MarTrust has shared important news for Russian seafarers: payments to Russia are available again from 14 May. The company has secured a new payment partner, which has allowed this route to be reopened.
For many crew members, sending earned wages home is one of the most important financial matters. Therefore, the return of Russia-bound payments is positive news, especially after recent restrictions affecting bank transfers.
What is now available
From 14 May, seafarers can send EUR and USD payments to Raiffeisen Bank Russia.
At present, these payments may not be subject to additional bank deductions. This means that, for now, funds may reach the recipient without extra deductions from intermediary banks.
However, it is important to note that from June, MarTrust’s payment partner has advised that bank deductions may return. Correspondent banks may again apply charges of EUR 200 or more. Crew members planning to send funds should take this into account when arranging transfers.
Which payments are still unavailable
Although the route through Raiffeisen Bank Russia has been restored, some payment destinations remain unavailable.
Payments to sanctioned banks, including Chelyabinvestbank, are still not available.
Payments to OTP Bank Russia with BIC OTPVRUMM are also still unavailable. MarTrust has confirmed that it continues working with potential partners to try to re-enable this route.
Fee changes from 14 July 2026
Due to the increasing cost of maintaining this payment route, MarTrust has announced higher fees for additional transfers to Russia.
From 14 July 2026, the Send Money Fee for Russia payments will be:
- free if the crew member has available Free Transfer Credits from their employer;
- for additional transfers:
- USD 25 per USD payment to Russia;
- EUR 20 per EUR payment to Russia.
This means crew members should check whether they still have Free Transfer Credits available from their employer before making a transfer. If such credits are available, the MarTrust transfer fee may not apply.
If a customer does not agree with the changes, they have the right to close their MarTrust account.
Additional benefit: Raiffeisen Bank Salary Programme
MarTrust has also announced another positive development: MarTrust crew can now be enrolled in the Raiffeisen Bank Salary Programme.
This programme gives crew members an additional package of benefits compared with a standard bank account. One of the key advantages mentioned is access to preferential EUR to RUB exchange rates, which may be useful for seafarers who receive wages in euros and need to convert funds into Russian rubles.
Further details and enrolment instructions will be shared separately by MarTrust.
MarTrust also states that it does not receive any financial benefit from this arrangement. According to the company, the programme was established to help crew members get more of their funds home.
What this means for seafarers
For crew members, the message has several important points.
First, payments to Russia are available again, but the main reopened route is currently through Raiffeisen Bank Russia.
Second, the current period may be more favourable for sending money, as additional intermediary bank deductions may not apply at the moment. However, from June, such deductions may return.
Third, from 14 July 2026, additional transfers will become more expensive if the crew member has already used all Free Transfer Credits provided by the employer.
Fourth, seafarers who regularly send money to Russia should pay attention to the Raiffeisen Bank Salary Programme, especially if they receive income in EUR and convert it into RUB.
Practical recommendations
Before making a transfer, crew members should carefully check the recipient bank, payment currency, and possible fees. If the payment is not going to Raiffeisen Bank Russia, it is important to confirm that the route is available.
Crew members should also check whether they have any Free Transfer Credits from their employer. This can help reduce transfer costs.
For larger transfers, it is important to consider the risk of additional correspondent bank deductions, especially from June onwards.
Conclusion
The update from MarTrust is positive news for Russian seafarers. Payments to Russia are available again from 14 May, and enrolment in the Raiffeisen Bank Salary Programme may provide additional benefits, including better EUR to RUB exchange rates.
At the same time, some restrictions remain. Payments to sanctioned banks and OTP Bank Russia are still unavailable, and from June there may be additional deductions by correspondent banks. In addition, from 14 July 2026, fees for additional transfers to Russia will change.
Seafarers are advised to follow further instructions from MarTrust and plan their transfers carefully in order to minimise possible costs.
