How to Send Money from the USA to Russia
International transfers for businesses and individuals
Sending money from the USA to Russia is now challenging, as some banks face restrictions and many international payment services have left. Still, people need to send money for family, workers, or personal payments.
This article explains the ways you can send money from the USA to Russia in 2025. We discuss bank transfers, payment services, cryptocurrency, using agents, and other options, providing details and examples to help you choose what works best for you.
If you need to quickly and safely transfer money from the USA or another country to Russia, contact a 1tab manager now for personalized assistance and secure processing of your transfer.
Which methods of sending money from the USA to Russia don’t work in 2025
In 2025, the most common transfer methods from the USA to Russia don’t work, including bank transfers and international payment systems.
It is impossible to send money to Russia via Western Union, MoneyGram, Wise, Paysend, and other platforms that have completely ceased operations in the Russian direction. These platforms either technically block transfers or do not list Russia as a destination country.
Direct transfers between bank cards also no longer work. After Visa and Mastercard left the Russian market, it is impossible to transfer money directly to a Russian bank card. Banks abroad do not support MIR cards, and people cannot use international cards inside Russia.
Sanctions make SWIFT transfers very limited, so you can only send money to certain banks. Most Russian banks are cut off from the system, and US senders often have their payments rejected during checks by other banks involved in the process.
International e-wallets also no longer function. For example, PayPal has blocked the ability to send or receive funds to Russian accounts. Some Russian platforms, such as YooMoney, retain limited functionality, but transfers from the USA are unavailable through them.
Even banks in so-called “neutral” countries, including the UAE, Turkey, and China, stopped or heavily limited processing transfers to Russia in 2024–2025. They were previously considered workarounds, but due to sanction pressures, they are now also almost unavailable.
Nevertheless, there are still working methods to transfer money from the USA to Russia. Our article covers the available options and their features.
Traditional methods for transferring money from the USA to Russia
Transfer via SWIFT
In 2025, sending money from the USA to Russia using SWIFT is still possible, but it is much harder. Most Russian banks are unable to use SWIFT, and US banks often refuse these transfers or only allow them with additional steps. Still, you can send money this way, but only to a few banks.
Currently, several Russian banks that are not under sanctions still accept international transfers from the USA:
Raiffeisen Bank,
UniCredit,
Bank of China (in Russia),
Expobank,
Home Credit Bank,
Chelyabinvestbank,
Energotransbank,
Moskommertsbank.
Before sending a transfer, it is important to check with the American bank whether it processes transfers to Russia and which banks it has correspondent relationships with.
The recipient in Russia will need an account in one of the available banks, as well as the standard set of details:
full name in Latin characters,
account number,
SWIFT code,
bank address,
and, if required, correspondent bank details.
The transfer can be initiated at a branch or via online banking. Usually, funds are sent in US dollars.
Fees vary by bank, with some as high as 50% of the amount or at least $1,000, as seen with Raiffeisen Bank. For example, if you were to transfer $5,000, you (or your recipient) might lose up to $2,500 in fees. Other banks charge 1–5% plus possible extra fees from other banks involved, which could mean paying an extra $50 to $250 on a similar amount. Transfers can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Even if both parties use banks that are not under sanctions, the transfer can still be blocked by the system or other banks. This makes SWIFT risky and expensive.
This method is suitable only for those who require an official banking channel and are prepared for long processing times and potential delays.
In all other cases, alternative options should be considered.
Payment systems
In 2025, transferring money from the USA to Russia through international payment systems is practically impossible.
Users previously used platforms such as Unistream, KoronaPay, and Kwikpay for transfers. These platforms continue to operate, but they serve only specific countries in the CIS, Europe, and Asia. Users in the USA cannot access them. This means that sending money directly from America via these systems is not possible.
They can only be used through multi-step routes, for example, via third countries where such transfers are allowed, which complicates the process and increases costs.
Since the big companies left, many smaller services now offer money transfers between the USA and Russia. Some are real, but many are scams. It is challenging to know which ones you can trust, especially if you lack experience or advice from others.
These intermediaries often charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates.
