Best Debit Cards in Armenia 2025: A Complete Guide to Online Application

In 2025, applying for a debit card in Armenia has become a more convenient and faster process. Banks strive to improve their services every year: many financial institutions offer the option to apply for a card completely remotely, from application submission to plastic card receipt. This article from AFM will provide detailed information on how to do this, what to consider when choosing, and how to find the ideal card for your financial goals.

What is an Online Debit Card Application?

It's important to understand the difference between an online application and a virtual card.

Online card application is the process of submitting an application for a debit card through the bank's official website or its mobile application. You fill in all the necessary data remotely, without a personal visit to a branch, and then a courier delivers the card to you.

A virtual card is a digital card that is issued instantly after application approval. It has no physical medium, but it has all the necessary details (number, expiration date, CVV code) for making online purchases or contactless payments using a smartphone connected to mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Sometimes you receive a virtual card immediately after applying.

Why Apply for a Card Online?

Online debit card application offers numerous advantages:

1. Time-saving: You don't need to go to the bank, wait in lines, or adjust to branch operating hours.
2. Convenience: You can apply from anywhere in the world with internet access.
3. Speed: Filling out the application takes 5–10 minutes. A virtual card can be activated instantly, and a physical card delivered within 1–3 business days.
4. Accessibility: This is especially relevant if you are in another city or have just arrived in Armenia.
5. Special Offers: Some banks offer bonuses, cashback, or free maintenance when applying through their website or app.

Which Banks in Armenia Allow Online Card Application?

In 2025, most leading Armenian banks offer online debit card application services with delivery. Among them are: IDBank, Inecobank, Evocabank, Ameriabank, Ardshinbank. They accept applications through their website or mobile application, and then deliver the card by courier, or allow you to pick it up at the nearest branch, completely eliminating the need for a personal visit to submit documents.

Comparison of Banks Offering Online Application and Card Delivery

Documents and Identity Verification

The package of documents required for online debit card application depends on your status.

1. For Residents of Armenia: Typically, a passport of a citizen of the Republic of Armenia is sufficient. In some cases, a social card (SSN) may be required.
2. For Non-Residents: The list of documents is more extensive. You will need an international passport, a valid contact phone number in Armenia, and proof of temporary address of stay in the country (e.g., a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or a letter from the landlord). Some banks may request proof of income (e.g., a statement from a foreign bank) or ask you to undergo video verification or provide a selfie with your document. This is a standard procedure for remote identification.

How Does Verification and Delivery Work?

After filling out the online application, the bank will request identity verification. If this is your first card with this bank, verification is mandatory.

Verification can take various forms: a video call with a bank employee, uploading photos of documents, or biometric verification through a mobile application.

Issuance and Delivery: After successful verification, the card is produced and handed over to a courier service. Delivery usually takes one to three business days to your specified address. Virtual cards are activated immediately after application approval, allowing you to use them for online payments without waiting for the physical plastic card to be delivered.

What to Look for When Choosing a Debit Card?

Choosing a debit card is not just about ease of application, but also about financial benefit. Be sure to study the following aspects to avoid overpaying:

1. Annual Maintenance Fee: Many cards offer free maintenance if certain conditions are met, such as a minimum monthly turnover or a specific balance in the account. Clarify these conditions.
2. Cash Withdrawal Fees: Find out if there are fees for cash withdrawals at ATMs of other banks or outside Armenia, as well as limits for free withdrawals.
3. Currency Conversion Rate: If you plan to use the card abroad or make purchases in foreign currency, carefully study the conversion rate. Some banks may apply an unfavorable rate or hidden fees for double conversion (e.g., from EUR to USD, and then to AMD).
4. Hidden Fees: Check for fees for SMS alerts, card reissuance, interbank transfers, or inactive account maintenance.
5. Cashback and Bonuses: Many cards offer cashback for purchases in certain categories or bonus points that can be exchanged for discounts. Compare these offers.
6. Payment System Support: Make sure the card supports the payment systems you need, such as Visa, Mastercard, or ArCa, especially for international operations.
7. Mobile Wallet Integration: If you actively use Apple Pay or Google Pay, check if the chosen bank supports these services.

How to Choose the Best Card for Your Goals with AFM?

Manually comparing all bank offers is time-consuming and challenging. The AFM platform significantly simplifies this process, acting as your navigator in the world of financial products in Armenia. With its help, you can:

1. Filter by Criteria: Filter bank offers by parameters such as account currency (Dram, Dollar, Euro, Ruble), cashback availability, free maintenance, eligibility for non-residents, international payment system, and much more.
2. Convenient Tables and Calculators: Use comparative tables and interactive calculators to visually assess the benefits of using a particular card.
3. Selection for Your Goals: Find the ideal card, whether it's for daily purchases, frequent international travel, online shopping, or international currency transfers. AFM will help you find what truly works in your best interest.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Debit Card Online

Applying for a debit card online is a simple and intuitive process. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Choose a suitable bank and card type:

1. Use the AFM platform to compare offers from different banks: examine fees, cashback conditions, bonuses, and international support options.
2. Decide on the payment system you need: Visa, Mastercard, or the local ArCa.

