Most people who decide to open a debit card for any specific purpose try to find free debit cards so as not to pay the bank for servicing this seemingly simple and now accessible banking product.

Indeed, many banks now offer debit cards with free annual service. But at the same time, in most cases there are certain pitfalls that an ordinary client may not immediately know about.

That is why, in this review, we will consider the best free debit cards offered by domestic banks in 2019. Moreover, in the description of each card we will try to reveal all the nuances and features of the card, pros and cons and much more.

Best Free Debit Cards in 2019

So, below are the TOP 5 of the best and most profitable debit cards, which are issued free of charge and do not have an annual service fee in their tariffs. We present exactly those cards that today are extremely popular among bank clients, have positive and numerous reviews on the Internet, and also have favorable rates and conditions with completely zero or conditionally free service.

The best free debit card of 2019

One of the most popular cards at Tinkoff Bank is the Tinkoff Black debit card. This card will be an excellent option for storing money on it for savings and for everyday payments in stores.

The main advantages of the card:

• The card is issued in the premium categories MasterCard, VISA or MIR Premium.
• You can issue a ruble or currency card (euro, dollar).
• Cash withdrawals from ATMs and transfers to other banks are free.
• Free issuance of up to 5 additional cards for all family members or for yourself. Moreover, you can issue different payment systems for one account. For example, for payments within the country you can issue a premium MIR card, and for payments abroad MasterCard Platinum.
• Online registration and free delivery by a bank specialist.
• Interest on the card balance is up to 6 percent per annum.
• Cashback for purchases in certain categories up to 5%, as well as for purchases from Tinkoff Bank partners up to 30%.

At first glance, a card of a prestigious category and with such advantages cannot be free. And to some extent this is true, since the card costs 99 rubles per month.

But there is methods and conditions for using a debit card for free:

1. The Tinkoff Black card will be free if you have a bank deposit (deposit) in the amount of 50 thousand rubles or more or a loan for the same amount in Tinkoff Bank.
2. Another way to use it for free is to keep a minimum balance of 30 thousand rubles on the card for a month.
3. Well, the most popular way is after receiving the card, just call or write to the bank with a request to transfer to non-public tariff 6.2 in which there is no card maintenance fee. Only existing bank clients are transferred to it. You can familiarize yourself with this tariff.

As you can see, making a map free is quite easy and simple, but you can start by simply opening the map. The card is perfect for depositing salaries and for other purposes.

Free universal debit card with interest and cashback

One of the most popular debit cards in Russia today is the Rocketbank card. Its popularity is due to the fact that it is produced and serviced free of charge, and delivered by courier also free of charge. Using the card it is possible to make transfers to other banks without commission. In addition, every month the bank offers to select stores in your city where you can receive cashback of up to 10%.

And of course, what’s a debit card without interest on the balance? It is 5.5 percent here.

A special feature of this bank is that it serves clients only remotely through a mobile application for Android and IOS. For those who have not heard about the Rocketbank brand, I will say that it belongs to the state financial corporation Otkritie. This indicates the maximum reliability of Rocketbank. And don’t forget that the bank is a member of the DIA, and all funds on the card are insured by the state.

Profitable debit card with free issue and service from Home Credit

In 2018, Home Credit Bank introduced a new debit card “Polza”, which is currently one of the most interesting cards for storing your funds and making payments in stores.

For storing funds, the card is advantageous in that it accrues interest on the balance of up to 7% per annum. And for payments in stores, the card is interesting because it has a “Benefit” bonus program, which allows you to receive bonuses (cashback) in certain categories and partner stores of up to 10%.

The card is issued absolutely free. Also, there is currently a promotion where there is no annual maintenance for the first year. From the second year, if you keep a minimum balance of 10 thousand rubles on the card, then the card will also be free, if less, then 99 rubles.

The amount of 10 thousand rubles is not so big that you can keep it on a card at a high interest rate and receive free card service for this.

