No more than three times a month: Ukrainians warned about what could block their cards.

The National Bank of Ukraine has established new financial monitoring rules in the banking sector to combat suspicious financial transactions, Economic News reports.

According to the new requirements, banks must closely monitor and analyze customer transactions that may indicate potential money laundering risks or other illegal financial activities.

Special attention will be paid to operations involving frequent cash withdrawals - more than three times a month, especially large sums, and quick loan repayments. Increased control will also be applied to incomes that significantly exceed the average level in the region or do not correspond to the declared financial situation of the client.

'Banks must conduct additional checks on transactions exceeding 400 thousand hryvnias', the NBU recommendations state.

If there is suspicion about the legality of transactions, the bank has the right to require the client to provide additional documents, including income declarations, tax reports, and documents confirming the source of funds.

A separate category of risky operations includes transactions with cryptocurrency, gambling winnings, and transfers from politically exposed persons. Transfers granting access to accounts for third parties and unexpected large transfers from abroad followed by cash withdrawals will also come under scrutiny.

If a client refuses to present the required documents or there are reasonable suspicions regarding the legality of transactions, the bank has the right to block the account and terminate service. To avoid such a situation, clients are advised to keep evidence of the legality of their incomes in advance and be prepared to explain large financial transactions.

These new NBU rules are part of a strategy to combat money laundering and funding of illegal activities aimed at increasing the transparency of the banking sector and enhancing the financial security of the state.