Which Debit Card to Choose and Apply for in Armenia in 2025?

Do you want to pay without unnecessary expenses, receive cashback, and not worry about additional fees when converting currencies? In Armenia, the process of obtaining a debit card is becoming more convenient and faster every year. Many banks offer the opportunity to get a card in just 10 minutes, online, without leaving your home. The main thing is not to rush and choose the card that suits your lifestyle, financial goals, and needs. The right choice will help you not only save but also receive pleasant bonuses from everyday spending.

The key question when choosing a card is its cost. In Armenia, you can find both completely free cards and cards with paid service but with significant bonuses. We have divided the offers into these three groups because they represent the main needs and priorities of users when choosing a debit card:

1. Free cards: for those who want to minimize expenses and use basic card functions without an annual service fee.
2. Cashback cards: aimed at active users who want to get a portion of their money back from each purchase.
3. Cards with interest on balance: attractive for those who want their money in the account to work, generating additional income.
4. Premium cards: for those who value a higher level of service at the bank and want to use premium programs.

At the end, we've prepared a convenient checklist to help you easily understand what you need for application, which cards are available, and what to pay attention to so you don't overpay.

And to simplify your choice, use AFM – the first financial marketplace in Armenia. The platform allows you to compare debit cards from all leading banks in the country: by commission, bonuses, and account currency. Thanks to filters and transparent conditions, you will find the optimal option in a couple of minutes and can submit an application online – without queues or unnecessary calls.

What to Consider When Choosing a Debit Card?

Many banking cards are available in Armenia — from basic to premium, in drams and dollars, with cashback and bonuses, including local and international payment systems. Application is simple and fast, especially if you have a social security card. Here are the points it's important to consider when choosing a card:

Card Currency

Almost all cards are issued in drams, euros, and rubles. If you plan to use your card for transactions in dollars or euros, it is extremely important to find out the currency conversion terms in advance. The bank may apply its own exchange rate, which differs from the official one, and additionally charge a commission for each such operation. This will help you avoid unforeseen expenses and know exactly how much money will be debited from your account.

Ideally, for foreign currency operations, it is better to use a card issued specifically in that currency to avoid additional conversion fees.

Fees

1. Annual service: from 0 to 20,000 drams
2. SMS notification: sometimes paid, from 10 drams per SMS
3. Cash withdrawals: commissions may apply at other banks' ATMs

Bonuses and Cashback

1. Cashback: up to 2% on everyday spending
2. Discounts from partners, bonus miles, interest on balance
3. For example, Evoca Travel Card — 1.5% cashback on everything

Payment Systems

1. ArCa — works only within Armenia
2. Visa and Mastercard — suitable for international payments, Google Pay and Apple Pay
3. American Express — suitable for paying for travel, purchases in foreign stores, and online services, but not accepted everywhere

Card Format

1. Plastic — a physical card, used for purchases in stores, ATMs, etc.
2. Digital (virtual) — exists only in mobile banking, suitable for online payments and payments via Apple Pay / Google Pay.

Issuance Type

1. Instant (non-personalized) — issued immediately, the owner's name is not indicated on the card.
2. Personalized — issued within 3–7 business days, the owner's name is indicated on the card. It is needed for travel and online purchases where the owner's identity is verified.

Internet and Mobile Banking

Make sure the card is supported by a good application — this is convenient for balance control, transfers, and payments. A user-friendly interface, one-click transfers, automatic payments — all this saves your time.

What documents are needed to apply for a card?

1. Passport of a citizen of Armenia
2. Social security card
3. Valid phone number and email

Free Cards in Armenia: No Service Fees

If you don't want to spend money just for owning a card, choose products with free annual service. Such cards are suitable for basic needs: cash withdrawals, in-store payments, and transfers.

Best Cashback Cards in Armenia: How to Pay Off Your Purchases

Cashback is when you get a percentage of your purchase amount back. For example, if you spend 100,000 drams, you get 1,500 drams back. The money is credited back to your account or as bonuses.

