In short: Suits those who use Mir cards and often send money between Russia and Armenia. The main limitation is the 1% fee and the AMD 150,000 limit on withdrawals from Russian cards.
Terms for non-residents
- Non-residents
- Yes
- Remote account opening
- Check with the bank
- Visa / Mastercard
- Check with the bank
- Russian-language support
- Yes
- Owner
- Bank VTB (PAO): 100% of shares
- Founded
- 1993 (formerly Armsberbank)
- Withdrawals from Russian banks' Mir cards
- 1% fee, limit of AMD 150,000 per ATM transaction (bank page updated on 2 September 2026)
- Payment by Mir card at the bank's POS terminals
- Limit of AMD 4,999,000 in ruble equivalent, 1% fee
- MIR Travel card
- Issue AMD 5,000 for residents and AMD 25,000 for non-residents, free maintenance
- Transfers to Mir cards in Russia via MOST
- 0% according to the bank, limit of about AMD 399,000 per transfer, up to three transfers a day
- App
- VTB Online (video banking, Mir Pay); website and contact centre in Russian
Pros
- The only bank in Armenia with confirmed Mir card service
- Website, app and contact centre in Russian
- Instant transfers to Mir cards in Russia through MOST
- The multi-currency MIR Travel card with four accounts
- 100% owned by Bank VTB (PAO), a brand familiar to Russian customers
Cons and limits
- Issuing MIR Travel to a non-resident costs AMD 25,000
- Withdrawals from Russian Mir cards carry a 1% fee and an AMD 150,000 limit per ATM transaction
- The bank does not disclose the terms of remote account opening for non-residents on its website
- Withdrawing cash from a third party's card requires a notarised power of attorney
## About the bank
VTB (Armenia) has operated since 1993, when it started as Armsberbank. Today its sole shareholder is Bank VTB (PAO) with 100% of the shares. For Russian customers it is the most familiar bank on the market: the website, app and contact centre (87 87) work in Russian.
The bank's main distinction is Mir cards. After the banks in the ArCa system stopped servicing Mir on the night of 30 March 2024, VTB (Armenia) remained the only bank where Russian Mir cards are accepted. The bank's service page was updated on 2 September 2026.
## Account for non-residents
The bank serves non-residents and has a separate tariff for the MIR Travel card for them (issue AMD 25,000 against AMD 5,000 for residents). The general rules for a non-resident individual to open an account, the list of documents and the option of remote opening are not disclosed on the website. Call the Russian-language contact centre or write to the bank in advance.
## Cards and payments
The main product for Russians is MIR Travel, a multi-currency card with four accounts (AMD, RUB, USD, EUR), five-year validity and free maintenance. Withdrawals in rubles at the bank's ATMs are free, transfers to Russian banks' cards cost 0%, and receiving a transfer from a Russian card by card number costs 1.5%. The ATM withdrawal limit is AMD 500,000 per transaction and AMD 1,000,000 per day. The card supports Mir Pay.
The following terms apply to Mir cards issued by Russian banks:
| Operation | Fee | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal at a VTB (Armenia) ATM | 1% | AMD 150,000 per transaction |
| Payment at the bank's POS terminals | 1% | AMD 4,999,000 |
## Transfers and deposits
The MOST service in VTB Online makes transfers to Mir cards in Russia instantly, with a 0% fee according to the bank. The limit is about AMD 399,000 per transfer and up to three transfers a day. A transfer to an account at a Russian bank costs up to 2% and takes one to three days, and through Unistream it costs up to 1.5%. Money received from Russia by card or phone number is processed under the sending Russian bank's tariff.
## Who it suits
- Those who travel between Russia and Armenia and want to use a Mir card.
- Those who need to communicate with the bank in Russian.
- Those who need fast transfers to Russian cards.
The bank is less convenient for those who need to withdraw large sums from Russian cards often: the AMD 150,000 limit and 1% fee make this expensive.
Frequently asked questions
Are Mir cards accepted in Armenia?
Confirmed only at VTB (Armenia) ATMs and terminals. Other banks in the ArCa system stopped servicing Mir on 30 March 2024.
How much does it cost to withdraw cash with a Mir card?
The bank's fee is 1%, with a limit of AMD 150,000 per ATM transaction. The Russian issuing bank may add its own fee under its tariff.
How much does the MIR Travel card cost for a non-resident?
Issue costs AMD 25,000 (AMD 5,000 for residents) and maintenance is free. Production takes 3-5 business days and the card is valid for five years.
How do I send money from Armenia to a Mir card in Russia?
Through the MOST service in the bank's app and website. Transfers to a Mir card are instant, with a 0% fee according to the bank, a limit of about AMD 399,000 per transfer and up to three transfers a day.
Is the bank connected to the SBP?
The bank does not state a direct connection to the SBP (Faster Payments System). For transfers to and from Russia it offers its own services, primarily MOST.
Can I get a card without visiting the bank?
The terms of remote opening for non-residents are not described on the website. Ask the bank about remote card issue before travelling, through the Russian-language contact centre.