In practice, this means that international payment systems are no longer the universal method for transferring money from the USA to Russia. Those who value speed and predictability should consider alternative options.
Payment agents
An effective way to send money from the USA to Russia is to use payment agents. These companies officially operate in Russia. They receive your money in dollars (or even crypto), change it into the needed currency, and send it to the person you choose using their own channels. This is a legal way to transfer money.
1tab helps individuals and businesses make international transfers when traditional methods are unavailable. You can send money to a supplier, contractor, individual, or company, and the payment will be processed officially, with all supporting documents provided.
You transfer the amount to us in a convenient currency, such as US dollars, euros, or even Bitcoin or USDT, and we send it to Russia through our partners. For each case, we select the most suitable and cost-effective route, verify its relevance, and calculate the processing time and commission in advance.
How working with us goes:
Contact a 1tab manager and provide the transfer details, including amount, currency, destination country, and payment purpose.
We calculate transaction fees and rates and confirm them with you.
Transfer the funds from a bank account, in cryptocurrency, or in cash at a designated partner office (our manager will provide you with the address).
We convert the money into the required currency and send it to your recipient.
Once credited, you receive a payment order, SWIFT confirmation, and all necessary documents for accounting or reporting.
If you are paying a contract or invoice, it is enough to provide the payment details and supporting documents, for example, an invoice.
The smallest amount you can send with us is $5,000. This is due to the costs and legal requirements for sending money between countries. If you send more than $50,000, we will request that you provide documentation to verify the source of the funds, such as a sales contract, bank statement, or other supporting documents that demonstrate the legality of the transaction.
Submit a request below to learn the details and discuss the fees and terms with our manager.
Platforms for paying remote employees
After the exit of international payment systems in 2022–2023, companies from the US cannot directly transfer money to Russian freelancers and remote workers.
In 2025, specialized websites called payroll platforms are used for this purpose. They let you pay people with the right paperwork and keep records automatically.
These platforms operate by acting as intermediaries. The client signs up, adds money to their account, and gives a job to the worker. When the job is completed, the worker receives the money in their account on the platform and can withdraw it to a card, business account, or online wallet. Each payment is accompanied by a contract and the necessary paperwork.
Platforms operating in 2025 include:
Solar Staff. It offers withdrawals to a card, an individual entrepreneur account, an e-wallet, or a crypto wallet. The client’s fee is 8–9%.
EasyStart. It accepts payments from companies (a 6% fee) and individuals (a 6–12% fee, depending on the payment method — transfer or card). Money can be withdrawn in rubles, foreign currency, or cryptocurrency. Suitable for freelancers receiving payments from the US and clients with contractors in Russia.
Stape. It processes payments under an agency agreement. Money is transferred to the account of a self-employed individual or individual entrepreneur in Russia. The client pays a fixed fee of $50 per transaction. Currency is converted at the Central Bank rate with a 3.5% markup. The processing time is up to one business day.
Bringing cash into Russia
If electronic transfers are not possible, the simplest option is to bring cash into Russia. This method still works, but requires compliance with customs regulations.
You can bring in up to $10,000 without a declaration. In this case, the passenger goes through the “green corridor” and does not need to fill out any additional documents.
If the amount exceeds $10,000, a written customs declaration must be completed, and the passenger goes through the “red corridor.” The declaration must list the full amount, not just the excess. For example, if you bring $15,000, you must declare the entire sum, not only the extra $5,000.
For amounts over $100,000, you must also provide documents that confirm the source of funds. This could be an income certificate, a purchase agreement, inheritance documents, or other official proof. Without these, the money may be confiscated until the situation is clarified.
Bringing currency into Russia is not subject to taxation. However, it is important that the funds have a legal origin and are declared according to the rules.
US sanctions since March 2022 prohibit the shipment of cash dollars to Russia, but this restriction does not apply to individuals carrying money for personal use. Therefore, US citizens and travelers can legally export cash from the US and bring it into Russia if limits are respected.
You can complete the declaration in advance — on the Federal Customs Service website, on paper, or directly at customs. Failure to declare amounts over $10,000 carries a fine of 50% to 200% of the excess or confiscation of that portion of the funds.
