cross-border payments as part of its risk management policy. This can be a temporary measure or a permanent restriction for certain card types.
Country-specific blocks. Some banks block transfers to/from specific countries. This may be a regulatory requirement or the bank's own policy.
Cross-border payment limits. Many banks impose daily, monthly, or annual limits on cross-border operations. Once the limit is exceeded, the transaction is blocked.
AML/KYC requirements. Large cross-border payments may require additional identity verification (Anti-Money Laundering procedures). Without it, the transaction will be suspended.
What You Can Do
1. Check what restrictions apply to your bank. Visit the bank's website or call support: does your card work for international payments?
2. Check your limits. Confirm your cross-border transaction limits with the bank and request an increase if needed.
3. Use a card from a different bank. If your bank is under sanctions or has hard restrictions, only a card from an unaffected issuer will help.
4. Use a virtual card from a foreign issuer. Marix virtual cards are issued outside the sanctions framework that affects Russian bank cards. This is a practical solution for those who cannot use their domestic bank card abroad.
5. Alternative payment methods. If cards are unavailable — cryptocurrency, international e-wallets (if accessible), or having someone in a different jurisdiction pay on your behalf (with reimbursement).
Frequently Asked Questions
My bank isn't under sanctions, but cross-border payments still don't work. Why? There can be several reasons: international payments may be disabled on your card, you may have exceeded a limit, or a specific destination country may be blocked. Contact your bank for clarification.
Does the Mir card work abroad? Mir works only in countries that have signed agreements with Russia (CIS and a few others). In most of Europe, the US, and most of Asia, Mir is not accepted.
How quickly can I get a Marix virtual card? A Marix card is issued online, within minutes of registration.
Need a card for cross-border payments without restrictions? Marix — virtual cards for paying at international services.