How to pay in Europe. How to pay by card abroad so as not to lose on commissions. Disadvantages of a Sberbank credit card

Card or cash? How to pay abroad to save money

The 360 TV channel learned all the secrets of cashless payments and figured out whether it is worth changing rubles in advance before the trip.

Paying by card abroad is much more profitable. And it doesn't matter if you are going to a country where a freely convertible currency (that is, dollars or euros) is in use, or to a state where only local money is accepted. Today we will calculate how much the same purchase will cost if you pay with a ruble card, foreign currency and pre-exchanged money.

Countries with freely convertible currencies

If you are going to the USA or the European Union, then it makes no sense to change a large amount of money in advance: they have almost completely switched to bank cards, and even if you have it in rubles, you will pay for the conversion at a rate close to that set by the Central Bank.

For example, you want to buy shoes in Italy for 100 euros. Today the exchange rate for the Central Bank of the Russian Federation is 74 rubles. When paying for shoes with a card (together with the conversion), you will give back 7,500 rubles, if you change money in Russia in advance and pay in cash - 7,600 rubles. If you change rubles in a European exchanger, then even more - 7,900. If you withdraw money in advance at an ATM in the same Italy, and this is always a commission of about five euros, - 7,850.

The difference seems to be small, but transfer it to the entire budget of the trip, if it is, say, 150 thousand rubles. Paying only with a card, you can spend about 90 euros more. But we were considering options for a ruble account, banks usually include risks in direct conversion - this is approximately plus one ruble to the official rate.

Multi-currency account in countries with local money

By the way, now it does not matter whether you have an American Visa or an international MasterCard, it is important which account is linked to the card. You can try in advance, three months before the trip, to guess the course. If it grows, then open, for example, a dollar account. But there is always a chance to miscalculate.

A currency account is indispensable if you are traveling to a country with a non-freely convertible currency. It doesn't matter if it is Japan, Sri Lanka or Israel - it is most advantageous to link a dollar account to the card - this is the most common currency in the world. Local money will be converted directly. But with a ruble card, you can suffer a double loss: first converting rubles into dollars, and then dollars into yen, and all with a commission.

100 ¥ = 60.48 ₽ (conversion from a dollar account)

100 ¥ = 0.90 $ = 58.43 ₽ (conversion from a ruble account)

In addition, choose cards with cashback bonus programs - for operations through them, from 1 to 5% of the purchase is returned to the account.

Important Travel Tips

First, before traveling abroad, it will not be superfluous to insure your card. It includes common types of fraud: data theft, loss of a card, or robbery within 50 meters of an ATM.

Second, notify your bank about your trip before you travel; otherwise, the automatic security system may block the card when you try to withdraw money abroad.

Thirdly, it is better that the mobile phone to which the card is linked works. You will be able to receive SMS notifications about your spending, and if someone copies your card and tries to withdraw money (and this is now common), you will immediately notice.

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Bank cards are local and international. The former are valid only on the territory of the Russian Federation, while international ones can also be used abroad.

Visa (57% of users);
MasterCard (26%);
American Express (13%);
Diners Club (4%).

Tip: to prevent your card from being blocked for suspicious transactions, warn your bank about going abroad.

Which card to take with you to Europe

Despite the fact that all world PS cards are accepted abroad, not all of them are beneficial to use in certain countries. For example, if you decide to visit European countries, then it is important to understand which card is better to pay in Europe.

Visa or MasterCard

The difference between these global payment systems is the conversion of a currency other than the ruble. The main payment unit of Visa is the dollar, MasterCard is the euro.

When a payment is made from a card outside the Russian Federation, the payment currencies and PS are compared. If they differ, then the amount of money is transferred to the currency of the payment system. Next, your bank receives a request to debit the requested amount. If the account and the PS are opened in different currencies, another transfer takes place. That is, for one purchase, the exchange of coins will occur twice.

Important: a bank commission from 1 to 5% is charged for each conversion.

If the currencies of the payment and the PS are the same, then the first conversion will not be required, which means that the commission will be debited once.

Outcome. When choosing which card is better to travel to Europe Visa or Mastercard, give preference to the second option.

Conversion scheme.

Currency or ruble

Banks offer to open an account in various currencies. You can link a bank card to accounts in $ or €, or get a separate currency card. This raises the question of which card is more profitable to pay in Europe: ruble or currency.

If you pay in Europe with a Mastercard card in euros, then there will be no need for conversion - this will reduce commission costs. However, you need to take into account the availability of currency or the ability to purchase it at a favorable rate. There is a chance that you will lose more when exchanging coins than for converting.

It is advisable to open a currency account if:

large expenses are planned;
you travel to Europe several times a year;
there is an opportunity to exchange rubles more profitably than at the rate of the Central Bank.

Outcome. It is better to issue a ruble payment product if you rarely travel and do not plan big expenses.

Which card is better to use in Europe - debit or credit

With a cashless payment, the difference between a credit and debit card will not be felt. If you intend to withdraw cash, then it is preferable to take a debit card in order to minimize the commission percentage. It is best to issue two cards for the trip, so that in case of an emergency, you always have additional funds in reserve.

Outcome. The conditions for credit cards do not change when leaving Russia - the interest-free period and bonus accruals will not change.

With or without a chip

Chip cards are gradually coming to the fore, pushing aside the obsolete plastic with a magnetic strip. The main reason is safety. All information on the account, which is on the chip and magnetic tape, is encrypted with digital codes.

The same data is always sent from the magnetic strip to the bank, and transactions on the chip must be confirmed by a code that changes every time. Therefore, it is impossible to fake a chipped card or read information from it.

In addition, some organizations abroad have stopped accepting cards without a chip, and therefore, in order to secure their finances and pay without problems in European stores, it is wiser to take a chipped card with you.

Important: many banks issue combined cards that are equipped with both a chip and a strip.

