Armenian Bank Cards for International Shopping: How to Choose the Right One and Avoid Hidden Fees

In 2025, more and more Armenian residents are making online purchases abroad — ordering clothes on ASOS, cosmetics and supplements from iHerb, electronics from Amazon, and traveling frequently to Europe, the U.S., and Asia. When paying for these purchases, it’s important to consider not just the exchange rate but also bank fees, currency conversion rules, and the bonus programs or privileges your card may offer.

This article includes step-by-step guides, comparison tables, and a detailed review of leading banks. You'll learn:

1. which payment systems (Visa, Mastercard, American Express Company) are accepted abroad;
2. which cards offer cashback for spending in foreign currency;
3. where it's easiest to apply for a card suitable for international shopping.

Most importantly — you’ll discover how AFM can help you.

With our platform, you can compare and choose bank cards based on dozens of parameters, such as:

1. cashback availability,
2. international transaction fees,
3. maintenance costs,
4. bonus features (lounge access, insurance),
5. and application requirements for residents and non-residents.

So you won’t just pick any card — you’ll find the optimal solution for international payments, saving money and avoiding unnecessary complications.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Card for International Purchases?

1. Account Currency & Conversion Rate

Almost all Armenian bank cards are denominated in Armenian drams (AMD). When you make purchases in USD, EUR, or other currencies, the bank performs an automatic conversion based on Visa or Mastercard rates, often with an additional markup.

Some banks use double conversion (e.g., EUR – USD – AMD), which can increase your total costs by 1–2%.

This method should be avoided — extra fees from banks and payment systems can significantly raise the final price of your purchases.

2. Bank Fees

Make sure to clarify the following in advance:

1. Foreign transaction fees (commonly 0–3%)
2. ATM withdrawal fees abroad
3. Conversion policies — does the bank apply a markup on the exchange rate?

3. Payment Network

Only international systems work outside Armenia:

1. Visa — the most widely accepted, especially in the U.S., Asia, Amazon, and eBay
2. Mastercard — often offers better rates, ideal for Europe
3. American Express (AMEX) — premium benefits, but limited acceptance
4. ArCa — not accepted abroad, only works within Armenia

4. Cashback and Bonuses

Some cards offer cashback from 0.5% to 5% on purchases. Higher rewards are often available for spending at hotels, restaurants, and travel services (such as airlines or booking platforms).

One of These Cards — Evoca Travel Card

5. Premium Privileges

1. Free access to airport lounges
2. Fast Track service at security or immigration
3. Travel insurance coverage
4. Concierge service for bookings, assistance, and reservations

Which Cards Are Best for International Shopping?

For purchases abroad, only Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are suitable. Here's how they compare:

Tip: Choose a personalized (named) card with online payment support. This increases the chance of successful transactions and reduces the risk of your payment being blocked.

Visa Bank Cards with Free Maintenance in Armenia

If you need a multi-currency debit card with zero maintenance fee, convenient for international purchases and available for online application, here are 4 up-to-date options from the leading banks in Armenia.

Quick Guide: How to Choose the Right Card

1. Do you travel often?
2. Go for Visa Infinite or American Express Card with lounge access and travel insurance.
3. Do you shop online frequently?
4. Choose a card with cashback on international purchases.
5. Looking for the best value for money?
6. Compare annual fees and foreign transaction costs to find the most balanced option.

Top Armenian Bank Cards for International Purchases

Before choosing a card, check:

1. Whether cashback is credited monthly or annually
2. If there’s a cashback cap
3. Income and citizenship requirements
4. 
   

Where Can Armenian Bank Cards Be Used Abroad?