Free universal card "Halva" from Sovcombank

Another profitable debit card where you can profitably store your own funds and withdraw from any ATM in the world is the installment card from Sovcombank. The Halva card is a card with a credit limit that allows you to make purchases in installments for up to 12 months.

But in addition to this function, it has debit functionality, which allows you to use the card as a debit card. 6% per annum is charged on the balance of your own funds on the card, and if certain conditions are met, the interest rate can be increased to 7.5%. In addition, you can withdraw funds in the amount of up to 100 thousand per month at any ATM in the world without commission. The card definitely deserves to be issued, even because it is absolutely free. More details about the map can be found in separate review on our blog.

Opencard debit card with no annual fee and free delivery

I’ll say right away that you can use the card for free under certain conditions, which are also not difficult to fulfill. But more on that below.

Why is it worth getting a debit Opencard from Otkritie Bank:

1. Large reliable bank TOP-10.
2. Cashback on everything up to 3%. No need to search for specific categories or stores. Pay with it everywhere and get a stable 3 percent cashback!
3. Commission-free withdrawals from ATMs and transfers to other banks.
4. A savings account where you can store funds at a favorable interest rate of up to 7% per annum.
5. Possibility to issue a premium card with free service (if minimum requirements are met).
6. Free delivery at any time and place convenient for you.

Where can I get a free debit card?

So, in this review we tried to answer the question of many, “Where can I get a free debit card?” and reviewed the most profitable and interesting bank debit cards that are worth getting this year. So, the choice is now yours, but I would recommend that you try several debit cards from this list at once in order to understand from your own experience which card will be most suitable for you. Moreover, they complement each other and allow you to earn a lot of rubles from cashbacks.

Currency cards have been issued by many banks in our country for a long time, and it is clear that many banks are trying to make the most favorable conditions for using their cards. Also, some existing cards can be converted into foreign currency at any time and two additional accounts can be opened in dollars and euros. Which currency card of which bank is better from 2016 to the present time.

Which currency card is better?

What are the advantages of currency cards?

Currency cards are a very convenient tool for those who like to travel around European countries, where very often in any store you can make a purchase in both euros and dollars. You can pay for any goods and services around the world in the exact currency that is quoted in a particular country.

You will not have to spend extra interest on conversion when transferring from national currency to euros or dollars, as is usually the case with MasterCard and Visa cards without a “multi-currency package”. You can also make transfers to accounts and cards in dollars and euros in any country in the world.

Similarly, you can make payments via the Internet in any foreign online stores or any other foreign services. Currency bank cards provide you with round-the-clock access to three accounts: rubles, dollars, euros.

With the help of modern SMS and Internet banking, you will always be aware of your transactions on your bank accounts. Many banks additionally provide the opportunity to issue additional currency cards for these three accounts. You can always give these cards to your family and friends who live in another country. At the same time, you will always be aware of all transactions on all currency accounts.

Sberbank multicurrency card

This is a good card, which comes in two types: MasterCard Standard and Visa Classic. It has three accounts at once: national currency, dollars and euros. Let's look at all the conditions for using this card.

• Card validity: 3 years
• Annual maintenance cost for the first year: 750 rubles or the equivalent in another currency
• Maintenance cost from the second year: 450 rubles
• Cash withdrawal from Sberbank ATMs: no commission
• Cash withdrawals from third party banks: 1%
• It is possible to issue gold and platinum cards, which in addition have privileged and discount programs.

Alfa Bank multi-currency card

This bank provides the opportunity to issue currency cards under the following programs: “Class!”, “Onlife”, “Basic”. The amount of monthly maintenance will depend directly on the amount of balance on all foreign currency accounts, and the higher the amount, the lower the amount of maintenance. Basically, these numbers vary from 59 to 129 rubles.