Cryptocurrency for transfers from the US to Russia
If you cannot send money from the US to Russia using banks or payment services, you can use cryptocurrency. Bank restrictions do not affect cryptocurrency transactions; transfers are quick, and it doesn’t matter where you are. However, you should be aware of how this works and understand the associated risks.
Transfer via a crypto exchange
One of the most reliable options is to use a cryptocurrency exchange.
A person in the US signs up, verifies their identity, adds money with a card, and buys cryptocurrency, such as USDT. This type of cryptocurrency is tied to the dollar, so the value does not change much.
Next, they send the crypto to another user in Russia, who can sell the received USDT for rubles and withdraw them to a Russian bank account.
This method is suitable for those who already work with cryptocurrency or are willing to learn the process.
It’s also important to choose an exchange that still operates with Russia, such as Bybit, Whitebit, OKX, and others.
Crypto exchanges
Another option is an online or offline crypto exchange. You can use them to buy cryptocurrency with dollars or exchange it for rubles. Some platforms only work with bank transfers, while others accept cash. The rate and commission depend on the direction and amount.
When choosing an exchanger, check its reputation by using aggregator sites such as BestChange, reading reviews, and avoiding anonymous platforms.
If you are in Georgia or the UAE, you can quickly buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrency at a good rate with 1tab.
P2P platforms
P2P platforms are websites where people trade cryptocurrency with each other: one person buys crypto with dollars, then sends crypto to a recipient, and the recipient sells crypto in exchange for rubles. The website holds the money until both parties complete the deal, but you still need to be cautious because there are scammers. Also, if you send money often, banks might ask for documents or stop your transfers to check for problems.
Expat chats
Another way to transfer money from the US to Russia is to arrange it directly with someone through expat chats. In these communities, participants often look for people to do a mutual exchange: one person sends dollars to a US bank, and the other sends rubles to a Russian account or card. This is a kind of informal exchange based on trust.
Sometimes this method helps solve the issue quickly, especially when official payment channels are unavailable. However, it carries serious risks. The main risk is the lack of any guarantees. If one participant refuses to fulfill their part, you cannot refund the money because no one records these agreements, and the law offers no protection.
Additionally, such transfers may violate currency or tax regulations, especially if the amounts are large or the scheme is used regularly. Expat chats often have cases of fraud; someone takes the money and disappears. Therefore, this method should only be used in extreme cases and only if you personally know the person with whom you are exchanging. In other situations, it is safer to use official and verified transfer channels.
By 2025, transferring money from the US to Russia is possible through several reliable channels. If you need to send money abroad or receive funds from another country, contact 1tab today. Our team will help you complete your transaction legally, quickly, and safely—get started with us now.
FAQ: Sending Money from the USA to Russia in 2025
1. Can I send money from the US to Russia via banks?
Yes, but only through a few Russian banks that are not under sanctions. You must check with your US bank which Russian banks it can process transfers with.
2. Can I use SWIFT for transfers?
Yes, SWIFT transfers are possible, but they are complicated, costly, and slow. Banks or correspondent banks may block the transaction.
3. Are international payment systems like Western Union or PayPal available?
No, major platforms have stopped working with Russia. You cannot send money directly through them from the US.
4. How can I use payment agents?
You transfer the funds to a payment agent, such as 1tab, and they deliver the money to the recipient legally and quickly. They provide full documentation for the transaction.
5. Can I pay Russian freelancers or remote employees?
Yes, you can use specialized payroll platforms that handle legal documentation and automated recordkeeping. Examples include Solar Staff, EasyStart, and Stape.
6. Can I bring cash into Russia?
Yes, you can carry up to $10,000 per person without a declaration. For larger amounts, complete a customs declaration and provide proof of the source of funds if needed.
7. Is cryptocurrency a viable option?
Yes, cryptocurrency transfers bypass banking restrictions, work fast, and are independent of geography. Ensure you understand the process and the risks involved.
8. How can 1tab help me?
1tab assists with bank transfers, crypto conversions, and payment agent services. You can send money legally, quickly, and securely to Russia or from Russia to other countries.
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