Today only a lazy person or a person living in the wilderness does not know what a plastic card is. Everyone also knows that there are also so-called golden cards. But not everyone knows what good they are. So, it’s time to tell you in more detail about what gold plastic cards are and what benefits they provide to their owners.
In Russia, the most common plastic cards are Visa and MasterCard payment systems, although Diners Club and American Express payment systems are slowly entering the market. However, this process will not be quick - creating a technical infrastructure with an extensive network of ATMs and ensuring reception in the retail network will not be easy and will not happen soon.
So in today’s material we will consider only Visa and MasterCard gold cards, as the most common and well-known to citizens in Russia.
Let's start with the fact that “plastic”, as you know, can be debit (settlement) and credit. Both of them can be Gold class, from both payment systems.
Looking ahead, let’s say that, by and large, the amount of “chips” and privileges that holders of premium cards receive depends not so much on the payment system, but on the bank that issued them.
The main reason why payment systems came to the idea that it was time to release premium products was the hidden human need to stand out among others. Abroad, the holder of gold plastic is perceived as a VIP person. It was for wealthy citizens that these proposals were primarily developed.
To motivate rich people to become owners of plastic cards, in addition to emphasizing their status, something else was needed. The main advantage was the wide network of payment system partners who provide discounts and gifts to holders of premium products.
Alas, the greatest amount of privileges for gold plastic holders are available only abroad. The chain of discount stores is simply huge. In addition, there are special specific services that have not yet been particularly developed in Russia. For example, the owner of a Gold card can book a hotel room by phone and receive minimal medical services under insurance from a payment system partner company.
So, if you live in Russia and do not plan to travel abroad, owning a gold card will not provide all the benefits for you. But if you are planning to go at least on vacation to a European country, then it makes sense to get one “on occasion” in order to save money on vacation and use free services.
In Russia, you will also be able to take advantage of special services, discounts and privileges, but this largely depends not on the payment system, but on the bank where you will issue a gold plastic card.
Naturally, banks, in company with partners, offer either joint co-branding programs or motivate stores to give discounts for “Gold” class clients. A complete list of “freebies” can be found on the website of any bank in the plastic card descriptions section.
Recently, bonus programs have become popular with banks - this is when you pay with plastic in stores, and for the money spent, banks award bonuses (or points), which you can then spend in the form of a discount in partner stores.
However, keep in mind that the tax inspectorate is trying to create a precedent: Citibank has been presented with a requirement that accrued bonuses are income for individuals, from which the bank (as a tax agent) would have to withhold and transfer income tax to the budget.
The amount of claims presented is 600 million rubles. It is possible that this unexpected debt burden will be transferred to the “lucky” Citibank plastic holders.
However, in addition to discounts and promotions, there are also quite interesting offers. For example, Citibank has special premises and special VIP service for holders of debit gold cards. And at some airports there are even special VIP departure areas.
Terms of use of the gold card
BUT! for all these “charms” of life you will have to pay well: issuing a card and subsequent annual maintenance costs 3,000-3,500 rubles per year. Moreover, regardless of the payment system and bank (although there are advertising offers when some bank offers this service for free). Despite the fact that a regular plastic card costs 400-600 rubles.
Is it worth overpaying for status and opportunities to receive discounts? You decide. It’s another matter if, as part of a salary project, there is an opportunity to issue a card for free, why not take advantage.
In Russia, Gold debit programs have a hidden advantage. Recently, many banks, when considering applications for loans and similar services to confirm your solvency, are asking the question: do you have a gold card of any bank?
How to get a gold card
This is done very simply. Choose the bank where you would like to receive the card. The choice is simple: look at the rates for issuance and annual maintenance (most likely, you will find that all banks have the same ones). Then study the list of discounts, gifts and promotions that the bank offers as part of this program.
Next, just order yourself such a card. This is usually done at the bank office. To complete the application and service agreement, all you need is your presence and a passport. Oh, and a 3,000 ruble commission for issuing a card, which will need to be paid immediately to the cash desk of the credit institution.
Gold products are produced at the same speed as ordinary ones - about a week. As soon as the card is ready, the bank (in theory) will notify you about it and invite you to the office to receive it.
Some banks (for example, Promsvyazbank) provide a service for filling out an online application for receiving plastic directly on their website. So you only have to go to the organization’s office once - to receive a card.
