How to use a Ukrainian bank card abroad?

Improper use of bank cards outside Ukraine can lead not only to account blocking, but also to the loss of your own funds. Find out how to use your card safely to avoid getting into trouble and avoid unexpected expenses abroad

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

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In many countries around the world, cashless payments are much more convenient, faster, and sometimes even cheaper than using regular cash. Ukrainian bank cards allow you to use your own funds outside the country without any problems. However, in order to use your card abroad profitably and safely, you need to know a few nuances.

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Ukrainian bank cards abroad: general rules you need to know

Today, Ukrainians no longer need to inform banks about planned trips abroad: all cards work for transactions outside the country.

However, it is worth checking with your bank for a list of partner institutions abroad. Withdrawing funds from ATMs of such banks will be cheaper, as the commission will be lower. The specific percentage depends on the terms of the agreement and the rates applicable at the time of the transaction.

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How to pay with a card abroad?

When paying for goods or services, always choose the local currency. If you choose hryvnia or another currency, the transaction will be carried out at the international bank exchange rate, which is often less favorable.

It is more convenient to pay via ApplePay or GooglePay.

Limits from the NBU (current as of 2025):

currency cards — no payment limits;

hryvnia cards — UAH 100,000 per month in equivalent.

Daily limits can be set (and changed independently if necessary). There is no need to contact bank representatives for this. All settings can be found in your bank's mobile app.

Please note that for volunteers who have personally applied to the bank with the specified package of documents and confirmed their activities, when paying abroad for military goods, the NBU's monthly limits of UAH 100,000 may be canceled.

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Cash withdrawals abroad

Ukrainians can withdraw funds from hryvnia and foreign currency cards in the currency of the country of stay. Conversion is carried out at the rate of the international payment system (Visa/Mastercard).

NBU limits in 2025:

foreign currency cards — up to UAH 100,000 per day (equivalent);

UAH cards — up to UAH 12,500 per week and UAH 50,000 per month.

Please note! ATMs abroad are often owned by private companies, so commissions can be high — carefully check the terms and conditions on the screen.

Depending on the bank, the limits on withdrawals from hryvnia cards may vary, but the amounts allowed for withdrawal will in any case not exceed UAH 12,500 per week and UAH 50,000 per month.

Mobile banking abroad

In the mobile applications of Ukrainian banks, you can:

- make instant transfers between cards;

- pay bills using bank details;

- open deposits or credit lines;

- receive international transfers with automatic conversion.

Paying abroad with a card: restrictions on the purchase of certain goods

There is a limit of 100,000 hryvnia per month (equivalent) for the payment of certain categories of goods abroad:

- precious metals and stones;

- jewelry (gold, silver, coins, stamps).

There is also a restriction for transactions with code 6513 (real estate abroad) — up to UAH 500,000 per month.

Transfers from card to card

On October 1, 2024, the NBU introduced a limit: UAH 150,000 per month from all cards of one customer within one bank.

The restriction will remain in effect in 2025, but the rules are expected to be revised after December 31, 2025.

Important: the restriction does not apply to transfers using IBAN details.

What to do if your card is lost or has expired? Algorithm of actions

If a payment card is lost (under any circumstances) abroad, Ukrainians should follow a clear algorithm:

Using a mobile app, transfer all available funds from the lost card to any other card you own;

- Block the card that you no longer have access to via the app, or by contacting the bank's representatives via messenger/official website;

- If necessary, apply for a new online card in the mobile app. This service will allow you to fully use the card through the app on your phone and pay with it through ApplePay and GooglePay payment systems.

Which Ukrainian banks deliver bank cards abroad?

If your bank card has expired, you can open a virtual card via the mobile app. However, if this feature is inconvenient or unavailable, you can use the service of delivering a bank card abroad.

Today, the following Ukrainian banks can deliver cards abroad:

- PrivatBank;

- Monobank;

- Sens Bank;

- PUMB;

- Kredobank;

- Raiffeisen Bank.

To order a card abroad, you need to use the mobile app, select the card issuance service, and enter the required country and delivery address.

Checking the accounts of Ukrainians abroad

Ukraine continues to participate in the CRS international data exchange. This allows checking the accounts of Ukrainians abroad and identifying cases of receiving social benefits to which they are not entitled, as well as cases of tax evasion.

If violations are detected, the person may be deprived of benefits and fined.

Therefore, in 2025, Ukrainians will be able to use their bank cards abroad without any problems, but it is worth taking into account the restrictions of the NBU, commissions, and payment rules in different countries.

It is also important to take care of your own comfort and safety: before leaving Ukraine, it is recommended to take out insurance for traveling abroad. It will cover medical expenses in case of illness or accident while staying in the EU. This is especially relevant given the new rules and possible delays at the border.

Reminder! The visa-free regime has greatly simplified travel for Ukrainians, but it has limitations, so some Ukrainians need to obtain a visa to travel to the EU. Depending on the purpose of the trip, there are different types of visas, each of which requires a specific set of documents. Which Ukrainians cannot enter Europe without a visa, what types of visas exist, and what documents are required to apply — we explain here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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