Binance has suspended direct Visa and Mastercard withdrawals for users in Ukraine following changes to its local fiat payment infrastructure.
The move reflects growing regulatory pressure on payment providers and highlights the fragility of crypto-to-fiat rails in certain jurisdictions.
What Happened
Binance confirmed that Ukrainian users can no longer withdraw funds directly to Visa or Mastercard cards. The suspension follows the shutdown of services by Bifinity, Binance’s fiat payment partner.
Bifinity is winding down its local operations in Ukraine after regulatory adjustments forced the provider to exit the market by year-end. As a result, Binance lost access to the card-based withdrawal channel in the country.
While withdrawals to cards are paused, Binance has kept its core exchange services fully operational. Users can still deposit funds and buy cryptocurrencies using bank cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
However, Binance also paused recurring purchases and fiat-denominated limit orders as part of the transition.
Why It Matters
The suspension does not affect crypto trading itself, but it reduces convenience for users who rely on instant card withdrawals to convert digital assets into local currency.
This change underscores how dependent centralized exchanges remain on third-party payment providers. When those providers exit due to regulation, end users often face service disruptions even if crypto trading remains legal.
For Ukrainian users, the update highlights the importance of alternative off-ramps and the continued role of peer-to-peer infrastructure during periods of regulatory adjustment.
Alternative Options for Users
Binance users in Ukraine can still access funds through other methods. These include peer-to-peer trading and SWIFT bank transfers, which remain available during the transition period.
Some partner platforms, including Zen.com, are expected to restore full functionality in early January 2026. That could reopen smoother pathways for moving funds back into the traditional banking system.
Until then, users must rely on manual or indirect withdrawal methods.
Conclusion
The halt of Visa and Mastercard withdrawals for Binance users in Ukraine reflects ongoing regulatory shifts rather than a breakdown in crypto market access.
Binance continues to operate its exchange normally, but the episode highlights how regulatory changes can quickly disrupt fiat connections. Users may see conditions improve once replacement payment partners come online.