It is also possible to obtain an Alfa Bank gold currency card, which has a number of advantages:

• Legal and medical support abroad
• Registration of a travel insurance program
• Possibility of paying any amount anywhere in the world, as well as quick re-issuance of the card
• You have the right to issue three additional cards to the gold card at once.

Multi-currency card “Russian Standard”

This is a pretty good debit card, which in addition is also a savings card. This card will allow you to save a certain amount for the balance at the end of the month. This amount is credited to an additional savings account, which is automatically opened when you issue this card.

• Make purchases anywhere in the world
• 10% per annum on account balance at the end of the month
• Card maintenance is absolutely free from the second year
• 24/7 customer support anywhere in the world.

Citibank multi-currency card

Citibank currency cards are a very convenient tool for converting and using existing accounts. Using online banking and your personal account, you can link your existing accounts at any US Bank. You can also connect to any information services, both SMS and Internet banking. It is possible to additionally connect insurance programs.

VTB currency cards

The bank itself is one of the leading banks in issuing . Firstly, you have a large selection of cards in any class: gold, platinum and classic VTB cards. So everyone can choose a card to suit their wallet and their needs. Secondly, the cards themselves can be opened in either three or two currencies. And here you choose which second currency is better.

• Annual account maintenance 750 rubles
• The cost of servicing cards depends on the class of the card and the higher the class, the more expensive.
• Every month you can withdraw up to 1,000,000 rubles.
• Cash withdrawal from VTB ATMs: no commission
• There are various travel insurance programs, as well as 24-hour legal assistance around the world.
• When you sign up for a Platinum card, you receive a personal manager who can advise you from anywhere in the world.
• Connected cashback program, as well as discounts with bank partners.

Tinkoff currency card

All foreign currency accounts are subject to an accumulative balance system of 8%. You can withdraw money from ATMs in any country. The Tinkoff application is currently the most convenient among many banks. The card is issued online or by phone, and you do not need to visit a bank branch or office.

Which card is better?

There are no good or bad currency cards. Each bank provides its own more advantageous opportunities, and everyone decides for himself which card is best for him. In fact, each card has its own pros and cons and must be decided based on the needs of the client himself.

Debit currency “plastic” from Sberbank, as a replacement for a multicurrency card, is issued within the framework of the VISA and MasterCard payment systems. When making payments abroad, it is more economical due to the lack of conversion.

MasterCard Standard currency card from Sberbank

A simple and easy-to-use product - Sberbank MasterCard Standard currency cards. It can be an excellent replacement for any multi-currency product from another banking institution.

You can order a currency card as a replacement for a Sberbank multicurrency card in real time on the bank’s website or at a branch of this financial institution.

The main features and functionality of this product include the following:

• Embossing. Transactions using such a card take place without authorization. Payments using it are available wherever there is no connection with the bank: on an airplane, train. This is possible thanks to pre-authorization (the card is imprinted on the imprinter).
• Carrying out payments in foreign currency. This way you can avoid unnecessary conversion costs.
• 3D-Secure security system.
• Bonuses and discounts. The card holder enjoys favorable bonus programs when paying in many retail chains.
• PayPass payment is an additional function of the contactless payment method.
• Cashless payment for goods and services.
• Cash withdrawal from ATMs of any financial institutions.

Key conditions for obtaining and using the option to replace a Sberbank multicurrency card:

• You only need to have your passport with you.
• Valid for 3 years.
• The cost of service in the first year is within $25, 25 euros, 750 rubles, in the second year and subsequent years - $15, 15 euros, 450 rubles.
• Manage money from your smartphone using a free mobile application.
• The monthly limit through cash desks and ATMs is 1,500,000 rubles, 50,000 US dollars, 37,500 euros.
• Cash withdrawals up to 150 thousand rubles per day or the equivalent in foreign currency.
• Topping up your plastic card with cash is free.
• Re-issue of “plastic” is free - upon expiration of the validity period. You will have to pay for early reissue (if you lose your card, PIN code, or change your full name) - 150 rubles, 5 US dollars, 5 euros.
• Account currency - dollars, euros, rubles.

