ZARUB: Virtual Card, Rates, and Fees
Type
Payment system
ZARUB
ZARUB is a service for issuing and managing international payment cards. According to the public offering, the service operator is DIAMEDEA LLP, registered in Kazakhstan. ZARUB itself is not an issuing bank: the card is issued by an independent banking or payment partner.
According to the published rates for October 2026, issuing a virtual card costs 19 USD. Monthly maintenance and card closure are free. The minimum initial deposit is 10 USD.
Main fees for the virtual card:
- Issuance: 19 USD;
- maintenance—0 USD per month;
- funds deposited to the card balance: 1.5%;
- payment—$0.35 per transaction;
- top-up via a payment system — 7%;
- USDT top-up via the TRC-20 network – 3%;
- For payments not in USD, the bank’s exchange rate and a fixed transaction fee apply.
This structure means that the actual cost of using the card consists of several components. For small top-ups, the SBP fee and the deposit fee may be higher than the cost of the purchase itself. For recurring payments, it’s more cost-effective to calculate the total cost upfront rather than just the purchase price.
The virtual card is designed for international online services and purchases. ZARUB provides access to the card program and your personal account, while a partner issuer manages card issuance, blocking, and maintenance. This is an important distinction: the service is responsible for its platform and support, but does not replace a bank.
Top-ups are available in rubles via the SBP and in USDT. Credits may take up to 15 minutes to appear, or up to 24 hours pending a technical review. For cryptocurrency top-ups, a blockchain network fee is additionally applied.
The payment system and specific BIN may depend on the available card program. ZARUB’s documentation mentions Visa and Mastercard, but the card selection is determined by the current offers in your account dashboard. The ability to add a card to Apple Pay or Google Pay also depends on the issuing bank, the card type, and the device’s region.
ZARUB has restrictions on certain categories of transactions. The list of restricted items includes e-wallets, investment and brokerage accounts, gambling services, cash equivalents, the purchase of other gift and virtual cards, and a number of financial transactions. Therefore, it’s best to view the product as a card for paying for everyday goods and digital services, rather than as a universal tool for money transfers.
ZARUB has a public terms of service and a fee schedule detailing the costs for basic transactions. However, the country of issue for a specific card, the partner bank, and compatibility with individual merchants may vary. You should check these details for your selected BIN before depositing a large amount.
Questions and Answers
How much does a ZARUB virtual card cost?
According to the published pricing for October 2026, the price is 19 USD.
How do I add funds to the card?
Via SBP or USDT TRC-20. Fees vary and are listed in the service’s pricing schedule.
Is there a monthly fee?
The monthly service fee for the basic virtual card is 0 USD.
Is ZARUB a bank?
No. The service arranges for the issuance and management of the card through an independent banking or payment partner.
Editor’s Opinion
ZARUB discloses its legal structure and fees for key transactions. This makes it clear in advance what the total cost consists of: card issuance, top-ups, fund deposits, and payments. However, the fees cannot be considered cheap for small amounts due to the interest charged on top-ups. With long-term use, the issuance cost is spread over several months, but the top-up fee remains a recurring expense. SBP and USDT TRC-20 are available. Before issuing, you need to check the specific BIN, issuer, transaction limits, and the total deposit amount. The pricing plan specifies limits on a single top-up ranging from 10 to 2,000 USD; this is important for large transfers. Deposits via SBP involve two separate fees: one for the transfer and one for crediting the card. You should factor in their combined impact before selecting a plan.
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