National payment card "Mir" VTB - everything you need for your freedom

In April 2017, the Russian Federation adopted a new law on the national payment system. According to it, all persons who receive payments from the budgetary and non-budgetary funds of the Russian Federation must use a special MIR card. The innovation applies to subsidies, pensions, scholarships and salaries of state employees.

Terms of receipt and service

The MIR payment card from VTB is a national banking product that was developed with state support. It looks like a standard plastic, has its own logo, a hologram from fakes and a corporate pattern.

To apply for a MIR card, there is no need to contact one of the branches of the VTB credit organization to order it. Plastic is issued directly by the enterprise or organization where the individual is registered. The service contract and other documentation is signed in the accounting department on site. All production and maintenance costs are borne by the enterprise, so the individual does not pay for anything. But exactly as long as it is listed there.

Card activation

To unlock the MIR card from VTB and start using it, you must follow the following instructions:

1. Go to the "Internet Bank", which is located on the official website of VTB. The login for registration can be found in the contract, and the password can be received via SMS.
2. Next, get a pin code. To do this, you need to call the number indicated on the site.
3. Check your balance at any VTB ATM.

After that, the card will be activated and ready to go.

Many holders are also interested in the question of how to put money on a Mir plastic card. You can replenish it using an ATM or by making a money transfer through VTB Bank. You can also transfer money from a virtual wallet.

Cancellation of the card

Civil servants, pensioners and other state employees, as consumers, may refuse to issue a MIR card, since it is not mandatory. But in this case, they will receive wages at the cash desk of VTB Bank in cash or to their current bank accounts. In the latter case, no other cards should be linked to the account.

To refuse this banking product, it is necessary to provide an appropriate application to the accounting department of the budgetary organization where the individual is registered (you can see a sample application on the VTB website). You also need to attach your account details to it.

Rates

VTB Bank has developed two types of cards for its clients: Classic and Gold. The difference between a premium product and a regular one lies in the cash withdrawal limit and the conditions of bonus programs. Also, owners of gold plastic can use the Concierge Service and receive free insurance against fraudsters.

Card for state employees: pros and cons

The possibilities of using the MIR card are very wide. Therefore, do not be afraid to switch to this card. Plastic has many advantages. The key ones are:

• All production and maintenance costs are borne by the organization where the individual is registered.
• In VTB ATMs and bank partners, cash withdrawals are carried out without commission.
• Plastic holders are informed by SMS messages about payroll.
• Owners become members of the Compliment and Collection bonus programs.
• Intra-bank transfers to another card are absolutely free. You can urgently transfer money online using one of the virtual payment systems.
• You can pay by card in the largest stores in Russia.
• You can simultaneously open three accounts in currencies such as rubles, dollars and euros. You can exchange currency at a favorable rate on the Zolotaya Korona website.

However, the social card is far from perfect, since the payment system of the Russian Federation is only in its infancy. Because of this, this card is not accepted in all retail outlets in Russia. In addition, it works only on the territory of the Russian Federation, so the holder does not have the opportunity to use it abroad and make payments in foreign online stores.

Features of the MIR payment system

The national payment system in Russia was created in 2015 at the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Bank of Russia acted as the curator of this project. Plastic meets international standards and is convenient to use. It is issued by the country's leading banks, including VTB, so it is supported by almost all ATMs in Russia.

Variety of cards

The MIR payment system has issued several types of cards. There are the following cards:

• Classic - can be used to make purchases in stores and pay for services. It is also suitable for making payments via the Internet.
• Debit - prepaid cards allow you to make purchases only online.
• Premium - a platinum card provides the holder with many benefits. In addition to the fact that it makes it possible to pay in virtual and real stores, it offers various bonuses, personal support, free information via SMS and a mobile application.

This diversity allows each client to choose the most suitable option based on their requirements.

Special conditions for users

In April 2017, the Russian government passed a law according to which all state employees must switch to the MIR payment system. One year was allotted for this task. However, for pension recipients and employees of state-owned enterprises and organizations that use plastic from other systems, the conditions for the transition are much simpler. They can get a new card at the end of the old one until 2020.

The transition to the MIR card is not mandatory for those state employees who carry out work activities outside the country or live abroad.

Differences of the card from Visa and MasterCard

The main difference between the MIR card and the cards of other payment systems is that it takes into account all the features of the financial market of the Russian Federation. Its work does not depend on the external economic situation, so it is a stable payment instrument.

An important difference is also the binding to the currency. If Visa and MasterCard are pegged to the dollar and euro, then MIR is pegged to the ruble. This is due to the fact that at the moment the Russian payment system has not received the support of the international currency.

Long-term goals

At the moment, the national payment system of Russia is at the stage of active development and improvement. Therefore, in the future, the MIR card from VTB will significantly expand its functionality. In particular, it is planned to introduce:

• NFS system, that is, the ability to pay for goods through a smartphone;
• cashback from 10% to 15% when paying for purchases in partner stores of the bank;
• additional graphic plastic elements that will increase the level of security;
• contactless technology to pay for purchases with one touch to the reader.

In addition, we plan to make it possible to carry out payment and settlement transactions around the world, in any stores and online trading platforms. Negotiations are also underway to issue a co-badged Mir card from VTB. All this will bring it to a new level and make it more in demand.

The MIR card from VTB is a settlement tool from the Bank of Russia. Today it is issued by the largest national banks, including VTB. It is mandatory for all state employees. However, there is an opportunity to refuse to receive plastic. Then wages, pensions, scholarships and other payments will be issued through the VTB cash desk. While the national payment system is at the stage of its development, therefore, this VTB product cannot be used abroad.