Dollars or Euro

The main payment unit in Europe is the euro. Therefore, if you decide to order a currency card, then you need to choose the appropriate currency. If funds are withdrawn in Eurocurrency from the MasterCard card at an ATM, the requested amount and commission will be debited. In the case of non-cash payment - only the amount established for the goods.

Important: some banks provide for the withdrawal of a certain amount of cash without commission at ATMs of partner banks.

If the card is linked to a dollar account, then a double conversion will be carried out with a double commission, which is absolutely not profitable.

Best Travel Maps

To decide which bank card is better to go to Europe with, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with the most popular banking offers.

Corn, ruble «MasterCard World»

Unnamed can be quickly issued on the day of treatment absolutely free.

Main advantages:

cashback from 1.5 to 30%, when connecting "double benefit +" (990 rubles per year);
cross-border payment is not charged;
no commission is charged for the issuance of funds, subject to the withdrawal of no more than 50 thousand rubles. per month and connecting the "interest on the balance" (otherwise - 1%);
interest on the balance up to 7% per annum;
money is debited at the rate of the Central Bank;
as a gift you receive SMS-banking.

Having a personalized card in hand, you can order a personalized MasterCard World with a chip through your personal account. After activation of the first, the second will be blocked.

Important: the maximum balance of a non-personalized card is 100 thousand rubles. Nominal - 600 thousand.

Tinkoff Black Debit Card

You can apply for a card on the official website of the bank and receive it by mail or courier delivery. To do this, you need to fill out a form with personal data, confirm your mobile phone number via SMS and select the account currency. Tinkoff Black allows you to store funds in different currencies, which is very convenient for frequent trips abroad.

Main advantages:

multicurrency card;
cashback from 1 to 5% in cash, not bonuses;
6% per annum is charged for the balance of funds;
you can withdraw from €100 in cash at any ATMs in Europe without commission (if the amount is less - 2.9%);
free sms notifications;
there is no cross-border commission.

The conversion is calculated at the rate of the Central Bank + 2% from Tinkoff Bank. If you exchange currency on weekdays from 10:00 to 18:30 Moscow time, then the difference with the exchange rate will be 0.25%.

Beeline, ruble «MasterCard»

Just like “Corn”, it is unnamed and is issued not by a bank, but by a mobile phone salon. It is beneficial for Beeline subscribers to use it, since cashback bonuses can be used to pay for mobile communications or purchases in partner stores.

Main advantages:

from 5 thousand to 50 thousand rubles. you can withdraw at all ATMs without overpayments (if the amount is different, then the commission is 1%);
cashback for purchases from 1% in all stores and up to 5% in 3 "favorite stores" to choose from;
commission for non-cash transactions - 0%;
free SMS notifications;
up to 7% monthly is accrued on the account balance;
conversion is carried out at the rate of PS;
you can order a personalized, more secure card, for 200 rubles;
purchase of currency at the rate of the Central Bank.

The weak point of unnamed plastic is safety. The problem can be solved by issuing several cards for one individual. Most of the money is left on one card, which is stored in a safe place, and transferred in small amounts to other cards to pay for purchases.

Tinkoff, All Airlines credit card

You can order a limit card through the official website or at the bank's offices. A credit card is issued for cashless payments, since a large commission is charged for issuing money in hand (from 390 rubles per transaction). The service fee is 1890 rubles per year.

Main advantages:

the maximum limit is 700 thousand rubles;
grace period 55 days;
cashback from 2 to 10% (accrued by miles);
credit card holders are provided with free travel insurance;
currency exchange takes place at the PS rate;
commission for non-cash payment - 0%;
conversion takes place at the rate of the Central Bank + 2%.

For those who travel a lot, using a Tinkoff credit card will be the most beneficial, since the flight can be fully paid for with bonus miles. In order to get a higher percentage of cashback, it is better to book tickets and book hotels through the tinkoff.travel website.

What is the best way to pay abroad

Paying with a plastic card abroad is much more convenient and safer than using cash. To minimize commission costs, as well as protect yourself from losing finances, you need to follow certain recommendations:

Carefully study all banking offers and decide which bank card is better to use in Europe.
Withdraw cash from public banks - it's safer.
Remember that exchangers at airports or train stations always overestimate the exchange rate.
Design multiple cards for different purposes. Even if you're not a fan of borrowed money, take one credit card with you for an emergency.
If possible, pay by card rather than withdrawing cash. This will save commission percentage and add cashback bonus points.
In Europe, it is more practical to use MasterCard cards.
Notify your bank about your trip abroad to avoid blocking your card.
If you travel outside the Russian Federation infrequently and are not going to make expensive purchases, then it is more profitable to issue a ruble card.

Today, Sberbank is the leading Russian bank, which is an order of magnitude higher than its competitors in terms of its assets and the number of existing customers. Therefore, no one is surprised that even abroad the branches of this credit organization are very popular. In almost any country you can find offices and representative offices of Sberbank. In turn, this provides unlimited opportunities for tourists and travelers who prefer to spend their holidays outside the Russian Federation. However, not everyone knows whether it is possible to pay with a Sberbank card abroad and how best to carry out this procedure. Is there a fee for getting cash

Why do tourists need maps?

Regardless of whether the traveler goes on a short vacation or prefers to enjoy a package tour, in any case, he needs to get at least a few bank cards. They are necessary not only for convenience and making payments, but also for a certain financial security of a person.

You need to understand that any tourist can lose money, or they can be stolen. In addition, credit cards are much more convenient to use in order to rent a car or book a hotel. In these situations, a certain deposit is most often required. Thanks to it, you can freeze the required amount of money for the duration of the trip. In addition, today there is such an option as cash back. This means that when using the card for purchases, you can return part of the amount to your account. This is very beneficial in most situations.

Can I pay with a Sberbank card abroad?

