NSPK made a decision on expired Mir cards

Mir payment system cards will continue to operate permanently, the press service of the National Payment Card System (NSPK) told RBC. The decision was made by the council of payment market participants and users under this organization.

"Today, the extension is purely a service necessity, aimed at providing convenience to citizens and reducing the burden on banking infrastructure," said NSPK CEO Dmitry Dubynin.

At the same time, there are plans to reduce the number of deferred and offline transactions (such as in-flight purchases and public transportation fares) using Mir cards, reaching 2.5% by 2028. The bank cannot promptly verify such transactions. Such transactions are planned to be completely phased out by 2030.

"It's important to understand that replacing plastic cards with new ones is a natural process: any card wears out over time. By 2030, some holders of these Mir cards who conduct transactions in deferred or offline mode will still have to replace them with new ones. However, a gradual transition will allow for a smooth and hassle-free card upgrade," Dubynin emphasized.

The NSPK also recommended that Mir cardholders promptly block and destroy their cards if circumstances require it—for example, in the event of loss—as this increases the risk of unauthorized use.

In 2014, following the annexation of Crimea by RUSSIA and the risk of international payment system cards being disconnected, the NSPK (National Payment Card System), which is 100% owned by the Russian Central Bank, was established. A year later, the first Mir cards were issued. They then became mandatory for transferring salaries to employees of public sector organizations, as well as pensions and benefits.

Following the start of the military operation in Ukraine, international payment systems, including Visa and Mastercard, withdrew from Russia. The NSPK became a market monopoly. Visa and Mastercard cards issued by Russian banks ceased to work abroad, while those issued by foreign banks ceased to work in Russia. All transactions with Russian cards are processed through the NSPK.

For the first time, expired Mir cards were extended during the pandemic.covid .

In July, the Central Bank promised to limit the validity period of expired cards. According to Alla Bakina, DIRECTOR of the Central Bank's National Payment System Department, this is due to the reduction in their number and the lack of need for them.

"Currently, as part of our anti-fraud efforts, the card expiration date is one of the elements that, among other things, prevents various fraudulent transactions. We are currently considering limiting this period," she added. Sergey Panin, the company's technical standards development leader, announced restrictions on some transactions with expired Mir cards for February 2026.

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