This banking product has many advantages:

• Fast and secure payment for purchases using contactless technology.
• Favorable bonus program - over 0.5% of each purchase and up to 20% from bank partners.
• A free mobile application that allows you to manage your money from your smartphone.
• Free card replenishment with cash.
• Easy card management through online banking, mobile application, mobile banking, self-service devices.
• Additional features: 24-hour service, discount and privilege programs, emergency money withdrawal service.
• Low cost of maintenance.

Disadvantages of the card:

• If you lose your plastic card, PIN code or change your last name, you will have to pay for its early reissue.

Multi-currency debit card MasterCard classic from Alfa-Bank

This bank offers a multi-currency debit card for customers who need to receive transfers in euros or dollars, or withdraw cash abroad. The main features of this product include the following:

• A high level of protection is provided using a special chip - for offline purchases and cash withdrawals. Modern 3D Secure technology provides protection for online purchases.
• Pay for purchases with one touch of your smartphone or card using the ability to connect your card to Apple Pay, Android Pay or Samsung Pay.
• Card issuance is free.
• Carrying out payments in foreign currency.
• Bonuses and discounts from partners of this financial institution - up to 5-7%.

Card issuance for new clients of a banking institution is available only after registration of one of the service packages.

This is one of the most common currency products in this bank. The key conditions for receiving and using “plastic” from Alfa-Bank include the following aspects:

• To obtain it you only need a passport. You can issue a card on the same day.
• Fast transfers to cards of other banks and back.
• Free maintenance is the main key condition of this product.
• Instant “relinking” of this “plastic” to accounts in rubles/dollars/euro.
• Manage money from your smartphone using a special mobile application.
• Topping up your account with cash is free.
• Re-issue of the card is free.
• Account currency - dollars, euros.

Advantages of a multi-currency card from Alfa-Bank:

• Excellent balance of price and quality.
• Free service.
• Making instant transfers to accounts of other banks.
• Free transfers using the Alfa Mobile mobile application.
• Simultaneously opening several other accounts for your loved ones along with the service package. You can also additionally open cards for accounts in different currencies.
• Make payments with one touch of your hand.

There is only one disadvantage worth mentioning - if you are a new client of this financial institution, in order to receive a card you will have to purchase one of the service packages.

Currency "Multicard" from VTB

The banking product “Multicard” from VTB is convenient to use if you need to receive money transfers in foreign currency. The main features of this “plastic” include the following:

• High level of protection - 3D Secure.
• Pay for purchases with one touch of plastic or a smartphone using the ability to connect the card to Apple Pay, Android Pay or Samsung Pay.
• The card issuance is free when you fill out an application on the bank’s website and 249 rubles (about $5) when you apply at a branch. But this money is returned if the monthly account balance is at least 15,000 rubles ($300). In this case, the active card user will not have to pay for annual maintenance.
• Bonuses and discounts from partners of this financial institution.

The key conditions for obtaining and using this product are as follows:

• To obtain this banking product, you only need a passport.
• Free payments and transfers of up to 150 thousand per month (up to $3,000), if your transaction amount at the merchant using a card is from 75,000 rubles.
• The “plastic” holder will not have to pay for withdrawing cash from ATMs of other banks - up to 150 thousand per month (up to $3,000), if the amount in the TSP on the card is from 75,000 rubles.
• Accrual of 7% on the account balance if the amount in the merchant account on the account issued under the Multicard package is from 75,000 rubles.
• Manage money through online banking and from your smartphone.

An application for a card can be completed on the bank’s official website in 5 minutes. You can pick up the “plastic” the next day at any bank branch.

Advantages of using this product from VTB:

• Cashback - up to 10%.
• Interest on the balance of the account.
• Free service for active users.
• You can choose rewards for purchases from the following categories: “Auto and Restaurants”, “Collections and Travel”, “Savings” and others.

