The Russian bank Novikombank has begun issuing Mir payment system cards to Russian pensioners residing in Cuba, a measure that allows them to receive their pensions and use that money directly in commercial establishments on the island.
The measure was confirmed by the financial entity in a statement released by the Russian agency AKM.
The cards can be used at gas stations, state stores, restaurants, cafés, hotels, and other Cuban businesses that have electronic payment terminals.
The project was developed in collaboration with the Russian Embassy in Cuba and its Consulate General in Havana, with the aim of facilitating access to pensions for Russian citizens residing on the island, an issue that, according to Novikombank, had long been a priority for consular services.
"We have found a solution that already allows Russian citizens to use regular financial services," stated Elena Georgieva, president of Novikombank, who linked the initiative to the strengthening of economic and humanitarian relations between the two countries.
The entity did not specify how many pensioners have received the cards nor the total number of expected beneficiaries.
Russia expands its financial presence in Cuba
Novikombank is part of the RT-Finanzas holding of Rostec, a Russian state corporation and one of the main suppliers of armament and military equipment in the country.
The expansion of its services in Cuba occurs against a backdrop of increased restrictions on the island's international financial operations.
In June 2026, FINCIMEX suspended operations with Visa and Mastercard in Cuba following a foreign banking entity's decision to terminate its relationships with the Cuban financial institution to avoid sanctions stemming from Executive Order 14404, signed by Donald Trump.
After that decision, the Cuban authorities identified the Russian Mir systems and the Chinese UnionPay among the international payment alternatives that remained available.
In December 2023, when the acceptance of Mir cards began to spread in Cuban establishments, BANDEC officials explained that the service was primarily aimed at Russian visitors and that these cards would not be issued by national banks for Cuban citizens.
However, Novikombank has now reported that since 2025 it began issuing Mir cards to citizens of Cuba, including students enrolled in Russian universities.
In June 2024, it became the first Russian bank to open a representative office in Cuba, aiming to facilitate financial and commercial operations between the two countries.
In April 2025, they also signed agreements with the Central Bank of Cuba and two commercial banks to facilitate financial operations in rubles.
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