Of course, yes. It will not come as a surprise to anyone that any plastic card of a Russian bank can be successfully used abroad. However, it is worth considering the payment system to which the miniature gadget is attached.

For example, today the Mir card appeared in the Russian Federation. It is very convenient for citizens in many ways. Can I pay with a Sberbank card abroad if it belongs to this payment system? No. It can only be used within the country. It will be inactive abroad.

Separately, it is worth considering cards and Visa. You can pay with such Sberbank cards abroad. However, it should be borne in mind that each of these cards is responsible for a specific currency. For example, through "Visa" you can receive American dollars, and with the help of "Master Card" - euros. However, few Russian citizens keep foreign currency on their debit card. In this case, you should not be upset, since you can quite easily pay with rubles abroad.

It is worth considering an example of calculating with a Sberbank card abroad. Let's say a certain credit card holder decided to go on a trip to Paris. In one of the many boutiques, he liked a beautiful tie from a famous brand. The traveler did not have the required amount of money in cash. However, he had the required amount on the Sberbank card. In this case, the payment process might look like the following. First, the payment system transfers the currency depending on its system. After that, based on the current rate, the amount received is converted into rubles and the corresponding blocking of these funds on the traveler's personal account.

It sounds quite complicated, but in practice everything is much simpler than it seems. The main thing is that the card really has the required amount of funds, as well as the necessary amount of money to pay the commission.

Anyone understands that in this case, money can be lost on the conversion.

What is the fee for withdrawing cash abroad

Thinking about whether it is possible to pay with a Sberbank card abroad, everyone is interested in this issue in the first place.

It should be said right away that using a foreign ATM is not a very profitable business. The problem is that a rather impressive commission is assigned for such transactions. For example, some European ATMs have a minimum commission limit of 3% of the amount received. But at the same time, the amount of the overpayment cannot be less than 12 euros or dollars. Of course, this approach is not very profitable.

In this case, it is much more convenient to pay for goods through the appropriate terminals or the Internet. It is more convenient to pay with a Sberbank card abroad in this way. The overpayment in this case will be minimal.

Which card is better to open in order to use it abroad

Credit cards can be linked to the Visa and Master Card payment systems and used outside the Russian Federation. However, it is worth considering which Sberbank cards can be used to pay abroad. The fact is that some foreign ATMs categorically refuse to accept credit cards that do not have a special security chip installed. Therefore, it is recommended to open cards of this type. In order to issue them, it is enough to provide a foreign passport or an ordinary passport of the Russian Federation.

If we talk about the current programs of Sberbank, then today customers can receive credit cards with the possibility of interest-free repayment of borrowed funds. As a rule, the payment period is 50 days. This means that while abroad, a tourist can use the funds and return them within a month and a half without losing a commission. This option is successfully used by many travelers. In this case, when paying with a Sberbank card abroad, you don’t have to worry that there won’t be enough money for this or that purchase. However, do not forget about the 50-day limit.

Features of spending on credit cards

It's no secret that, while abroad, you can get from an ATM only the currency that is valid in the host country. In this case, the conversion of the received funds is carried out taking into account the current exchange rate. It is known that it can change up to several times in 1 hour.

At the same time, the process of converting money takes place in several stages. First, funds are transferred to special units of account that can be used in a particular payment system. Only after that they are given a second time and already take the form of local currency.

If you pay with a Sberbank ruble card abroad, then, as a rule, 1% of the withdrawal amount is charged for one conversion procedure. It is also worth considering that in the territory of the Russian Federation for using a credit card in order to receive cash, you will have to pay 3% of the total amount. If we talk about Europe, then in this case the rate increases to 4%.

However, there are exceptions. For example, if a tourist goes to Slovakia, Turkey, Serbia, Hungary and some other states, then on their territory he can use an ATM of a foreign Sberbank. In this case, the commission amount will also be 3%.

Features of a Sberbank debit card

If we talk about the use of a regular salary or simple card on the territory of foreign countries, then in this case the conversion will be carried out at the rate of the Central Bank. For cash withdrawals, you will need to pay another 1%, but only if you use an ATM of the same bank in the territory of a foreign state. In addition, a cash back program will operate during the trip, thanks to which the client will receive 0.5% as a “Thank you”. The cost of servicing such a card is 750 rubles for 1 year and 450 for subsequent ones. You can also connect SMS notifications, which will cost 60 rubles per month. In this case, when withdrawing cash, the loss will be only 2.5 percent.

Features of credit services

Speaking about whether it is possible to pay with a Sberbank card abroad, it is worth considering the features of this variety of miniature devices. As mentioned earlier, in this case, tourists have the opportunity to use the bank's funds for 50 days without charging an additional commission. If we talk about conversion outside the Russian Federation, then at the rate of the Central Bank it is 2%. There will also be a cashback, which will be 0.5%.

However, when using credit cards, you will have to pay already 4% for cash withdrawals. At the same time, there is also a restriction that the client can withdraw at least 390 rubles from an ATM. On the other hand, SMS alerts are free of charge. But in any case, using a credit card is less beneficial.

Representative offices of Sberbank abroad

Although it is the main bank of the Russian Federation, it is also very popular in many other countries of the world. To date, more than 22 representative offices of this credit institution have been opened. For the first time, offices appeared in Kazakhstan, but then Sberbank also mastered the CIS countries. Already in 2010, this bank entered the European market.

Most of its representations can be found in Germany. This is very beneficial for tourists, as they can take advantage of reduced rates when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

However, it is worth considering not only whether it is possible to use a Sberbank card abroad. You also need to know how to deal with unexpected situations. Let's consider the most common of them.

What to do if the card is stolen or lost

While abroad, some travelers are faced with the fact that their money is stolen. If this happened with a credit card, then first of all you need to call the bank's call center and inform the employees of this information. After clarifying the identity of the tourist, the funds and the card itself are blocked.