Benefits of Gold Credit Cards
In this case, it makes sense to get a gold card. Why?
Firstly, you will have access to almost all the privileges provided for VIP clients (with the exception of special programs intended only for holders of debit products).
Secondly, you can get more favorable loan terms. As a rule, this is a reduced interest rate (usually 4-5% per annum less than the standard) and a reduced commission for cash withdrawals from ATMs (standard commission - on average 4.9%, for gold cards - 2.9%). BUT you will have to pay for all this: the issue and annual maintenance of a regular plastic card costs 400-600 rubles, a gold card costs 3,000-3,500 rubles.
For some banks, the size of the credit limit depends on the type of card. For standard cards – 30,000-50,000 rubles. If you need more, get a gold credit card. So we are no longer talking about any status of the owner.
Gold Debit Card
Sberbank
The Gift of Life Visa Gold card in rubles is intended for clients who want to help seriously ill children. When registering, half the cost of the first year of service and 0.3% of the purchase amount are transferred to the Gift of Life fund. All bank cards are valid for 3 years, and you will have to pay 4,000 rubles annually for maintenance.
Owners of MTS MasterCard Gold receive points that can be exchanged for free SMS, MMS, and communication minutes. The card is issued in rubles, US dollars and euros. For its maintenance every year you will have to pay 3,500 rubles, 120 US dollars, euros.
With the Aeroflot Visa Gold card, customers have the opportunity to receive free tickets for Aeroflot or Sky Team airlines. The service fee is the same as for the MTS bonus card.
Classic cards Sberbank MasterCard Gold and Sberbank Visa Gold, protected by an electronic chip, are also issued. The service fee is slightly lower than for co-branding ones and amounts to 3,000 rubles.
Gold cards have a wide range of capabilities, but the disadvantages of the gold version are that its cost is much higher than the classic one. For example, for MasterCard Gold and Visa Gold cards you need to pay 3,000 rubles every year, and for classic cards - 750.
VTB 24
The bank offers a multi-currency debit card, which is issued simultaneously in rubles, US dollars and euros. An annual fee of 3,000 rubles is charged for its use, but holders participate in the “Collection” program: for every 30 rubles you can receive 1 bonus.
Alfa Bank
The Alfa-Miles card with PayPass contactless payment technology allows you to accumulate miles and then use them to book hotels, air tickets and train tickets. Plastic card holders withdraw funds from ATMs abroad without commission. The product is released free of charge, but the service fee is 3,500 rubles per year.
The Aeroflot card is suitable for customers who use the services of Aeroflot and Sky-Team companies, and the S7 PRIORITY card is suitable for S7 airlines and Oneworld companies. Accumulated miles can be exchanged for a free flight. Aeroflot's service fee reaches 2500-3500 rubles per year, and S7 PRIORITY - 349-799 rubles (and 450-550 rubles per issue).
Classic Alfa-Bank Visa Gold and MasterCard Gold cards are issued as part of the “Comfort” or “Maximum” packages and are serviced free of charge. They allow you to withdraw money abroad without commission (limited).
Russian Standard Bank
“Bank in Pocket Gold Promo” is issued at the initiative of the bank for a period of up to 5 years. Conditions: it can be issued in rubles, and there is no fee for using the card in the first year. The balance of funds is charged 12% per annum, and when paying for purchases, up to 10% of the cost of the funds spent is returned to the account.
By signing up for “Bank in your pocket Prestige” with a Travel Premium card, you can accumulate points and use them to pay for travel expenses. It is issued for 5 years, and the maintenance fee reaches 3,000 rubles annually. Miles & More Visa Gold Debit Card holders can take advantage of the Miles & More program and exchange miles for Lufthansa Group airline tickets.
Review of credit cards
Sberbank
At Sberbank you can get a Visa Gold “Aeroflot” credit card, Visa Gold “Gift of Life” and classic Visa and MasterCard Gold. The advantages of the Aeroflot program are contactless payment technology and a bonus program that allows you to exchange miles for air tickets. The interest rate on all loan products of the bank is 21.9% -23.9% per annum. A grace period of up to 50 days and a limit of up to 600,000 rubles are provided.
VTB 24
“VTB24 Transaero”, “VTB24 Yakutia” and “VTB24 World Map” are also intended for travelers. When you make purchases, you earn miles that can be redeemed for air travel. And the VTB 24 Russian Railways Visa product allows you to get premium trips on the trains of JSC Federal Passenger Company and Sapsan.