The disadvantages of this card are as follows:

• The annual maintenance fee can reach 3,000 rubles ($60), if you do not actively use “plastic”. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your income, expenses, or balance on the card is at least 15,000 rubles ($300) per month.

Bottom line

Currency “plastic”, as a replacement for a multi-currency card at Sberbank, is beneficial for those holders who often travel abroad or receive transfers in foreign currency. If a lot of transactions are carried out on the card every month and payments for purchases are often made, then you should choose the “Multicard” from VTB with a high cashback. If we compare the cost of service, the most expensive is the Multicard from VTB, and the most profitable is the card from Alfa-Bank. For convenience, Sberbank and VTB will have to issue an additional card.

A foreign currency credit card is a banking product, the use of which is beneficial only to a small number of people. This is due to the conditions for issuing and servicing such a card, as well as the specifics of settlements on the territory of the Russian Federation. In this regard, few banks offer their clients the opportunity to take out a loan on a card in foreign currency.

Features of a foreign currency credit card

A foreign currency credit card allows the client to borrow money from the bank in foreign currency (usually the euro or American dollar) within the approved credit limit. The benefit from issuing such a card for the bank, as well as the benefit from its use for the borrower, directly depends on currency fluctuations.

Let's look at an example. Let's say a bank issued a foreign currency credit card in euros. The client has spent some money but has not yet returned it to the bank. At this time, the exchange rate of the ruble against the euro fell, and therefore the borrower is forced to return to the bank a larger amount (in terms of the ruble equivalent) than it was originally taken. This situation is especially unpleasant when the card currency is different from the currency in which the borrower receives income. And on the contrary, if the ruble exchange rate against the euro increases, then the borrower will give a smaller amount in ruble equivalent, and the bank will remain at a loss. Dependence on these fluctuations is one of the main reasons for the lack of demand for foreign currency loans.

However, there are categories of people for whom a foreign currency credit card will be the best option. These are those citizens who often travel abroad and plan to make purchases there, as well as persons receiving wages in foreign currency. In the latter case, they will save a lot of time and money, because... you will not have to make exchange transactions each time for the monthly loan payment.

The nuances of using foreign currency credit cards:

• You can pay for purchases in rubles with such a card, but the conversion rate is not always favorable, and some banks will charge an additional commission for currency exchange;
• cash withdrawals in Russian rubles also entail additional losses - conversion and withdrawal fees;
• interest rates and card maintenance fees are often lower than for ruble products.

Otherwise, a foreign currency credit card is issued under the same conditions as a standard credit card:

• grace period for interest-free use of funds;
• credit limit established based on the borrower’s solvency and product conditions;
• fines and penalties for late payments.

The client has the opportunity to open a multi-currency card, i.e. a card linked to several accounts in different currencies. Sometimes this turns out to be more convenient than having several credit cards in different currencies.

The largest Russian banks (Sberbank, Raiffeisenbank, Promsvyazbank) currently do not issue currency credit cards, only debit cards.

Overview of currency credit card offers

A foreign currency credit card with an instant decision can now be issued at the Moscow Credit Bank. Other financial institutions issue credit cards in foreign currency within 2-3 business days.

"Credit Bank of Moscow"

The Platinum/Premium card is issued in three types of currencies - rubles, US dollars and euros. For currency cards, the credit limit is up to 20,000 euros or up to 27,700 dollars. There is no annual maintenance fee. The grace period is up to 55 days, after which interest begins to accrue at a rate of 18% in any currency. For withdrawal of credit funds from an ATM, a commission of 4.9% is charged, but not less than 5 dollars or euros.

Platinum/Premium card from Moscow Credit Bank

Card limit

up to 20,000 euros or up to
$27,700

Grace period

up to 55
days

loan rate

from 18%
per annum

* - up to 10% cashback under the MKB Bonus program

The minimum monthly payment is at least 5% of the principal amount, plus interest for the past period of use of the loan money. For late repayment, a commission of 20% is charged on the amount of overdue debt, and if the payment limit is exceeded - 0.1% per day.