Also, while abroad, you can visit the Sberbank branch, if there is one, and ask for a block. In addition, a client who has applied to a foreign representative office has the right to receive in cash all the funds on the personal account. However, in order to fulfill this requirement, the teller will need a signed application from the client, which will indicate the last 4 digits of the lost credit card.

Precautionary measures

It is worth considering some useful recommendations that you should definitely consider before traveling. In order not to get into a disadvantageous position, it is better to go to the nearest Sberbank office before the trip and inform the employees of the organization that the client is planning a trip. The fact is that almost all cards are tracked. If it is noticed that the credit card has crossed the border of the Russian Federation, then this can be perceived as theft, and in this case, the bank prefers to play it safe and sometimes block funds on personal accounts. To remove this block, you will have to call the hotline of a credit institution, provide your personal data and ask to unblock it.

Is it profitable to pay with a Sberbank card abroad

It is most convenient to use foreign currency accounts outside the Russian Federation. The corresponding cards will allow you to receive cash without additional conversion. If the account is in euros and the client is located in the EU, he will only pay a fee for using the ATM.

However, in this case, you still have to overpay when buying currency in Russia.

Finally

The Sberbank card is valid abroad and can be used to receive cash. However, it is almost impossible to avoid the commission. But you can significantly reduce the amount of the overpayment. Credit cards are not so profitable, so it is better to take them only in reserve.

A selection of the most profitable bank cards for the traveler. Let's talk about our favorites that help you save big when traveling abroad!

Article updated 9.01.2020

Our travels around the world are almost 4 years and 30 countries, so we have gained experience in the money issue. 🙂 And although we always take some dollars in cash with us (the key word is a little), we still focus on the card, and not just one.

A plastic card in itself is more convenient and safer than cash, but we prefer, first of all, because of the many travel "goodies" in the form of cashback, free passes to airport business lounges, bonuses for buying air tickets, etc. For example, having traveled to the USA, we saved up for tickets for the next trip in Europe!

So, what are the best bank cards for travel?

There are a lot of offers from banks, as well as service packages for each, but if you plan to pay with a card in shops, restaurants, etc. and withdraw cash, then you should pay attention to specific numbers:

currency conversion rate
commission for cross-border payment (i.e. if the organization that conducts the transaction with the card is located outside the Russian Federation). For example, you pay for dinner in a cafe in Pattaya, or while in Russia you buy a ticket online from Turkish Airlines, or withdraw money from an ATM in Barcelona - for all such actions you can stumble upon a cross-border
commission for withdrawing cash from a third-party ATM
annual interest on the balance of funds and cashback (return of part of the funds spent on the card with bonuses or money)

Currency conversion abroad (from $ / € to rubles) does not always occur at the rate of the Central Bank. Or rather, almost never. Each bank throws a few percent on top, and some “finish off” commissions for cross-border and cash withdrawals from “foreign” ATMs. Another thing is that losses can be minimized - due to cashback (when paying for purchases) and the absence of those same commissions. Each bank is tricky in its own way, but if you use several cards and pay for different services with them, you can be in a good plus!

Which bank card is better to choose depending on these points? Here, in our opinion, are the most acceptable options.

Favorable travel cards

Basic Traveler Maps

We talk only about those cards that we have noticed for ourselves over the years of travel. Those that we use ourselves, we will definitely highlight, about the rest - there was a good impression from consultations with employees and feedback on the forums.

1. Tinkoff, debit Tinkoff Black

Conversion rate: Central Bank + ≈2%
Transgran: 0%
Cash withdrawal: 0% if the amount is more than 3000 rubles; for a currency account - from 100 $/€
% on the balance and cashback: 5% (when spending from 3000 rubles per month) and 1-5% in cash

Accompanies us on trips abroad from the very beginning, and we are not going to change preferences yet. We have one ruble card, to which both dollar and euro accounts are linked. We use the latter to store currency and withdraw abroad.

Follow the button and get 3 months of free service:

When making purchases with a card in other countries, in the worst case, we lose 1% (the exchange rate is 1% cashback for all categories); at best, we remain in the black by 3% (the rate is 5% cash for certain categories, for example, pharmacies, beauty, transport). For cash withdrawals in the amount of more than 3,000 rubles, we give the bank ≈2%. Cashback and % on the account balance "fall" on the card in the form of money, and you can do whatever you want with them. If the account has more than 30,000 rubles, then the service is free; otherwise - 99 rubles per month.

In such a yellow envelope they brought me my Tinkoff Black card
(photo map - below)

Example. Categories with more cashback change every 3 months. I always choose “transport” because it includes metro, buses, and taxis. Abroad, of course, too. Somehow, in 10 days in Los Angeles, where Uber took 30 bucks a day, Tinkoff returned a cashback of ≈ 1,000 rubles.

In addition to the minimum sanctions for using the card abroad, main advantage Tinkoff is in three words - this is an Internet bank. And it is very convenient when traveling. Even being a premium client of Otkritie or Alfa, you have to visit the office to clarify questions / submit applications / reissue a card, etc., which, of course, is impossible abroad. At Tinkoff, problems are solved through a phone call and chat in a mobile application or online account. The latter is also very useful - here you can see all card / account statements, details of transactions performed, you can manually set a limit on expenses per day (if you want to protect yourself from "accidental" debits) and notify the bank about the imminent departure of the card abroad with one click (to not blocked).

Example. In the States, money was debited from my card and it was blocked. To unlock, you need to call the operator. I don’t know what I would do if I had some kind of Sberbank that would insist on a call to the phone (hello, crazy roaming). At Tinkoff, I was offered to call directly through the application, connecting to Wi-Fi. 5 minutes, 0 rubles for communication - and I'm back with a card. By the way, Tinkoff returned the money (all 300 dollars).

