In short: Suits non-residents and Russians who want an Armenian account without travelling and need Visa or Mastercard. Mir cards are not supported, and remote opening requires an existing account at another bank.
Terms for non-residents
- Non-residents
- Yes
- Remote account opening
- Yes
- Visa / Mastercard
- Yes
- Russian-language support
- No / not stated
- Owner
- Lion Finance Group PLC (formerly Bank of Georgia Group): 60% directly and 30% through Bank of Georgia JSC; 10% held by the EBRD (as of the deal closing on 3 April 2024)
- Founded
- 1910 (branch of the Caucasus Trade Bank); as an independent bank since 1992
- Size
- AMD 2,642 billion in assets (about $7.3 billion) as of 30 June 2026, second in the country
- Account activation (remote opening)
- A transfer of at least $50 from an account at another bank
- Digital card
- Visa Classic Digital: free, issued within one business day
- Card in drams
- Arca Classic: free under the bank's current offer
- Countries excluded from remote opening
- 34 countries on the bank's list of 26 February 2026; Russia is not on it
- App
- MyAmeria (iOS, Android, web); the bank's website is in Armenian, Russian and English
Pros
- A clear remote procedure for non-citizens of Armenia: documents by email and a video call
- Russia is not on the bank's list of countries that cannot open accounts remotely
- Free digital Visa card; card tariffs are published on the website
- The second-largest bank in the country, owned by an international group
- Website and document guides are available in Russian
Cons and limits
- Remote opening requires an active account at another bank and a first transfer of at least $50
- The bank may refuse depending on the client's country and risk level
- Mir cards are not supported
- Separate tariffs for non-residents are not shown on the website
## About the bank
Ameriabank traces its history to 1910, when a branch of the Caucasus Trade Bank opened in Yerevan. It has operated as an independent bank since 1992. As of 30 June 2026 its assets stood at AMD 2,642 billion, which puts it second in Armenia after Ardshinbank.
Since 3 April 2024 the bank has belonged to the Bank of Georgia group (now Lion Finance Group): 60% of the shares are held by the parent company, 30% by Bank of Georgia JSC and 10% by the EBRD. The bank kept its own brand.
## Account for non-residents
Ameriabank accepts applications from non-citizens of Armenia remotely. The application and documents are sent to the bank's email address, followed by an identification video call. Once the account is approved, the client transfers at least $50 to it from an account at another bank. The procedure requires an active account at any bank, so applicants with no foreign account will need another option or a visit in person.
Russia is not among the 34 countries to which the bank does not offer remote opening. The list, drawn up on 26 February 2026, includes Turkey, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Iran. This is not a guarantee of approval: the bank assesses each client's risk and may refuse.
## Cards and payments
The bank issues Visa, Mastercard and local Arca cards. The digital card is ordered in the MyAmeria app and issued within one business day, with Apple Pay support. Cash can be withdrawn from the digital card only in drams, using the ATM Cash-Out function in the app.
| Card | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Classic Digital | Free | 4-year validity, no PIN |
| Visa Classic | AMD 1,000 a year | 0% on withdrawals at the bank's ATMs up to AMD 300,000 a month |
| Mastercard Standard | AMD 5,000 a year | 0% on withdrawals at the bank's ATMs up to AMD 500,000 a month |
| Mastercard Rose Gold | AMD 20,000 a year | Partner privileges |
| Arca Classic | Free | 2% cashback under a promotion on the bank's website |
Mir cards are not supported. The bank does not publicly state whether it takes part in Russia's Faster Payments System (SBP).
## Tariffs and limits
Card tariffs are published on the bank's card page. The website does not show separate account-maintenance tariffs for non-residents, so ask for the current tariff document before opening an account.
## Who it suits
- Non-residents and Russians who need an Armenian account without travelling and already hold an account at another bank.
- Customers who want a free digital Visa for online payments and Apple Pay.
- Those who prefer a large bank with an international shareholder.
It does not suit those who rely on Mir cards, or who have no account at any other bank and cannot visit in person.
Frequently asked questions
Can Russians open an account at Ameriabank remotely?
Yes. Russia is not on the bank's published list of 34 countries whose citizens cannot open accounts remotely (document dated 26 February 2026). The bank decides each case based on the client's risk profile, so a refusal is possible.
Is a residence permit required to open an account?
The bank's document list does not mention a residence permit. It asks for an identity document and a document showing your address. The bank may request additional papers, such as statements from an account at another bank.
How much must be transferred to activate the account?
At least $50 from an account at another bank. The remote procedure also requires an active account at any bank.
Which cards can I get?
Visa Classic Digital is free, Visa Classic costs AMD 1,000 a year and Mastercard Standard AMD 5,000 a year (AMD 2,500 if ordered through MyAmeria). The bank also offers Mastercard Rose Gold and the local Arca Classic.
Does Ameriabank support Mir cards?
No. Banks in the ArCa system stopped servicing Mir cards on 30 March 2024. VTB (Armenia) is the only bank where Mir is accepted.
Who owns Ameriabank?
Since April 2024 it has been part of the Bank of Georgia group, now Lion Finance Group. The group holds 60% directly and another 30% through Bank of Georgia JSC. The EBRD holds 10%.