America’s credit card company American Express announced on Sunday the suspension of its operations in Russia and in Belarus due to the “unjustified” attack of the government of Vladimir Putin against Ukraine.
“In light of the unwarranted ongoing attack on Russia against the people of UkraineAmerican Express is suspending all operations in Russia,” the company said in a statement.
“We are also suspending all business operations in Belarus“, he added.
Thus, American Express cards no longer work in shops or ATMs of Russia or Belarus, on whose territory Moscow stationed its forces for the invasion of Ukraine.
The measure is the last blow of the financial services against Moscow and Minsk.
Saturday, Visa and master card announced a similar measure.
In recent days, the three firms had taken steps to prevent Russian banks from using their networks, in application of the international sanctions decided after the Russian invasion of Ukraine two weeks ago.
On Saturday, the most important banks in Russia, including the Sberbankthe largest lender in that country, and the central bankunderestimated the effects that card suspensions would have on their customers.
“All Visa and Mastercard bank cards issued by the russian banks will continue to function normally on Russian territory until their expiration date,” the Russian Central Bank said.
While Sberbank reported that the cards “can be used for operations on Russian territory, for cash withdrawals, making transfers using the card number and for payments in Russian stores, both online and offline.”
They will continue to operate on Russian soil because all payments in Russia are made through a national system and do not depend on foreign systems, the bank said in a statement released on its official Telegram account.
However, the Central Bank warned that Russians traveling outside the country should consider alternative methods of payment.