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UnionPay does not limit cashless transactions for cards issued by Russian banks

It is reported that UnionPay cardholders will be able to withdraw a maximum of 50,000 yuan ($7,180) daily

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. The cash withdrawal restrictions introduced by China’s UnionPay do not cover cashless transactions with the use of cards issued by Russian banks, the banks’ press services told TASS.

The UnionPay payment system notified Russian banks earlier about a limit for cash withdrawals overseas on its cards issued by Russian banks. The cap applies to all cards issued by Russian banks. UnionPay cardholders will be able to withdraw a maximum of 50,000 yuan ($7,180) daily or no more than 500,000 yuan ($71,800) per year or the equivalent of this amount in another currency.

"Zenith Bank received a relevant notice from the payment system. Cashless transactions will not be limited in such cases," the credit institution’s press service told TASS. A number of other banking industry members confirmed this information.

Restrictions for cash withdrawals were introduced due to higher demand from Russians for cash they withdrew from UnionPay cards at the ATMs of banks that had not issued them, Post Bank told TASS. "These restrictions apply only to cash withdrawals from ATMs of banks located outside Russia. Such limitations do not apply to the territory of Russia (limits in line with the tariff under the agreement apply). It is also important to take note that when UnionPay cards are used (irrespective of the country where transactions take place), cash withdrawal limits set by a specific tariff upon the card issue are also in effect," the Bank said.

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