Unibank: cards, bonds and what a non-resident should know

## About the bank

Unibank was founded in 2001 and is one of the country's universal banks. Its website is available in Armenian, Russian and English, so a Russian speaker can understand its products more easily than at some competitors.

In October 2026 the bank announced the placement of perpetual bonds with a 13.2% annual coupon and their listing on the Armenia Securities Exchange (6 October 2026). For individual clients this is an example of how Armenian banks raise money in drams.

## Account for non-residents

The bank's website has no information for non-residents. That does not mean a refusal: the list of documents, the tariffs and the option of remote opening simply have to be confirmed with the bank. Prepare a list of questions in advance: is a visit in person needed, does the bank accept a passport without a notarised translation, and what proof of address is required. If a remote procedure matters to you, it is described by Ameriabank and Evocabank.

## Cards and payments

The bank issues Mastercard World Travel and digital Visa cards. A digital card suits online payments and payment by phone, while Mastercard World Travel is aimed at travellers. Ask the bank for the tariffs before applying.

The bank does not list Mir or Russia's SBP among its services. In Armenia Mir cards are accepted only by VTB (Armenia).

## Tariffs and limits

Tariffs are published on the bank's website and change. Before paying for a card or account opening, get the current tariff document and make sure it applies to non-residents. Pay attention to the account currency: several Armenian banks accept cash rubles with a fee.

## Questions before applying

While the website has no description of the procedure for foreigners, ask a manager about four things:

1. Does the bank issue Mastercard World Travel to non-residents, and at what tariff?
2. Can a digital Visa be ordered in the app without an Armenian phone number?
3. What cash withdrawal and transfer limits apply to the card?
4. What fee is charged for converting rubles, and are ruble accounts available?

## What to compare with other banks

Transparency of the non-resident procedure varies between banks. Ameriabank publishes a remote procedure, and Araratbank publishes tariffs for foreigners. If Unibank does not provide terms in writing, focus on banks where they are already described.

## Who it suits

• Residents of Armenia who want a universal bank with a Russian-language website.
• Those comparing several banks and looking for a Mastercard World Travel card.
• Investors following bond issues by Armenian banks.

Russians who need guaranteed terms before travelling should start with banks that describe their account-opening procedure: see the ranking.