2. Go to the official website or mobile application of the bank:

1. Find the "Cards" or "Apply Online" section.
2. Always ensure you are on the bank's official page and that the connection is secure (presence of "https" in the address bar).

3. Fill out the online application form:

1. You will need to provide: full name as per passport; valid phone number and email address; desired card delivery address; card type and account currency.

4. Attach the necessary documents:

1. In most cases, it is sufficient to upload a photo or scan of the Armenian citizen's passport. For non-residents – an international passport and a document confirming the address of stay.
2. Some banks may request a selfie with your passport, a social card, or a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), if you have one.

5. Complete identity verification:

1. The bank will contact you to confirm your identity. This may be a video call with an operator, or you may be asked to upload photos of documents through a special application.
2. Clarify with the bank which verification method is used.

6. Receive your card:

1. The physical card will be delivered by courier to the specified address, usually within 1–3 business days.
2. The virtual card will be activated immediately after the application is approved, and you can use it for online purchases or link it to mobile wallets.

Life Hacks for Online Debit Card Application

1. Read Reviews: Before choosing a bank, read reviews from other users about its online services and support quality.
2. Compare More Than Just Fees: Pay attention to cash withdrawal limits, card top-up options, and the availability of partnership programs and promotions.
3. Prepare Documents in Advance: Take high-quality photos or scans of all necessary documents to save time when filling out the application.
4. Use a Secure Connection: Apply for the card only through a secure internet connection.
5. Ask Questions: If you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to contact the bank's customer support or AFM.

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Card Application (FAQ)

Question: Can I get a card if I am a non-resident of Armenia?

Answer: Yes, many banks in Armenia actively work with foreign citizens and issue debit cards to non-residents. Such banks include IDBank, Ameriabank, ACBA Bank, Ardshinbank, and Inecobank. To apply, you will need an international passport, a valid contact phone number in Armenia, and proof of your address of stay, such as a hotel reservation, a flat rental agreement, or a friend's address. In some cases, the bank may request additional documents, such as an income statement or proof of police registration. However, overall, the process is accessible and quite feasible even during a short visit to the country.

Question: Can I get a card without visiting the bank?

Answer: Yes, this is possible. More and more Armenian banks provide fully remote card application. You submit your application through the website or mobile app, upload photos of documents, and undergo remote identity verification, for example, via video call or a selfie with your passport. After the application is approved, the card is manufactured and delivered to you by courier at the address you provided. This means you do not need to visit a bank branch at any stage, which is extremely convenient for those who value their time or live outside the city center.

Question: Are there debit cards in Armenia without an annual maintenance fee?

Answer: Yes, such offers exist. For example, Evoca Digital, IDBank Digital, and Inecobank Fast Card can often be obtained for free, while you receive a full-fledged banking product with online payment support. However, it is important to carefully study the conditions: free maintenance may depend on your activity, for example, making a minimum number of purchases per month, or it may only apply to the virtual version of the card. Also, be sure to check cash withdrawal and currency conversion fees to avoid unexpected expenses.

Question: Can I use the card immediately after applying?

Answer: Yes, thanks to virtual cards. Most banks offer instant issuance of a virtual debit card, which is activated immediately after the application is approved. You will receive all card details – number, expiration date, and CVV code – directly in the bank's mobile application. You can immediately use this virtual card to pay for online purchases, link it to Apple Pay or Google Pay, and use it for contactless payments in stores. This is extremely convenient if you need to start using the card urgently.

Conclusion

Online debit card application in Armenia has long ceased to be merely a convenient option and has become the new norm. This process allows you to submit an application in just 5 minutes, undergo remote verification, and receive your card without leaving your home, significantly saving your time and minimizing the need for bank visits.

Most leading financial institutions, including IDBank, Inecobank, Evocabank, and Ameriabank, actively offer the issuance of both physical and virtual cards through their websites and mobile applications. It is important to note that this opportunity is available not only to residents of Armenia but also to foreign citizens in the country, making the process of obtaining banking services significantly simpler and more inclusive.

However, before applying for a card, it is crucial to conduct a thorough comparison of terms. Not every card will be free to maintain, not every one will provide favorable currency conversion for international payments, and not every one will offer the desired cashback. Therefore, carefully examine maintenance and transaction fees, exchange rates, bonus programs, and delivery options to avoid hidden costs and choose the most suitable product.

To make this choice as simple and effective as possible, use the AFM platform. Here, you can filter and compare bank offers with just a few clicks, selecting the ideal card that will meet your goals: whether it's for everyday purchases, profitable spending abroad, convenient online shopping, or efficient management of currency transfers. AFM will help you find what truly works in your best interest. Apply for your card online, save on fees, and choose what brings you maximum benefit.