In short: Suits those who need a Belkart in Russian rubles and a low-cost virtual Visa. The bank is small and recently changed owner, so check current terms before visiting.
Terms for non-residents
- Non-residents
- Yes
- Remote account opening
- No
- Visa / Mastercard
- Yes
- Russian-language support
- Yes
- Belkart
- 100 BYN or 3,500 RUB, 3-year term, free maintenance
- Visa Virtuon (virtual)
- 1 BYN, 1 USD or 1 EUR, 3-year term
- Visa Classic, Gold, Premium
- 200, 300 and 500 BYN
- Tariff period
- per the review for February 2025; check against the bank's tariffs
- Registration of the new name
- 15 August 2024
- Owner
- Sultan Marenov (Kazakhstan) through SNRG Capital Eurasia LLP, 99.93%
Pros
- Belkart is available in Russian rubles
- The virtual Visa Virtuon costs about 1 BYN, 1 USD or 1 EUR
- Three tiers of physical Visa cards
- App and internet bank
Cons and limits
- A small bank with a recent change of owner
- Focus on Asian markets after the change of owner
- The first product can only be opened in person
- Prices are known from a February 2025 review
## About the bank
Neo Bank Asia (formerly BTA Bank) has operated in Belarus since 2002, when its licence was issued on 25 July 2002. It received its current name in 2024 after the sale. Licence No. 17 was issued on 22 January 2024. Assets were 369.3 million BYN as of 1 July 2022, that is, before the change of owner.
## Change of owner
The bank was bought by Kazakh businessman Sultan Marenov through SNRG Capital Eurasia LLP. The deal for 99.93% of the shares closed on 5 June 2024. The shareholders decided on the new name on 19 June 2024, and it was registered under National Bank resolution No. 249 of 15 August 2024.
After the change of owner the bank focuses on Asian markets. For a customer this means the range of products for non-residents may change, so confirm current terms before visiting.
## Account for non-residents
The bank opens accounts and cards for Russians and other non-residents. A visit in person and a passport are required; there is no remote start. According to the myfin.by review for February 2025, the bank offered non-residents a Belkart in BYN and RUB, the virtual Visa Virtuon and physical Visa Classic, Gold and Premium.
## Cards and payments
| Card | Currencies | Price per myfin.by (February 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Belkart | BYN, RUB | 100 BYN or 3,500 RUB, 3-year term |
| Visa Virtuon (virtual) | BYN, USD, EUR | 1 BYN, 1 USD or 1 EUR, 3-year term |
| Visa Classic | BYN, USD, EUR | 200 BYN |
| Visa Gold | BYN, USD, EUR | 300 BYN |
| Visa Premium | BYN, USD, EUR | 500 BYN |
A Belkart can be issued in Russian rubles. It is needed for payments in Russia, where Belarusian Visa and Mastercard do not work. The virtual Visa Virtuon suits online payments abroad. Check support for Mir, SBP (Faster Payments System) and UnionPay on the bank's website.
## Limitations
- Prices come from the February 2025 review; check them against the bank's tariffs before visiting.
- A visit in person is required.
- The bank is small, and after the change of owner non-residents should check the current scope of card services.
- Belkart maintenance is free during its term.
## Who it suits
Neo Bank Asia suits those who need a Belkart in Russian rubles and a very low-cost virtual Visa. It makes sense as a second card alongside a main one. Those who need the stability of a large bank should look at Belarusbank or Priorbank.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Belkart in Russian rubles?
Yes. According to the myfin.by review for February 2025, Belkart is issued in BYN and RUB. It costs 100 BYN or 3,500 RUB and is valid for three years.
How much does the virtual card cost?
According to the review, Visa Virtuon costs 1 BYN, 1 USD or 1 EUR and is valid for three years. Check the price against the bank's tariffs.
Who owns the bank?
Kazakh businessman Sultan Marenov, through SNRG Capital Eurasia LLP, with a 99.93% stake. The deal was closed on 5 June 2024.
When did the bank get its new name?
The shareholders took the decision on 19 June 2024. The name was registered under National Bank resolution No. 249 of 15 August 2024.
Can I open a card remotely?
No. A non-resident opens the first card in person, with a passport. The bank is small, so clarify the terms and the list of products before you arrive.