In the last few weeks, Ukrainians have been faced with new restrictions on bank accounts. Many have noted that banks have started to block cards due to suspicious operations, and in the case of even a minimal suspicion of violation of the law, financial institutions can close the account without revealing the cause.
From February 1 this year, a restriction on card transfers - no more than 150 thousand hryvnias per month was introduced in Ukraine. This restriction has become part of the fight against withdrawal through the accounts of individuals, as well as preventing the use of bank cards for illegal financial transactions.
One of the main reasons for the introduction of such restrictions was the strengthening of financial monitoring. Banks now carefully monitor all suspicious operations, and on suspicion of violation of the law can block the account without warning.
Suspicious transactions include transferring funds to accounts that do not correspond to the usual financial behavioral profile of the client. If the operation looks like unusual or violates the rules, the bank can block the account, even if the client has not violated the law. The causes of the lock may be different, but most often it is an effort to withdraw funds through the so -called "drops".
Drop is people who sell their bank cards to withdraw funds. These people often participate in casino schemes or other online platforms, where cards are used to carry out financial transactions that are illegal or suspicious.
According to government sources, one of the main reasons for the introduction of restrictions on transfers was that some Ukrainians use their cards to withdraw money through online casinos without participating in the game itself. Card owners, called "drops" receive funds that are allegedly not related to real rates, and then these funds are derived through other channels.
This leads to heavy losses for the state budget, since it is unknown how much money is not performed through taxes. According to government officials, in 2024 alone, UAH 5.5 billion was raised less than expected than expected, through schemes with Drops.
Although many accounts are blocked by suspicious card activities, it is important to know how to avoid lock or at least try to return access to the account. Here are some tips:
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Регулярність фінансових операцій : Намагайтеся не здійснювати надзвичайно великі перекази, якщо вони не відповідають вашому звичайному фінансовому профілю. For example, if you usually transfer the amounts of up to 10 thousand hryvnias and suddenly transfer 100 thousand, it can be suspicious of the bank.
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Explanation of the source : If large amounts come to your account, make sure that you can explain their source, especially if it is money received through online casinos or other non-standard sources.
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Compliance with translation restrictions : Considering new translation restrictions, try not to exceed the limits designated by banks to avoid suspicion.
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Розуміння політики банку : Знайомтесь з політикою вашого банку щодо фінансових операцій. This will help you maintain control of your finances and identify potential problems in a timely manner.
A striking example of how a bank can block the account is a civil case, considered by the Pechersk District Court of Kiev. One of the customers sued the bank, demanding to unlock the account on which his salary was received. However, as it turned out, the client received more than 663 thousand hryvnias from online casinos within a few months, and could not explain the sources of these funds. The court agreed that the bank had the right to block the account, even if the plaintiff was not charged with money laundering.
