Best Debit Cards in Armenia 2025: A Detailed Guide to Choosing and Using

A debit card is a tool that can help you save on fees, avoid unnecessary expenses abroad, and even earn money through cashback and bonus programs. In Armenia in 2025, banks offer dozens of options: from cashback cards to premium cards with free maintenance and international support. With such a wide selection of offers, it's easy to get confused: which card is truly beneficial?

This is where AFM comes in – Armenia's first financial marketplace, where everything is transparent. On AFM, you can:

1. Compare all debit cards from Armenian banks by dozens of parameters: from maintenance costs to cashback availability;
2. Calculate the benefit of each card, depending on your needs;
3. Find offers available to non-residents or those that can be opened online;
4. And all this – in a couple of minutes, with convenient filtering and up-to-date terms.

In this article, AFM has compiled the best debit cards that are truly beneficial: for both residents and non-residents, with examples, tips, and real-life stories.

How We Chose the Best Cards

We evaluated cards based on the following criteria:

1. Maintenance and cash withdrawal fees
2. Currency conversion rates
3. Availability of cashback or a bonus program
4. Possibility of online application
5. Availability of cards for non-residents

Why Do You Need a Debit Card in Armenia?

A debit card is not just a means of storing money, but a universal tool for managing finances in modern Armenia. It allows you to:

1. Pay for purchases and services: Practically everywhere, from large supermarkets to small cafes and taxi services, accepts cashless payments. This is not only convenient but also safe, as there is no need to carry large amounts of Armenian dram cash.
2. Withdraw cash: You can easily withdraw the necessary amount of drams from an extensive network of ATMs and bank branches throughout the country.
3. Make online payments: Pay utility bills, top up your mobile phone, buy tickets or airline tickets, make purchases in local and international online stores – all this is available through convenient mobile banking applications.
4. Receive salary or transfers: Many Armenian employers prefer to transfer salaries to bank cards. It is also one of the most convenient ways to receive money transfers from abroad.
5. Manage your budget: Modern mobile banking applications allow you to track all your expenses, analyze spending by category, set limits, and monitor your financial situation at any time.

What to Look for When Choosing a Debit Card?

Choosing a debit card is a personal process, depending on your needs and lifestyle. Here are the key points to consider to make the right choice:

Payment System Type:

1. Visa and Mastercard: These are the most common payment systems, and their cards are widely accepted throughout Armenia and internationally. If you plan international travel or actively make online purchases on foreign websites, these cards will be the optimal choice.
2. ArCa: A payment system that operates primarily within Armenia. ArCa cards are suitable for domestic transactions, but for international operations, it's better to choose Visa or Mastercard.
3. American Express: This system has limited circulation in Armenia and is often associated with higher fees. Suitable for premium clients.

Maintenance Cost:

1. Monthly or Annual Fee: Some banks offer completely free maintenance under certain conditions. Other cards may have a fixed annual fee. Always clarify how to avoid maintenance fees.

Cash Withdrawal Fees:

1. At your bank's ATMs: As a rule, cash withdrawals at the ATMs of the card-issuing bank are free. This is the most cost-effective way to get cash.
2. At other banks' ATMs: A fee may be charged, which is usually a small percentage of the amount or a fixed fee.
3. Abroad: Fees can be significantly higher and may include the issuing bank's fee, the ATM owner's bank fee, and a currency conversion fee.

Currency Conversion Rate:

1. If you plan to use the card for purchases in a currency other than the account currency, for example, for payments in USD or EUR, pay attention to the conversion rate set by the bank. Some banks offer more favorable rates than others.

Cashback and Bonus Programs:

1. Many banks offer loyalty programs: cashback for purchases in certain categories or with partners, bonus points, discounts. This is a pleasant bonus that allows you to get back a portion of the money spent.

Convenience of Mobile Application and Internet Banking:

1. A modern and intuitive application allows you to conveniently track transactions, pay for services, transfer money, and manage card settings. Before choosing a card, download and explore the chosen bank's application.

Comparison of General Terms for Debit Cards in Armenia (Approximate data for 2025)

Difference Between ArCa, Visa, and Mastercard

5 Debit Cards in Armenia for 2025

Cashback Cards in Armenia: Where You Can Get Money Back

1. Evoca Travel Card — stable 1.5% cashback, suitable for purchases abroad.
2. IDBank promotions — periodically up to 5% at supermarkets and gas stations.
3. Ameriabank OneCard — bonus accruals within the partner network, with the option to redeem.

