Oschadbank Clients Abroad Face Card Replacement Block: What to Do.

Oschadbank Clients Abroad Face Card Replacement Block: What to Do

According to Novyny.live: Clients of Ukraine's state-owned Oschadbank are encountering significant obstacles when trying to replace their expired payment cards, a situation particularly acute for those residing outside the country. This issue is especially critical for the many Ukrainians who were forced to flee abroad following Russia's full-scale invasion. One customer, currently in Norway, highlighted the predicament, stating:

“I am abroad (in Norway) because of the war and I am an employee of a Ukrainian state institution.”

Oschadbank initiated an automatic extension for expiring cards starting in February 2022, with the final expiry date for this program set for June 30, 2026. Despite this extension, customers still face major hurdles in actually obtaining new physical cards. For those abroad, the process can involve costly legal steps; in Norway, for instance, the price for a notarized power of attorney required for such transactions can reach 5,000–6,000 kroner, creating a substantial financial barrier.

Card Expiry Issues

The cards affected by this expiry problem cover the period from February 2022 through October 2025. Clients whose cards lapsed during this window now find themselves in a difficult position, unable to secure replacements. This creates an urgent need for a solution, as many Oschadbank customers remain overseas and risk losing access to their financial resources.

Consequently, Oschadbank must develop viable pathways to facilitate card replacement for clients currently outside Ukraine's borders. The banking sector has faced immense challenges due to the war, but maintaining basic service access for displaced citizens is crucial.

This blockage of card replacements for customers abroad underscores the pressing need for financial institutions to adapt their crisis response. Ensuring timely access to banking services is vital for the many Ukrainians facing hardship after being forced to leave their country. How the bank resolves this issue will impact not only the financial stability of individual citizens but also its own reputation during a national crisis.