“VTB24 Impression Card” MasterCard and “VTB 24 Autocard” are interesting because when paying for purchases, from 1% to 3% of the amount spent is returned to your account. With the Collection program you can exchange bonuses for gifts, pay for hotels, air tickets and bank commissions.
The cost of registration and monthly servicing of VTB 24 credit cards is 350 rubles. The credit limit reaches 750,000 rubles, money can be used at a rate of 26% per annum (for classic cards - 28% per annum).
Alfa Bank
Gold credit cards are presented with a limit of up to 300,000 rubles and a grace period of up to 60 days for co-branded cards and up to 100 days for classic ones. The interest rate for affiliate programs is 23.99% per annum (for standard programs - 24.99%), the cost of service is 3250-4000 rubles per year.
Among the partner cards, “Alfa-Miles”, “Aeroflot”, “S7 PRIORITY” and “Anywayanyday” stand out (up to 7% discount when paying for air tickets and hotels). The bank also has the classic “100 days” options MasterCard Gold and Visa Gold with a grace period of up to 100 days. The minimum rate is 23.99% per annum, and an annual commission of 3,000 rubles is charged.
Alfa-Bank also offers a unique Gemini program with a limit of up to 300,000 rubles and a grace period of up to 100 days. One side of the card is credit, the other is debit. To use the credit side, the client must pay 1990 rubles per year. Money is issued at 23.99% per annum.
Russian Standard Bank
The bank offers a line of credit cards from American Express, MasterCard and Visa payment systems with additional benefits. Owners of plastic cards can accumulate bonuses and exchange them for flights, goods and communication services, as well as participate in joint promotions with program partners.
The maximum limit for almost all “Gold” programs is 750,000 rubles, the grace period is up to 55 days. Interest rate – from 19.9% per annum.
Card production time
In Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod and other large cities, the card will be ready in 2-3 working days; in the regions, production and delivery will take from 3 to 10 working days. Delivery to remote locations may take up to 15 business days. Exact dates are available.
When issuing a card, only working days are taken into account. If you order it on Friday evening, the production time will be counted from Monday.
You can see if the card is ready and when it will be delivered to the office in Sberbank Online in the “Cards” section.
What documents are required to receive a card?
To pick up the card, bring with you your passport or other document that was used to apply for the card. To receive a card for another person, you need a notarized power of attorney.
I am 14 years old. Can I open a card myself or do I need an application from my parents?
Yes, you can do it yourself. You only need a passport, no statement from your parents. The card can be issued from 14 to 25 years of age. It is more convenient to order a Youth Card online.
Fill out a simple form and wait for an SMS about the readiness of the card and the address where you need to pick it up. Then come to the bank at a convenient time and don’t forget to grab your passport.
How much does a Youth Card cost?
The cost of the card is 150 rubles per year. The first year's commission will be debited only after receiving the card. It is issued for three years, so every year the Bank will write off a commission of 150 rubles. You will learn about payments from SMS notifications.
Can I choose my own design for the card?
Yes you can. Upload your image, photograph, choose a ready-made option or draw your own. Submit your application . The service costs 500 rubles, the fee is charged upon receipt of the card and reissue. Please read carefully when you start uploading images because there are restrictions.
I am already 27 years old and I have a valid Youth Card. Under what conditions can I use it?
You continue to use the card under the same conditions as before.
Where can I apply for a Youth Card?
You can apply for a card on the Sberbank website by filling out a simple application, or at the bank’s office. If you are already our client, you can order a card from Sberbank Online.
How to start receiving THANK YOU bonuses?
After receiving the card, you must register in the “Thank you from Sberbank” program. The easiest way to register: send an SMS to number 900 with the text THANK YOU 1234, where 1234 is the last four digits of the card number.
You can also register for the program in your Sberbank Online personal account and at a Sberbank ATM - find the “Thank you from Sberbank” section and follow the prompts.
Bonuses are awarded automatically when paying by card - their number depends on the level of privileges.
It should be remembered that bonuses are awarded only when paying for goods and services. This does not happen when withdrawing cash from ATMs. But when you pay for purchases remotely in online stores, bonus Thank You bonuses are credited to your account.
How can I find out my card details?
To find out the details, find the required card in the Sberbank Online mobile application and click “Show details”.
Another way: in your Sberbank Online personal account, go to the “Cards” section and find the card you need, then “Card information” → “Transfer details to the card account”.
