Kardo: Virtual Visa, Fees, and Top-Ups via SBP
Type
Payment system
Kardo
Kardo offers virtual Visa cards in U.S. dollars that can be loaded with rubles via the SBP. The card is issued remotely; the card details become available immediately after the issuance fee is paid, and no physical card is required.
As of November 2026, Kardo has three main plans:
- “For Subscriptions” – 1,399 rubles;
- “For Apple Pay and Google Pay” – 4,250 rubles;
- “Premium” – 13,990 rubles.
All three cards are denominated in USD and are issued instantly. There is no monthly fee.
The “For Subscriptions” card is designed for online payments. Its main terms:
- Issuance fee: 1,399 rubles;
- maintenance fee: 0 rubles;
- transaction fee for a successful transaction: 0.50 USD;
- mobile wallets are not included;
- top-up via the Single Payment System (SPS);
- minimum top-up amount: 25 USD.
It is suitable for digital services, subscriptions, and online stores, provided the specific merchant accepts the corresponding BIN.
The “For Apple Pay and Google Pay” card costs 4,250 rubles. Card terms:
- Transaction fee: 0.25 USD;
- Apple Pay and Google Pay;
- online and in-store payments;
- accepted in 190+ countries;
- free account maintenance;
- Top-ups in rubles via the SBP;
- minimum top-up of 25 USD.
The Premium plan costs 13,990 rubles. It is designed for more frequent and larger transactions. The transaction fee is 0.25 USD, service is free, and mobile wallets are supported. The Premium plan offers an improved exchange rate, higher limits, and dedicated support.
There is no separate deposit fee: the final deposit amount depends on the exchange rate displayed before payment confirmation. Rubles are transferred via the SBP, after which a dollar balance appears on the card. This simplifies transactions for those who do not want to buy cryptocurrency or transfer money to a foreign bank on their own.
No foreign bank account is opened in the user’s name. Kardo explains that the card is linked to a partner issuer’s account, and the user receives payment details. A passport and a visit to the bank are not required for the basic card issuance.
The card is valid for three years. The specific expiration date is displayed in the payment details after issuance. For the premium card, the fee for a standard transaction remains $0.25, just as with the Apple Pay/Google Pay plan: the more expensive tier offers a better exchange rate, support, and higher limits, but does not waive the fixed purchase fee.
When paying in a currency other than USD, a currency conversion occurs. The fee and exchange rate depend on the card plan and the issuing bank. Therefore, when making purchases in EUR or another currency, the final amount may be higher than the dollar equivalent.
Kardo provides examples of payments for ChatGPT, Claude, Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, Steam, the App Store, Google Play, Booking, and other international services. This does not override the merchant’s own rules: the outcome may be influenced by the account’s country, BIN, 3D Secure, and the store’s region.
For travel, a card with Apple Pay/Google Pay is more versatile than the basic plan, as it allows you to pay with your smartphone at regular terminals. The “For Subscriptions” card remains primarily an online product.
The key difference between the plans relates to mobile wallets. The basic “For Subscriptions” card cannot be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay, so it is intended for payments using the card number, expiration date, and security code. The Medium and Premium plans allow you to pay with your phone at compatible terminals abroad. For all three products, the minimum top-up amount starts at 25 USD, converted at the exchange rate displayed before payment. Whether a specific store accepts Kardo depends on the BIN, the account’s country, and the merchant’s policies.
Questions and Answers
How much does the cheapest Kardo card cost?
As of November 2026, the “For Subscriptions” plan costs 1,399 rubles.
Is there a monthly service fee?
All three plans are free of charge.
How do I add funds to the card?
In rubles via the SBP. The minimum top-up amount is 25 USD, converted at the service’s current exchange rate.
Which card supports Apple Pay and Google Pay?
The “For Apple Pay and Google Pay” plan and the premium card. The basic card does not include support for mobile wallets.
Editor’s Opinion
Kardo is convenient primarily because of its simple ruble-based system: card issuance and reloading via the Single Bank Payment System (SBP), without the need to buy USDT or open a foreign bank account. The plans are clearly categorized by purpose, and users can see the issuance fee and fixed transaction fee upfront. The Basic plan is suitable for several subscriptions, while the more expensive option makes sense if you truly need Apple Pay or Google Pay while traveling. The main issue is the conversion rate when topping up: this can have a greater impact on your total costs than a zero separate fee. When comparing with other services, it’s more useful to consider not only the issuance fee but also the final balance in dollars after a top-up of the same amount in rubles.
Ask a question to a company representative