Minuses? They are: mixed reviews from the owners of Tinkoff credit products (we are talking about debit products now) and a decrease in 7% per annum to 6% (upd: and from November 2019 to 5%). The first one can be retorted like this - who forces people to take credit cards and does not allow them to carefully read the information about tariffs? As for the second, the bank, even in this case, is very captivating with its service. And here we definitely have something to compare with.

2. Tinkoff, credit ALL Airlines

Conversion rate: Central Bank + ≈2%
Transgran: 0%
Cash withdrawal: high commission
% on the balance and cashback: - and 2-10% miles

Credit cards are not our profile - we have never set foot in this "minefield". However, this particular one is presented so “deliciously” that it should be included in the choice of a bank card for travel.

Why is she so cute? Cashback: the minimum (for all categories of goods) is 2% and thus brings any purchases abroad to zero. 3% cash back on flights, 5% on Tinkoff flights (compared to Skyscanner, our favorite search engine for cheap flights, prices are significantly higher), 10% on hotels and cars booked on Tinkoff as well. It is really profitable with hotels, because the site works with the good old Booking. Cashback is credited in the form of miles, 1 mile = 1 ruble.

Go and get 1000 miles to your account:

One of the main disadvantages stems from the ability to spend bonuses. First, only for air tickets. Secondly, yes, any site will do, but: a ticket should cost from 6,000 rubles. Moreover, the price needs to be “adjusted” to the miles, because they are withdrawn in multiples of 3,000. For example, a ticket can cost 6,500 rubles, and 9,000 miles will go off the card. They won't charge you less than the ticket price. 🙂 Another minus is still a credit card, and it’s better not to go beyond 55 interest-free days. The main thing is to clearly understand the conditions. Our friends actively use this card and are very satisfied.

By the way, both credit and debit All Airlines come with free insurance for the traveler. This is a great addition, especially if you travel frequently.

3. Opening, debit Opencard

Conversion rate: Central Bank + ≈2.8%
Transgran: available
Cash withdrawal: 0%
% on the balance and cashback: - and 3-11% in the form of bonuses

Like Tinkoff Black, this is not a travel-focused card. But it looks much more interesting than the travel product from Otkritie (which is discussed below).

So, Opencard is free to use - no strings attached; from it you can transfer up to 20,000 rubles per month to cards of other banks without commission; withdraw from ANY ATM up to 1,000,000 rubles per month without commission.

There is a cashback of as much as 11% for the category "Hotels and tickets" and a fixed 1% for everything else. Requirements for such generosity: maintain a balance of at least 100,000 rubles, buy from a card for at least 5,000 rubles and make a payment through the application from 1,000 rubles per month (for example, for housing and communal services).

But wait, where without cons? Increased cashback - 11% - no more than 3000 rubles per month. That is, it is profitable to spend about 27,000 rubles on hotels and tickets. In addition, Otkritie is one of those "harmful" banks that take a double conversion if the company from which you buy something is not from Russia. Even if the invoice is in rubles.

We constantly repeat this situation with Airbnb - a purchase in rubles, but the bank sees that the seller is foreign, and transfers the payment into dollars, and the dollars back into rubles. At your own pace, of course. The difference between the "total" and the final write-off can reach 5%.

Opening, debit Travel card, Optimal package

Conversion rate: Central Bank + ≈2.8%
Transgran: available
Cash withdrawal: 1%, minimum 250 rubles (if requirements are not met)
% on the balance and cashback: up to 7% on the account and 3% in the form of ruble bonuses

Opening until 2019 had a good selection of travel maps. After the merger with Binbank, one Travel card remained - and that one was not particularly profitable. But we will still consider the most acceptable package under the terms of free service - Optimal (there is still Premium).

The whole travel essence of the card can be described as follows: “get a fixed 3% cashback for any purchases - spend it on buying air tickets and railway and booking hotels exclusively on the Otkritie website (where prices are traditionally overpriced)”.

4. Home Credit, Debit Travel Favor

Conversion rate: Central Bank + ≈2%
Transgran: 0%
Cash withdrawal: 0% for the first 5 transactions per month, then - 100 rubles
% on the balance and cashback: - and 1-5% in the form of bonuses, which are converted into rubles 1:1

Benefit Travel - a novelty in the travel card market. And at first glance, not a card, but some kind of gift! But let's take a closer look.

Of the mind-blowing pluses - 3% cashback on any purchases abroad, 5% refund for air / railway / hotels / cars and 1% for purchases in the Russian Federation. As well as insurance, welcome 2 passes to business lounges, 5 cash withdrawals per month without commission and all the temporary benefits from Visa (yes, this Home Credit card is premium). The service is not adequate in a premium way - 199 rubles per month or daily balance maintenance from 30,000 rubles / spending on the territory of the Russian Federation from 30,000 rubles per month (“travels” are not considered).

What is the fabulous cashback hiding? In general, 3% abroad turn into 1% due to the conversion rate. 5% for organizational moments while traveling is beneficial, no doubt (especially since the cash threshold is 5,000 rubles, i.e. you can spend up to 100,000 rubles on travel per month). But 1% for operations in Russia, and in combination with the absence of interest on the balance, clearly do not make it the main one for use.

But we have already left an application for release 🙂

I am adding a review. We paid the bill in a cafe abroad several times - the cashback came, everything is in order (although the conversion is not the most profitable). An interesting card for me was travel insurance - and then a fat minus appeared. You need to come to the office, leave an application for connecting the service (as well as for the lounge key), and then - in the evening - you need to call the Allianz insurance company and ask to send the policy to the post office. That is, you can’t get insurance on the spot in the office. Okay, but here's the set-up: on the very day I showed up at the HomeCredit branch, the system broke down (for the whole day!), and the connection of insurance and lounges did not work. Coincidence, of course, but the sediment remained. Given the remote location and huge queues, I preferred to buy insurance.