The bank offers several ways to fill out an application for issuing a card: by visiting a representative office in person, through your MKB Online personal account, using a special form on the bank’s website or by calling the call center. In the latter case, registration will take no more than 3 minutes.

"Russian standard"

The bank offers 2 types of cards with additional privileges:

Issue and maintenance of Imperia Platinum will cost 400 US dollars or 350 euros. In addition to the card, travel insurance is provided, as well as discounts in hotels, restaurants and shops around the world.

The DINERS CLUB EXCLUSIVE card provides free travel insurance with coverage up to $200 thousand, access to 750 airport business lounges, a bonus program and cashback service.

"Absolut Bank"

Absolut Bank offers its clients only three credit cards - Standard, Gold, Platinum. The card account agreement can be opened in any currency of the client’s choice. In this case, only one card is issued for each account.

Credit card from Absolut Bank

Card limit

up to 3, 5 or 15 thousand
dollars

Grace period

up to 56
days

loan rate

from 16%
per annum

* - a card account agreement can be opened in any currency of the client’s choice

Depending on the card category, the borrower can count on a limit of 3, 5 or 15 thousand dollars with the same grace period of up to 56 calendar days. The minimum possible rate will be 16% per annum, and the minimum monthly payment is indicated in the invoice statement.

To withdraw money you will have to pay a commission of 3.9%, but not less than $7. In addition, there is a limit on daily withdrawal of funds (2, 4 and 8 thousand dollars) and monthly withdrawal (10, 15, 20 thousand dollars).

This credit institution provides a wide range of credit products. You can choose the optimal combination of conditions using a convenient online assistant on the website http://cards.avangard.ru/cards/help/.

A client who contacts the bank for the first time can count on a credit limit of up to 50 thousand in rubles or a similar amount in dollars or euros. Subsequently, the lending limit is not limited in any way and is set individually. The grace period is up to 50 days from the date of the first purchase and up to 200 days under the “200 days of free credit” program. The interest rate is from 12% per annum, its final value depends on the period of the client’s continuous debt to the bank. Additionally, you can receive miles for purchases, discounts within the bank's discount program, as well as purchase insurance.

For those who often travel or shop in foreign stores, it is beneficial to get a debit card with a foreign currency account. Moreover, the interest on the balance on currency cards is often comparable to the rates on deposits in foreign currency. Their main features:

• Some types of debit cards can be issued for free. For others, the cost of maintenance varies from $4-$789 per year.
• Interest on balance: 0,2-1,5%.
• Cashback: up to 17% of the payment amount.

The main feature of any such multicurrency debit plastic card: the ability to use a ruble account on a par with a dollar, euro or other account. This ensures a favorable currency conversion rate and the ability to withdraw from any ATM, even outside the country.

Cards with a minimum cost provide a small number of benefits, but it is most beneficial, despite the price, to use more privileged types that provide an increased level of comfort. Also, currency cards allow owners of ruble and foreign currency accounts to become participants in promotions and unique offers from the bank and its partners.

Open a currency card

In order to open a debit card with a foreign currency account need to:

1. Choose the appropriate version of the classic currency card.
2. Apply for a debit card and choose a method for receiving it.
3. Sign the contract, the card and receive it.
4. Activate payment instrument.

Immediately after this you can use it:

• Top up your account in cash and non-cash.
• Withdraw money from different ATMs.
• Pay for purchases and goods in retail chains and the Internet.
• Make transfers to other accounts.
• Participate in unique promotions.

Holders of multicurrency cards of this type are mainly those who regularly travel abroad, travelers or just tourists. The most popular option is reduced costs for currency conversion, as well as the ability to work directly with the currency that is accepted in the country of arrival. Mostly these are US dollars or euros.