Oschadbank Accounts Blocked for Displaced Ukrainians Abroad: How Pensioners Can Regain Access.

Oschadbank Accounts Blocked for Displaced Ukrainians Abroad: How Pensioners Can Regain Access

According to Novyny.live: Oschadbank clients residing outside Ukraine are encountering significant difficulties in restoring access to their mobile banking app without a physical visit to a branch. This issue is particularly acute for pensioners who are internally displaced persons (IDPs). The situation highlights a broader challenge for Ukrainians forced to live abroad due to the ongoing conflict. A mandatory annual identification process for IDP pensioners can lead to their payment cards being blocked, a problem recently highlighted by a customer who found herself in a precarious situation.

A 77-year-old woman currently abroad reported losing access to the Oschad 24/7 mobile app. She explained that her current card is unavailable, and the bank refuses to restore access remotely, demanding either the physical card or her personal presence at a branch. The pensioner emphasized she has no way to travel to Ukraine or arrange a power of attorney, effectively locking her out of her own funds.

Reasons for Card Blocking

In 2026, the primary reason for Oschadbank card blocking has been the failure to complete a mandatory identification process by December 31. Under new regulations effective January 2026, older cards that were extended during the war have been invalidated. Consequently, clients who could not complete the identification risk losing all access to their finances.

Clients who have lost access to Oschadbank have several options to restore it:

• Contact a service center of the Pension Fund of Ukraine;
• Use the bank's online personal cabinet;
• Conduct a video conference with the bank;
• Seek assistance from a Ukrainian diplomatic mission abroad.

It is important to note that in 2026, the maximum amount for purchasing foreign currency at Oschadbank cannot exceed 50,000 hryvnias per month.

The problem of restoring access to Oschadbank services requires urgent resolution, as it affects not only pensioners but all clients located outside Ukraine. The requirement for in-person presence, when many cannot travel from abroad, creates severe hardship for those trying to manage their finances.

This situation underscores the critical need for banking services to adapt to the changing life circumstances of clients, especially those displaced beyond the country's borders by war.

In an era of globalization and constant change, banks must provide convenient remote service solutions to prevent account blockages and financial distress for their customers.