5. Alfa Bank, debit Alfa Travel, basic package

Conversion rate: Central Bank + 1.5%
Transgran: 3%
Cash withdrawal: 0%, with monthly spending from 10,000 rubles
% on the balance and cashback: 1-6% and 2-9% bonus miles for which you can buy tickets 1:1

In our opinion, one of the most controversial among the popular bank cards with cashback. She always wins some titles, user recognition, but we do not see anything profitable in her.

The first 2 months of service - 0 rubles, and then:

Spend< 10 000 рублей в месяц? Получаете обслуживание за 100 рублей в месяц, 2,4% за авиабилеты и 6% за отели, но 0% кэшбека за все другие покупки.

Spend > 10,000 rubles per month? You get free service, 4.5% refund for flights and 8% for hotels, 2% cashback for any other purchases and 1% for the balance of the account.

But if you spend > 70,000 rubles, you will get 5.5% cashback for flights and 9% for hotels, a fixed 3% for other purchases and 6% for the account balance.

By disadvantages. First, significant expenses for maximum cashback. Secondly, increased miles for air and hotels are accrued only if you purchased them on the Alfa Bank website in the "Travel" section. Thirdly, a 3% conversion fee reduces to 0, if not a minus, any cashback for purchases abroad. What is left there - 1-6% on the account balance? Thank you, Tinkoff also has this (moreover, for spending from 3,000 rubles).

6. Promsvyazbank, debit map of the world without borders

Conversion rate: Central Bank + 1.5%
Cross-border: 0% if the transaction is made in $, € or rubles, otherwise 1.99%
Cash withdrawal: 1%, minimum 299 rubles
% on the balance and cashback: up to 5% and 1-1.5% bonus miles; you can spend only on air and railway tickets, hotels, car rental, tour or cruise at the rate of 1:1

We have not tried Promsvyazbank yet. But in general, the card is more or less suitable for payments in dollars / euros abroad, and in the kit it provides travel insurance.

Let's clarify the situation with cashback: 1.5% - for purchases abroad and the "travel" category; 1% - for all the rest. Thus, losses on purchases in $ and € will be 0-0.5% (rate - cash), in other currencies - ≈1.5-2%. For withdrawing money from a foreign ATM, you will have to say goodbye to 2.5-4.5% of the amount. Annual and cashback come to the card in the form of bonus miles (1 mile = 1 ruble, no more than 3,000 miles per month), you can waste them in the above categories.

The cost of maintenance is 1990 rubles per year, if you pay within a month from the date of opening the card - a “compliment” of 500 miles.

Archive of bank cards for travelers

7. Binbank, debit AIRMILES, Premium package

Update from 8.03.2019

Conversion rate: Central Bank + ≈2.5%
Transgran: 0%
Cash withdrawal: 0%, but not more than 75,000 rubles per month
% on the balance and cashback: 6% (when spending from 25,000 rubles per month) and 1-7% bonuses; can only be spent on air and railway tickets, hotels and car rental

This card is quite firmly settled in our pocket, but it is NOT the main one, although paying with it, you can get a good plus.

For purchases in non-ruble currencies, losses will amount to ≈1.5% (the exchange rate is 1% cashback), but in the categories “hotels, air or railway tickets, car rentals”, + ≈5.5% will be credited to the account, because. for them an increased 7 percent cashback. When withdrawing cash, ≈2.5% is lost. Interest on the account balance and cash are credited to a separate virtual card in the form of bonuses, where 1 bonus = 1 ruble. You can use them exclusively for online payment for goods from the designated sections on any site. Another advantage is multicurrency, i.е. you can link three accounts - $, € and rubles, and easily switch on trips.

The category of such a Binbank card is Visa Signature or Master Card World Black Edition, and maintenance is 1950 rubles per month; free of charge if you maintain a balance of 400,000 rubles (for regions, for Moscow and St. Petersburg - 600,000 rubles) or spend from 150,000 rubles monthly. This is a kind of minus, because. The amounts for free service are quite large. In addition, the bank does not give a normal human contract during registration. To be honest, we don't know what it is.

Since January 1, 2019, Binbank and Otkritie have merged. Cards issued before will support the old service packages until the expiration date. The AIRMILES card is no longer issued.

8. Raiffeisen, debit Afisha Restaurants

As of May 1, 2018, the card is no longer issued. Those issued before May 1 remain valid.

Conversion rate: Central Bank + ≈1.5-2%
Transgran: 1.65%
Cash withdrawal: 150 rubles + 1% (consultants assured that 2 times a month and at ATMs in other countries - no commission)
% on the balance and cashback: - and 10% in cash

We learned about Raiffeisen's proposal quite recently. The card was ordered, and how we will try it in practice, we will write in detail. UPD. We tried it in May in Europe and we liked it! From 5400 rubles of spending, they received 540 rubles of cashback. Not bad 🙂

Bank cards with cashback always catch on, but when the card returns 10% of the funds spent in cafes and restaurants ABROAD, it turns into a must-have for travel. Even despite the cross border and the conversion rate, we will be in the black by ≈6.4%! Cashback is credited in money, but not more than 2500 rubles per month. It also attracts a promotion that guarantees free service during the first year (hereinafter - 2,900 rubles, or free of charge from 100,000 rubles on the account), if you manage to get a card before 12/31/17, and free insurance for the traveler.

For other purchases, incl. and in Russia, we won't get anything. Hence the minus - the card is very limited in use. But in combination with other cards, it should be good, check it out!

Update after 6 months of use (July 2018)

Spend money abroad in a cafe, for example, all of June, cashback comes in 20 business days the next month.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to find out which operations went through the cashback and which did not (there is no such information in the application).

