Otkritie Bank (part of the VTB Group) analyzed* the dynamics of customer payments using Mir cards abroad. In the 11 months of 2023, customers spent almost 50% more money than in the same period last year. The three most popular countries in terms of transaction volume are Belarus, Kazakhstan and Armenia.
Bank experts noted an increase in the volume of customer spending in friendly countries. The volume of transactions using Mir cards increased by 48%. Almost half of the total volume of payments comes from Belarus (46%). The most popular spending categories are supermarkets and mass market stores. Compared to last year, customer payments in Belarus increased by 57%.
The greatest dynamics of customer transaction activity in 2023 is demonstrated by the countries of Central Asia, in which payments on Mir cards have increased multiple times: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. In general, these countries account for almost every fifth (22%) payment on the Mir card.
A two-fold increase in payments (+104%) is noted in Armenia, where traditional tourism spending items are in the lead — travel and transport, cafes and restaurants.
“Statistics of foreign payments using MIR cards reflect a trend towards an increase in tourist flow, trade volumes and exchange of services between friendly countries in which the payment infrastructure allows use familiar Russian cards,” notes Alexey Perov, deputy leader of the Daily Banking tribe of Otkritie Bank.
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