Cards with No Maintenance Fees

If not paying for the card is important:

1. Inecobank: Visa Digital — online issuance, no issuance or maintenance fees.
2. IDBank: IDsalary payroll package — online issuance or physical card, with free SMS notifications.
3. ACBA Bank: ArCa Pension — basic card for pensioners.

For Travel and Online Purchases

Best options with minimal conversion fees and international support:

1. Evoca Travel (USD)
2. IDBank Visa or Mastercard
3. Ameriabank OneCard with multi-currency support

Can a Non-Resident Get a Card?

Yes, most banks issue cards to foreigners. Here's what you'll need:

1. International passport
2. Armenian social card (can be obtained in 1 day)
3. In some cases — income statement or proof of address
4. More details in the article: How to Open a Bank Account for a Non-Resident in Armenia.

How to Apply for a Debit Card Online Without Visiting the Bank?

In 2025, Armenian banks have simplified card application. In most cases:

1. Application submission is possible via website or app.
2. Verification — online via video call or passport.
3. Card receipt — home delivery or instantly in the app (virtual card).

Banks where it's convenient to apply online:

1. IDBank
2. Inecobank
3. Evocabank
4. Ameriabank

A step-by-step guide to getting a card without visiting the bank is in a separate article: Applying for a Debit Card Online

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Life Hacks for Using a Debit Card in Armenia

Utilize these tips to get the most benefit from your debit card:

Life Hack 1: Calculate Fees, Not Just Cashback

Sometimes, a card with free maintenance can end up being more expensive than a card with a fee. Why? Because cash withdrawal fees or currency exchange rates can "eat up" all the advantages.

Practical Example: Let's say you got a free ArCa card. Everything was fine until you ordered cosmetics from the US. You were charged more than expected because your card isn't international, and it used an intermediary with a high commission. It would have been more profitable to get a OneCard from Ameriabank and use it for all your online orders.

Life Hack 2: Get Two Cards – One for Local Expenses, One for International

This is genuinely convenient. For example:

1. ArCa card for supermarket payments, transport, pharmacy (no commission, local).
2. Visa or Mastercard – for AliExpress, Amazon, Globbing, travel, and hotels.

Tip: The ideal combo is ArCa from Inecobank + Travel Card from Evocabank.

Life Hack 3: If You Travel Frequently – Choose a USD or Multi-Currency Card

Evocabank's Travel Card is a convenient solution for travel. It's a USD card, so you don't lose on conversion if you pay in USD. Plus, it offers 1.5% cashback on all expenses.

With this, you can save up to $150–$200 per year – if you spend at least $1,000 per month.

How to Choose a Card: Mini-Checklist from AFM

Before applying for a card, be sure to check:

1. Whether it supports international payments
2. If there is cashback and its accrual conditions
3. What the annual maintenance fee is
4. If there are free cash withdrawals and at which ATMs
5. Whether the card is suitable for non-residents (if you are a foreigner)
6. If the bank's application is convenient to use

Conclusion

Choosing a debit card in Armenia in 2025 is not just a formality, but an opportunity to acquire a powerful financial tool that can significantly improve your daily life and help you achieve your financial goals. A card helps you not only make purchases but also avoid hidden fees, receive pleasant cashback and bonuses for usual expenses, make purchases abroad without losses on conversion, and effectively manage expenses and save.

To choose the right card, you need to carefully compare service conditions, available cashback programs and bonuses, check currency conversion rates, and also clarify whether online application is available and if the card is suitable for non-residents, if this is relevant to you.

There is no universal card that will suit absolutely everyone. Some are looking for maximum cashback, some for zero fees, and for others, ease of application and instant account access are important.

If you are a student or a pensioner – a simple ArCa card from ACBA or Inecobank will suit you. If you actively pay online – OneCard from Ameriabank or Visa Gold from IDBank. If you frequently travel or order from abroad – get the Travel Card from Evocabank.

The main thing is not to choose a card "out of habit," but to compare. And that's exactly why on AFM you can do this in a couple of minutes: filter the necessary parameters and see only what truly suits you.

Compare debit cards right now on AFM and find the best one for yourself. Let this article be your reliable guide in the world of Armenian debit cards, helping you make an informed and profitable choice that you will want to share with your friends and loved ones.