Bank cards with Priority Pass

When choosing a bank card for trips abroad, and especially frequent trips, pay attention to the availability of the priority pass program. It entitles all over the world, where there is an opportunity to relax / take a nap on comfortable sofas, or even in separate rooms, take a shower, eat for free, etc. Have you ever managed to have a meal, for example, at the Moscow airport, without making a hole in the budget? 🙂

Bank cards with priority pass belong to the premium category, and banks set special conditions for their issuance. Moreover, in 2019 the conditions deteriorated significantly. If earlier unlimited passes to business lounges were given for maintaining 400,000-600,000 rubles on accounts, now the threshold is very high.

Therefore, after reviewing all bank cards with priority pass, we came to the conclusion that now there are no particularly attractive ones for long-term use. And the best ones in 2020 for “just trying” are Sberbank Premier and Raiffeisen with the Premium package.

We have a priority pass from the archival tariff of the now defunct Binbank. After the expiration date, we don’t even know what to look at.

Sberbank, Sberbank Premier package: as it seems to me, the most short-lived Sber product in use. And all because customers are attracted by the priority pass card and free conditions - until the spring of 2019, unlimited was issued for both the holder and guests of all for 2500 rubles per month! But the bank has become angrier, and now for the same commission 8 passes per quarter(i.e. for 3 months) + great insurance for trips abroad (it was available before). Unlimited is granted for maintaining a balance of 2,000,000 rubles.

Raiffeisen Premium 5 package: you can open a card for 3 months, pay 5000 rubles for the service (there is no commission for the first month and the month of disconnection if they do not match) and receive 10 passes for the cardholder. For a family of 3-4 people for 1 trip - normal. Unlimited from Raiffeisen (for a quarter!) Is granted for 5,000,000 rubles on accounts; or for 3,000,000 rubles on the balance sheet and monthly expenses from 200,000 rubles.

The following bank cards with priority pass are much less interesting and profitable. But we have to talk about them.

Opening Premium Package: according to the map from Otkritie, both the owner and several companions can go to the business lounge. By the way, the bank does not cooperate with Priority, but with Lounge Key - which is the same, but without a separate card. Lounge ki provides 12 passes per year, and conditions: minimum balance in 2,000,000 rubles.

Privilege package VTB24: gives 2 free visits per month for a cardholder who holds from 2,000,000 rubles in the account, or spends from 100,000 rubles per month, and 8 passes if the account has more than 5,000,000 rubles. (UPD: November 2019)

Alfabank Premium package: grants the owner 4 passes per month when spending from 100,000 rubles and 1,500,000 rubles in the account. Unlimited access - just a minute! - from 6,000,000 rubles.

Promsvyazbank, Orange Premium Club program: unlimited and free priority pass from Promsvyazbank requires from 4,000,000 rubles on the client's account.

Home Credit Card Travel Benefits: works with Lounge Key, gives one-time 2 free passes for issuing a card. Further while maintaining from 600 000 rubles daily or monthly spending from 100,000 rubles(with a very sad cashback) 1 pass per month is provided. They accumulate, but burn out after 4 months.

Credit Europe Bank, TravelPass card: for spending on this credit card from 60,000 rubles per month 8 passes per year to business lounges under the Lounge Key program. The card, by the way, is pretty - there is a cashback of 5-10% for hotels, air cars, gas stations and cafe-restaurants. Bonuses drip immediately after purchase!

Tinkoff, any Premium card: if you spend more than 200,000 rubles a month or keep more than 3,000,000 rubles in bank accounts, Tinkoff is generous with 2 passes per month for the cardholder.

Travel Debit Card - Our Choice

For us, the best bank cards for travel are, firstly, ruble Tinkoff Black. An excellent debit card for trips, we mainly pay with it in stores, withdraw money or simply “scatter” funds on other cards, because. No commission is charged for transfers.

In second place is the archival Binbank Airmiles. Well, it’s clear why: a card with insurance (free of charge), decent cashback and super conditions for unlimited priority pass.
In our opinion, it was one of the coolest travel cards.

Saving up for a trip (using cashback and interest on the balance) is quite easy - for example, part of the cost of tickets and hotels in the United States returned to us in the form of tickets to Europe for May for two. Unlike competitors offering similar cards, Binbank allowed you to spend bonuses on any site, and this is an important point for budget travel. The card is valid until 2020.

Now the closest option is the Opencard Premium card.

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Looking for a discounted tour

Going abroad, each of us has a logical question: which plastic card to choose for payment abroad? Someone is not at all puzzled by such a question, but prefers cash. In this case, everything is simple and clear: change the money in the exchange office and go.

With the card, a lot of additional questions arise: which bank to choose, which system card, which currency and many other points that we will try to analyze in detail in this publication, and at the end of the article we will answer the most frequently asked questions.

Using a map has both pros and cons. It is more convenient and understandable for someone to cash (cash) - he came, paid, received change, and besides, it is easier to control your expenses.

The advantages are the same as the disadvantage of cash - if the card is stolen, then withdrawing money from it will be a rather difficult task, but your funds will be saved, although access to them will be limited for some period of time. The second plus is the ease of payment, especially in highly developed countries, when you don’t have to look for suitable banknotes to pay for bus fares or buy a metro ticket.

Another advantage is that there is no need to declare the imported currency, this applies to amounts exceeding 10,000 euros (equivalent).

Amounts greater than 10 thousand euros are declared in writing when exporting or importing into a country (Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus, EU countries).

And one more not unimportant plus of bank cards - friends or relatives will be able to transfer money to your card if you suddenly spent money.

What bank cards are valid abroad?

We will not unsubscribe Russian systems here, since when traveling abroad there will be no opportunity to pay with cards, and they turn into only a piece of plastic (only partly true, since the world can pay with cards, more on this at the end of the article). The two world leaders in payment systems on everyone's lips are Visa and Mastercard.