A large number of modern people use credit cards, regardless of their financial situation and age. Today there are different types of cards, one of the basic categories is Gold. The MasterCard Gold credit card is a premium category option; this card gives the owner a large number of advantages and financial freedom.
A number of advantages of a MasterCard Gold bank card
You will have access to:
- contactless payment;
- 24/7 customer support and banking services anywhere in the world;
- more favorable loan terms;
- reduction of commission when withdrawing cash from ATMs;
- bonuses and discounts;
- secure online purchases using the 3D Secure system;
- the ability to quickly and conveniently use services;
- possibility of issuing additional cards;
- increased credit limit.
This is not a complete list of privileges for MasterCard Gold holders. Today, if you want to get a gold card and get all the privileges of VIP clients for free, there is no need to stand in line and adjust to the opening hours of branches. All application procedures can be completed online.
Where can I apply for free gold MasterCard cards in Moscow online?
If you want to apply for a MasterCard Gold credit card without leaving your home or office, the CreditZnatok online resource is ready to offer a wide range of current and interesting offers just for you. Now you don’t need to spend hours studying the pages of bank websites and selecting the necessary conditions; the CreditZnatok aggregator site has already done everything for you. For everyone who wants to receive a Gold card for free and all the privileges of a gold credit card, the opportunity to submit an application online is provided
Why is it profitable to use the CreditZnatok service?
- a large list of options for a client in Moscow;
- saving time;
- maximum useful and necessary information;
- profitable terms;
- registration and approval of applications online;
- attractive website interface and clear functionality;
This is not a complete list of advantages for site users. Anyone can take advantage of CreditZnatok. Now a gold MasterCard bank card for VIP clients can be yours and you will not need to spend personal time and effort on registration at a bank branch. CreditZnatok is your expert guide to the world of finance and lending.
Plastic cards are no longer just a payment instrument. There are certain categories of plastic that provide a lot of possibilities for their holder. One of these is MasterCard Gold. These are high-level bank cards designed for wealthy clients; as a rule, they are distinguished by a high limit on spending transactions, as well as bonuses, discounts and other privileges. However, let’s look at all the advantages of the Mastercard Gold card in order.
About the payment system
The MasterCard payment system is known almost all over the world. Over the years, it has served more than 20,000 credit institutions. Currently, the payment system offers several types of plastic cards of different levels. The choice of card depends on its intended use and the set of additional features. MasterCard Gold cards are premium plastic that can emphasize the high status of its owner and provide him with some advantages:
- Payment for purchases all over the world.
- Automatic conversion to any currency.
- 24/7 customer support via hotline number.
- High level of funds protection.
But such plastic, which is positive on all sides, is not without its shortcomings. The main one is the high cost of maintenance. In fact, in many countries, including the United States and the European Union, it is simply impossible to obtain Gold plastic, regardless of whether there is a credit limit there or not, the client must first provide a document confirming a high level of income, only then will he receive a gold card card. In Russia, in order to become the owner of a MasterCard gold card, it is not necessary to confirm a high income with the help of documents, since this banking product is available to absolutely everyone.
Please note that to receive a gold card with a credit limit, personal income tax certificate 2 is a prerequisite.
But if you pay attention to all the privileges of Mastercard Gold, you can really understand that it is simply necessary for a successful and wealthy person. After all, when traveling, she provides maximum support in the form of discounts and bonuses for paying bills in cafes and restaurants, hotels and airlines. Among other things, gold plastic is the calling card of a rich person, or at least that’s always been the case.
Benefits of MasterCard Gold
In fact, the gold Mastercard card has several advantages for its holders. If we are talking about a credit card, then MasterCard Gold has an increased limit; if for a classic credit card the maximum loan amount can reach 100-150 thousand rubles, then the limit for a gold card is up to 700,000 rubles or more. But debit card holders receive another nice bonus in the form of cashback or interest on the balance. True, such privileges are provided not by the payment system, but by the issuing bank. Let's look at the privileges that the card provides:
- maximum customer support abroad;
- receiving cash around the world in any currency;
- free insurance (depending on bank conditions);
- concierge service (provided by the bank);
- premium service to a bank branch and a dedicated telephone line;
- discounts when paying for hotel tickets and cars;
- the opportunity to take part in promotions and bonus programs;
- consultation on legal and medical topics (service provided by the bank).