International Armenian cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted:

1. In supermarkets and malls worldwide
2. On online marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, iHerb, ASOS
3. On booking services: Booking.com, Airbnb, Ryanair, WizzAir
4. On digital platforms and subscriptions: Netflix, YouTube Premium, App Store, Google Play
5. In cafés, restaurants, hotels, and anywhere with POS terminals that accept international cards

How to Get a Card for International Purchases: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a simplified guide to getting a bank card for purchases abroad:

1. Choose a card with suitable conditions via AFM
2. Check the bank’s requirements: documents, income, residency status
3. Submit your application — online or in a bank branch
4. Receive and activate your card
5. Set up mobile banking and spending limits
6. Fund your account — and you’re ready to shop!

Tips for Shopping Abroad

1. Get a separate card — for safety and better spending control
2. Connect Apple Pay / Google Pay — for faster and contactless payments
3. Always pay in the store's currency, not in drams — it’s usually cheaper
4. Watch for special promotions from your bank — sometimes there are enhanced travel rewards
5. Keep receipts and tracking numbers when ordering through intermediaries or shipping services

Frequently Asked Questions About Paying Abroad (FAQ)

Can I pay for subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube Premium) with an Armenian card?

Yes — as long as your card is international (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express).

Make sure your account's region matches the card’s issuing country (e.g., Armenia). In some cases, specifying an Armenian billing address helps.

What happens if I pay in euros with a card issued in AMD?

The bank will automatically convert euros to drams at its exchange rate. You should check:

1. Which payment network is used (Visa or Mastercard)
2. Whether the bank applies a markup on the conversion

Can I get an Armenian card while in Russia?

Yes, via power of attorney. Several banks (e.g., Inecobank, IDBank) allow you to open an account and issue a card remotely — using a notarized PoA and mail delivery. Check the specific bank's policy for exact steps.

Can I pay abroad with an Armenian card in a currency I don't have on the account?

Yes. If your card is in AMD, the bank will convert the purchase to the required currency. Just make sure you have enough funds including the fee.

Example: paying in USD with an AMD account — the bank will deduct the equivalent in drams using its exchange rate.

Do I need to notify the bank if I’m traveling abroad?

It’s recommended. Some banks might block transactions they see as suspicious (e.g., sudden change in location).

Better to inform the bank in advance via mobile app or phone call.

Can I pay in Russian rubles with an Armenian card?

Yes, if the store accepts international cards. The amount will be converted into drams.

This is common for platforms like Wildberries and Ozon, but be careful — exchange rate fluctuations can result in unexpected costs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bank card in Armenia is your personal safeguard against unnecessary expenses abroad — and a way to gain extra benefits. A well-selected card allows you to safely pay in USD, EUR, or RUB, and earn cashback or bonuses on top of your purchases.

Before choosing a card, make sure to:

1. Check the fees and currency conversion rates
2. Choose an international payment system (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
3. Consider the available perks and maintenance costs

We've confirmed that only international cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are suitable for purchases abroad.

ArCa cards cannot be used internationally — they function only within Armenia.

To avoid extra charges, it’s important to:

1. Check how the currency is converted
2. Avoid double conversion (e.g., EUR – USD – AMD), which can add 1–2% to your total cost
3. Watch out for foreign transaction fees, which can reach up to 3%, especially for ATM withdrawals

When choosing a card, pay attention to:

1. Whether cashback is credited monthly, not just annually
2. The categories in which cashback applies — some cards offer increased returns for airline tickets, hotels, or restaurants abroad

For Russian citizens: the Mir card does not work in Armenia — local banks do not support it.

However, it’s possible to get an Armenian debit card remotely from Russia via power of attorney.

You'll need:

1. Your passport
2. Armenian Tax ID (or social card)
3. Sometimes proof of income

These cards work perfectly on Russian marketplaces like Wildberries, Ozon, Lamoda, which accept Visa and Mastercard issued by Armenian banks.

Also, remember to inform your bank about international travel in advance to prevent your card from being blocked due to suspected fraud.

To make the right choice, use the AFM platform: compare cashback rates, fees, and benefits — and pick the ideal card for your needs.

If this article was helpful, share it with your friends and colleagues — it might save them a lot on their next purchase or trip abroad.