Banks can block a card due to a large transfer: what amounts are checked and how to avoid problems

In Ukraine, receiving a large amount on a bank card may be grounds for additional verification of a financial transaction. At the same time, the size of the transfer itself does not mean automatic account blocking. The bank assesses the origin of the funds, the nature of the transaction and its compliance with the client’s financial behavior.

For which transfers can the bank block the card

Ukrainian banks are required to carry out financial monitoring of client transactions in order to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.

During the verification, financial institutions take into account not only the amount of the transfer, but also other circumstances:

origin of funds and purpose of payment;
information about the sender and recipient;
regularity and nature of receipts;
compliance of the transaction with the client’s usual financial activity;
the presence of signs of suspicious financial activity.

For example, if a person usually receives small transfers, and a significant amount suddenly arrives in their account, the bank may ask to explain the source of the money.

This applies even to legitimate transactions, including the sale of a car, real estate, receiving an inheritance or financial assistance from relatives.

Are cards blocked for transfers of more than 400 thousand hryvnias

The legislation of Ukraine on financial monitoring provides for a threshold of 400 thousand hryvnias for transactions subject to threshold financial monitoring in the presence of signs specified by law.

However, this does not mean that every transfer of such an amount automatically leads to blocking of the card.

The bank assesses the circumstances of the transaction and possible risks.

At the same time, additional verification may be carried out for much smaller amounts if the financial transaction is suspicious or atypical.

It is important to understand that rejecting a payment, temporarily restricting the use of the card and blocking funds in the account are different measures that have different grounds.

What documents may the bank require

If a financial transaction raises questions, the bank may contact the client with a request to confirm the legality of the origin of the funds.

Depending on the situation, you may need:

a car or real estate purchase and sale agreement;
a ​​certificate of income;
documents on inheritance;
a donation agreement;
documents confirming payment for work performed or services provided;
other confirmation of the source of the money.

Having the appropriate documents will help the client to pass the check faster and provide the bank with the necessary explanations.

What to do if the bank blocked the card

If, after receiving the transfer, the bank restricted access to funds or suspended the operation, the first thing to do is to contact the financial institution.

This can be done through the official mobile application, contact center or bank branch.

First of all, it is worth finding out the reason for the restriction and the list of documents required to review it.

If the bank requires confirmation of the origin of the funds, you should provide reliable information and relevant documents.

Experts also do not recommend artificially dividing one large transfer into several small payments in order to avoid financial monitoring. Such transactions themselves can attract additional attention from the bank.

Where to complain about an unlawful blocking of an account

If the client believes that the bank has unreasonably restricted access to his funds, he can submit an official appeal to the financial institution.

In the appeal, it is worth asking to explain the reasons for the decision and the procedure for appealing it.

If it was not possible to resolve the problem directly with the bank, the client has the right to contact the National Bank of Ukraine.

At the same time, the terms for restoring access to funds depend on the specific situation, the reasons for the restriction, and the requirements of the law.