As you can see, most services for a privileged client are provided directly by a financial institution. Therefore, if you want to get a MasterCard gold card for yourself, then you need to carefully study the financial services market in Russia in order to choose the most advantageous offer.
Where to apply for a card
The financial services market in Russia is overflowing with various offers. You can get a MasterCard Gold card at almost every commercial bank. After all, the main advantages of a plastic card will depend on the right choice. First of all, you need to pay attention to some important details:
- Annual maintenance cost. Many banks (for example, Russian Standard, Alfa Bank) do not charge a fee when storing a certain amount of funds in an account; such an offer will be beneficial for you if you plan to actively use plastic.
- Credit limit and limits on expense transactions and cash withdrawals.
- The opportunity to use additional bank services in the form of a personal manager, premium services at the bank office, and a separate telephone line.
- Free insurance program when traveling outside your country.
- Bonus programs.
Thus, the choice of plastic cards depends on many circumstances, including banking services. For example, Sberbank offers a gold card costing from 3,000 rubles with a credit limit of up to 600,000 rubles. Among other things, Sberbank clients have the opportunity to take part in the Thank you bonus program. Of all the privileges, the bank only offers emergency cash withdrawal if the card is lost abroad. A wide selection of plastic cards is offered by Russian Standard banks, Tinkoff Bank, Alfa Bank and others.
To summarize, a gold plastic card code for the MasterCard payment system is a convenient, safe and profitable plastic card for wealthy clients. It should be noted that it will be more useful for those who often travel abroad, because the main privileges and bonuses are designed specifically for travelers. In other options, it makes more sense to use classic plastic, which also meets all safety requirements, but costs much less.
Today, having a bank card is not a whim, but a necessity. It can pay for purchases, be a stylish accessory, and also become an additional source of pride and income. Let's consider Visa Gold and MasterCard Gold cards - premium products of Sberbank.
Rules for issuing Gold series products
It is not so easy to get a gold card - the bank issues plastic cards only to selected and conscientious clients. Cardholders are provided with 24-hour priority service at the contact center, the ability to withdraw money from their account if the card is lost (even abroad), and also make money transactions via telephone or email.
Sberbank can independently send a request under special conditions if you have successfully used other financial products: a “salary” card, credit programs, or have a valid deposit.
Requirements for the designer
- Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation
- Age – from 21 to 65 years inclusive
- Availability of a certificate from the place of work indicating the salary
- Copy of work book
You won’t be able to apply for a credit card online; you must go to the bank in person. If you fill out a form on the website, the decision will be preliminary. Bank employees at the nearest branch can approve the application and issue the plastic card. Processing time is from 7 to 21 working days.
Activation takes place at the bank - the employee makes the necessary settings. The card becomes valid after 24 hours.
Tariffs and conditions
Choose the payment system correctly. VISA works flawlessly with dollars, while MasterCard respects euros more. Any plastic works flawlessly both in Russia and abroad.
VISA and MasterCard Gold credit cards offer the following rates:
- Plastic validity period – 3 years
- Currency – rubles
- Credit limit up to 600 thousand rubles
- Grace period – up to 50 days
- Interest after the grace period – from 24 to 28% per annum
- The cost of service is up to 3,000 rubles per year (free for regular customers)
Unlimited cash withdrawal is not provided - the commission will be 3-4%, and the maximum amount will be 300,000 rubles.
How to use?
Customers pay for goods and services with Sberbank credit cards, after which a purchase report is sent by email. You can repay the entire amount or leave the loan with interest for the next month.
The amount of the minimum payment is also set by the bank in the report and depends on the interest rate. You can pay off in several ways:
- Transfer from a Sberbank account or debit card
- Payment via terminal
- Using services: MoneySend or VISA Direct
- At a bank branch through a cash desk
Each client has access to a mobile application and a personal account on the Sberbank Online website.
In order not to pay interest, you must meet the grace period, which allows you to use credit funds for free. It varies from 20 to 50 days and is set by the bank during the plastic processing process. The client must pay the full amount of the debt within the specified period.
Customer loyalty program
The benefit of using the card is to receive bonuses from the bank, a kind of cashback credited to a separate account - the “Thank you from Sberbank” program.
When a client pays for purchases, cafes and restaurants, up to 10% of the amount is charged. Bonuses can be spent at partner companies. 1 point = 1 ruble.
Good to know
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