In short: Suits those who want both a Visa and a Belkart card from a small bank with no sanctions mentioned. The main limitations are tariffs known only from a review and the fact that a Belarusian Visa does not work in Russia.
Terms for non-residents
- Non-residents
- Yes
- Remote account opening
- No
- Visa / Mastercard
- Yes
- Russian-language support
- Yes
- Full name
- Bank for Growth and Business Development (since June 2020)
- Visa Classic
- Issuance 200 BYN, valid for 3 years (per a myfin.by review, February 2025)
- Belkart-Premium
- Issuance 100 BYN, valid for 6 years (same review)
- How to open
- In person at a branch, with a passport
Pros
- Both Visa Classic and Belkart-Premium are available to non-residents
- Belkart-Premium is valid for 6 years and suits payments in Russia
- 2026 reviews do not mention sanctions against the bank
- Mobile app and online banking
Cons and limits
- A small bank, with assets of 431.8 million BYN on 1 July 2022
- Tariffs are known from a February 2025 review and should be checked with the bank
- A personal visit is required; accounts are not opened remotely
- A Belarusian Visa does not work in Russia
## About the bank
The bank has operated since 1994 (registered on 22 February 1994). Since June 2020 it has been called the Bank for Growth and Business Development, and the RRB abbreviation stayed the same. It is not the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus: that bank is under EU sanctions, while 2026 reviews do not mention sanctions against RRB.
The bank is small: assets were 431.8 million BYN on 1 July 2022. According to myfin.by, the owners include Dikris LLC (79.95%), V. A. Tsybulin (10.06%) and Spidster-M LLC (6.86%). The bank's website is rrb.by. It holds National Bank licence No. 21.
## Account for non-residents
Non-residents, including Russians, can get a card at the bank. A personal visit with a passport is required, and the first account and card are not issued remotely. Step by step:
- Check the tariffs with the bank, since the prices in reviews date from February 2025.
- Go to a branch with your passport.
- Choose a card: Visa Classic or Belkart-Premium.
## Cards and payments
The bank issues two cards to non-residents. The choice depends on where you plan to pay.
| Card | Currencies | Issuance (February 2025 review) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Classic | BYN, USD, EUR | 200 BYN | 3 years |
| Belkart-Premium | BYN | 100 BYN | 6 years |
The Belkart-Premium is cheaper and valid for longer, and it is accepted in Russia. The Visa Classic is for payments outside Russia. A Belarusian Visa does not work in Russia, so take a Belkart for trips home. Support for Mir, SBP (Faster Payments System) and UnionPay should be checked with the bank.
## Tariffs and restrictions
The card figures come from a myfin.by review for February 2025. Tariffs may have changed since then, so check them with the bank before your visit. The review does not give servicing or urgent issuance costs, which also need to be confirmed.
The restrictions are the same as at most Belarusian banks: the first visit is in person, Belarusian Visa and Mastercard do not work in Russia, and Belkart is accepted in Russia and Belarus.
## Who it suits
The bank suits those who want both a Visa and a Belkart card from a small bank where sanctions are not mentioned in 2026 reviews. It works as a second bank alongside a main one: the 6-year Belkart-Premium covers payments in Russia and Belarus, and the Visa Classic covers payments outside Russia. Those who need Mir, SBP or a large branch network should look at the large banks.
Frequently asked questions
Is RRB Bank the same as the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus?
No. RRB Bank is the Bank for Growth and Business Development, the name used since June 2020, with the RRB abbreviation kept. The Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus is a different organisation, and EU sanctions apply to it.
Which cards does the bank issue to non-residents?
Visa Classic and Belkart-Premium. According to a myfin.by review for February 2025, Visa Classic costs 200 BYN and is valid for 3 years, while Belkart-Premium costs 100 BYN and is valid for 6 years. Check the prices with the bank before your visit.
Can I open an account remotely?
No, a personal visit with a passport is required. The first account and card are not issued remotely.
Does the bank's Visa card work in Russia?
No, Belarusian Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in Russia. Use the Belkart-Premium for payments in Russia.