Since October 1, new rules for transfers from card to card have been introduced in Ukraine, which limit the amount of transfers for individuals. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has set a monthly limit of 150,000 hryvnias to combat illegal financial transactions associated with so-called “drops” — individuals who use their accounts to conduct shadowy financial schemes.
NBU explained, that the restriction does not apply to several categories of citizens and operations. Among them:
- volunteers who meet the legal criteria;
- citizens with confirmed incomes exceeding the established limit;
- transfers between own accounts in the same bank;
- operations of legal entities;
- transactions using IBAN details.
This restriction will remain in effect until the end of March 2025, unless extended. The national regulator emphasized that the new rules will not affect the majority of bank customers, as the vast majority of transfers do not exceed the established limit.
“Drops” are people who, for a fee, transfer access to their bank accounts to other people, which allows them to avoid taxation and legalize illegal income. In 2024, banks have already terminated cooperation with more than 80,000 such clients.
The idea of restricting card transfers was first voiced in early 2024 by Danylo Hetmantsev, head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy. At the same time, the NBU reported that large banks have already introduced certain restrictions on transactions in accordance with current legislation.
