Two Kazakhstani banks suspend issuance of cards to foreign nationals  

Home Credit Bank Kazakhstan has suspended the issuance of debit cards to foreigners, as reported by the Russian business media outlet RBC. Similar restrictions have also been introduced by Kaspi Bank, which announced that the restrictions will be lifted starting from Feb. 3, 2025.

In response to Kursiv.media’s inquiry, Home Credit Bank Kazakhstan stated that the issuance of debit cards to foreign nationals will remain in effect until March 3, 2025, due to undergoing internal procedures.

As for Kaspi Bank, its debit cards issued before Jan. 19, 2025, will remain valid until their initial expiration date. After Feb. 3, 2025, foreigners without a Kazakhstani residence permit will once again be eligible to obtain a Kaspi Gold card, but only with a one-year expiration term.

According to a notification from Bank CenterCredit published on its website, new requirements for issuing and reissuing bank cards have entered into force in Kazakhstan starting Jan. 20. Under the new regulations, the maximum validity of cards issued to foreign nationals without a Kazakhstani residence permit will be limited to 12 months. Exemption applies to foreigners holding a residence permit, as well as those who possess cards issued before Jan. 20. 

The new requirements will not apply to businessmen, investors and diplomats. According to the Kazakhstan’s Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, the measure aims to mitigate risks associated with the use of banking services in illegal activities, including trafficking of drugs and digital assets.