Important: For some banks, cashback is accrued only for specific categories. There may also be limits.

Cards with Interest on Balance: A Mini-Deposit in Your Pocket

Interest on balance is when the bank accrues income on the money that remains on your card. For example, you hold 200,000 drams — and every month you receive interest, just like with a deposit. An excellent way to earn on your everyday balance.

However, it is important to remember that rates for such accounts are typically significantly lower than for full-fledged deposits. Therefore, using this option solely for savings is not profitable. Rather, it is a pleasant bonus to your card, allowing you to receive a small additional income on regularly used funds.

Interest is accrued in drams and may depend on turnover, activity, or the amount in the account. Check the tariffs for details.

Premium Cards with Favorable Programs

If you travel frequently or are looking for maximum convenience and more favorable programs, then premium debit cards are suitable for you. These cards are often associated with exclusive access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and concierge services.

Below, we present several premium cards with free issuance and interesting bonuses and privileges. You can view the entire current list of such debit cards on our website.

Examples of Beneficial Cards

To save you time from sifting through dozens of tariffs, we have compiled specific examples of cards that stand out from the rest — by terms, bonuses, or ease of application.

Below are 4 debit cards from leading banks in Armenia that are particularly popular in 2025. All cards on this list were selected based on three criteria:

1. reasonable service cost,
2. availability of cashback or interest on balance,
3. convenience of application and use.

Checklist: How to Choose a Debit Card in Armenia

How not to get lost in dozens of offers and choose a card for your goals?

It's simple — determine what's more important to you: free service, cashback, interest on balance, or instant application. Below is a short checklist that will help you quickly orient yourself and choose the optimal option.

Define your goal:

1. Do you not want to pay for the card?
2. Do you need cashback from purchases?
3. Do you want to earn on the balance?
4. Do you need a card right now?
5. Do you plan to use the card abroad?

Choose the card type:

1. Plastic or digital
2. Personalized or non-personalized
3. In drams or with convenient conversion

Compare offers by desired parameters:

1. Service (free or not)
2. Cashback (percentage, terms, categories)
3. Interest on balance (and accrual limits)
4. Google Pay / Apple Pay support

Check the application conditions:

1. What documents are needed
2. Is online application supported
3. Is the card available for non-residents (if applicable)

Use AFM to:

1. Compare fees, bonuses, currencies
2. See only up-to-date information
3. Submit an application online — without calls or queues

Choose a bank with a convenient mobile application — for expense control and easy transfers

Submit your application and receive your card — online or at a branch

Conclusion

A properly selected debit card helps not only to make secure payments and receive cashback but also to avoid hidden fees, simplify transfers, manage your budget in the desired currency, and even save money.

In 2025, Armenian banks offer dozens of card options — from basic to premium, with various terms and bonuses. Furthermore, non-residents can also open an account and a card — even without Armenian citizenship, sometimes remotely.

To avoid making a mistake in your choice and overpaying:

1. Compare fees and card format — plastic or digital, with free service or with extended features.
2. Check the account currency and conversion conditions — this is especially important for international purchases.
3. Pay attention to the payment system — Visa and Mastercard are suitable for international transactions, ArCa is for domestic use only.
4. Clarify if the card can be applied for online or by power of attorney if you are outside Armenia.
5. Choose a bank with a convenient mobile application to manage your account and spend — with pleasure.

Remember: the same purchase can cost you 2–5% more if the card is chosen incorrectly. Conversely, a well-chosen card will return a portion of what you spent or provide discounts.

How to choose a profitable card — in 3 steps

1. Go to AFM — compare offers from all banks in Armenia
2. Apply the necessary filters — by currency, cashback, payment system, availability for non-residents
3. Apply for the card online or pick it up at a branch — depending on the bank's terms

Find and apply for a suitable card right now in 3 minutes!