Visa is accepted for payment in more than 200 countries around the world. At the beginning of the 2000s, VISA accounted for almost 60% of the world's payment cards, and the main opponent MasterCard owned 26% of the market, but by 2010 the situation looked like this: out of the eight billion cards in circulation, 29.2% were China UnionPay, and Visa's share dropped to 28.6%. But since China UnionPay was created for the domestic Chinese market, the American payment system is still the leader in international payments. Today it is possible to pay with a "visa" in more than 20 million retail outlets, service industries, and so on.

If you are the owner of privileged cards, such as Gold, then you can count on additional discounts. Many trade and retail enterprises around the world are members of the Visa and Mastercard discount club. Additional bonuses or points may be awarded, which can be used when buying air tickets, renting a house or a car, and much more.

The main differences between Visa and MasterCard

The main currency of the Visa and MasterCard payment systems is the US dollar, which means that currency conversion operations will be carried out through this currency. But not always. For the Mastercard payment system, if the purchase is made in Euro, then the conversion will be at the rate of the payment system immediately into rubles, or will not be if the card is in Euro. But again, we repeat - this is not always the case and depends on the bank and the places where the payment is made.

How are transactions abroad with Visa and Mastercard cards with a ruble account

Based on the data in the table, it can be concluded that in Europe it is better to use MasterCard, A in the USA with a Visa card. The fewer currency conversion operations take place, the less you will lose on commission.

If you open an account immediately in a currency, then in this case there will be fewer conversions. In practice, it looks like this:

Currency account	Principle of operation
dollars	For example, in the USA you decide to pay for purchases with a Visa dollar card - the operation will take place without conversions. With a Mastercard dollar card - the operation will take place without conversions.
Euro	An account in Euro will be an ideal option for settlements in European countries. When making payments in other countries, there will be a conversion of euros into dollars. Suppose you went to rest in Italy, where they pay in euros. We went to a restaurant and decided to pay with a card: Mastercard without conversions (Raiffeisen Bank and Home Credit). Visa conversion: EUR->USD->EUR.
Rubles/Hryvnias	With a ruble or hryvnia account, everything is simple, they will be converted into local currency anyway. You just need to look at which countries you pay abroad in, and choose the right payment system in order to lose less on conversions.

To visit the Eurozone, where the euro is used, we advise you to open cards in Euro, if in the USA, then, respectively, in US dollars. If you go to other countries (Turkey, Thailand, India, Egypt, etc.), then it is best to open in dollars, since many conversions go through it.

As we will write below, it is best to have several options, as there are times when entire countries, stores simply do not accept one of the international payment systems.

It is worth noting that it is not always profitable to open foreign currency accounts. Most often, travelers use ordinary ruble debit or credit cards to pay abroad. Indeed, in order to replenish a currency card, you will have to exchange your rubles for a currency, and in any case you will lose on the difference in rates.

Which bank to choose?

The most important criteria that will help you choose a card are the fees and bank commission for a cross-border payment.

Cross-border payment– payments with plastic cards abroad. That is, outside the country where the card was issued.

The most attractive conditions give: Sberbank, Tinkoff, Rosselkhozbank and the Corn card from RNCO "Payment Center".

Sberbank

Sberbank charges a commission for settlements abroad only with Visa cards and for Electron and Classic cards this figure is 1.5%, for Visa Platinum cards 1%, for "gold" 1.25%. With Mastercard payment, there is no commission for cross-border payment.

Rosselkhozbank

Rosselkhozbank has one of the lowest commission rates for cross-border payments - 0.75%. Payment is made by converting the payment system of rubles into foreign currency at the rate of the Central Bank, as well as additional deduction by the Russian Agricultural Bank of 0.75%.

It is enough to open a Personal card of Rosselkhozbank, such as Visa Classic or MasterCard Standard, which can be used all over the world.

Corn

According to reviews on the Internet, the "Corn" card is very praised, which is issued in 10 minutes at the Euroset branch and is absolutely free. Refers to the Mastercard World system. It is easy to top up the card, and payments abroad are always converted at the current exchange rate of the Central Bank and the Mastercard system.

When withdrawing cash from an ATM, a commission of 1% is charged, but not less than 100 rubles. And for a cross-border payment, the bank takes 0%. That is, losses when paying abroad, only due to the conversion of the ruble into the local currency. The presence of cashback candy wrappers can partially smooth out the losses on the commission, if this is of course interesting to you.

For 200 rubles, you can issue a personalized card with a chip.

Tinkoff

Debit and credit cards from Tinkoff are also popular among travelers, with both VISA and Mastercard options available. Payment is made by converting at the rate of the Central Bank + 2% commission for conversion.

Mastercard World from Europlan

Update from 2017: Unfortunately, this bank and its products no longer exist.

Also a popular card among travelers. The payment system used is Mastercard, the commission for foreign payments and currency conversion is 0%. For cash withdrawals abroad, they will take 2%, but block 4%.

If you use it in Russia, then interest-free withdrawal at any ATM supported by the Mastercard system, but with the condition that the withdrawal amount must be at least 5 thousand rubles.

When going abroad, be sure to call the hotline to your bank (available on the website, available on a plastic card) and warn about in which country and when you will use it. This must be done so that there is no automatic blocking when payments begin to be made abroad. Many banks set a limit on payments abroad, and if you do not remove it first, then there is a high probability of blocking.

Find out if there are restrictions on withdrawing money abroad, limits;
Have identification documents with you, in some cases it will be necessary to provide when making payments through terminals;
If the card was made a long time ago, do not forget to check its expiration date.
While abroad, you should not rely on only one plastic card, it is advisable to have several cards of each international payment system, as well as cash.

It makes sense to open cards in a currency (dollar, euro) only when you have savings in this currency, or you can replenish them with a currency with a conversion below the Central Bank rate or at least the same rate. In any other case, the easiest way, of course, is to use your usual ruble card. But easier is not always profitable, remember that!