Banking Freeze: Millions of Cards Blocked in 2026

The start of 2026 has brought an unprecedented wave of temporary account restrictions for individuals across the banking system. According to expert estimates, the number of blocked cards and accounts has surged dramatically in just the first few weeks of the year.

Financial institutions are responding to expanded regulatory requirements designed to combat fraud, but the scale of the intervention has caught many consumers off guard. The rapid increase in blocked accounts highlights the tension between security measures and consumer convenience.

Expert estimates suggest that between 2 and 3 million temporary blocks were placed on cards and accounts belonging to individuals in the early weeks of 2026. This figure represents a massive spike compared to historical averages.

Previously, the banking system blocked an average of approximately 330,000 transfers per month. The current volume of restrictions indicates a system-wide shift in how financial transactions are monitored and controlled.

The surge in blocked accounts is not an isolated incident but a systemic response to new regulatory pressures. The sheer volume of affected accounts suggests that the banking infrastructure is operating under significantly tighter constraints.

The primary catalyst for this increase in blocked accounts is the expansion of criteria for identifying suspicious transactions. Effective January 1, 2026, the criteria outlined in Federal Law No. 161-FZ were expanded in scope.

This legal framework governs the fight against the legalization of proceeds from crime and the financing of terrorism. By doubling the criteria used to flag transactions, regulators have provided banks with a broader mandate to intervene.

Financial institutions are now required to scrutinize a wider range of activities, leading to more frequent temporary freezes. The regulatory shift prioritizes security over the seamless flow of transactions.

While the volume of blocked accounts has risen, the transparency surrounding these actions has not necessarily followed suit. Reports indicate that far from all banks are adhering to recommendations regarding customer communication.

Many financial institutions fail to clearly explain to citizens the specific reasons behind a block. This lack of communication creates significant hurdles for individuals attempting to regain access to their funds.

The difficulty in lifting restrictions is compounded by the opacity of the process. Without clear explanations, consumers are often left navigating a complex system to resolve issues that may be based on algorithmic flags rather than actual fraud.

The immediate consequence of these widespread blocks is financial disruption for millions of individuals. Temporary freezes can prevent access to essential funds for daily expenses, bill payments, and emergencies.

When banks do not provide clear reasons for the blocks, the path to resolution becomes unclear. Customers may be required to visit branches, provide extensive documentation, or wait for internal reviews to complete.

This situation places a heavy burden on the consumer to prove the legitimacy of their own transactions. The friction introduced by these security measures affects the overall trust and reliability of the banking experience.

The early months of 2026 have set a new precedent for account security and monitoring. The balance between preventing financial crime and maintaining consumer access remains a critical challenge for the banking sector.

As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, financial institutions must adapt their operational procedures. Improving communication with customers will be essential to mitigating the negative impact of necessary security measures.