VTB Bank has officially announced that it has begun accepting applications for the Pushkin Card program, a significant cultural initiative it is slated to operate starting in 2026. This development was confirmed by the bank`s press service.
“From January 1, 2026, VTB will take over as the bank-operator for the Pushkin Card program. To ensure a smooth transition, current and prospective card users can submit their applications to VTB now, allowing them to continue purchasing tickets for cultural events seamlessly from the new year,” the bank stated in its announcement.
Individuals wishing to obtain a VTB Pushkin Card should apply by December 28, 2025, or alternatively, from January 1, 2026, onwards. Digital applications are conveniently available through the `Gosuslugi Kultura` mobile application and the `Pochta Bank` app. For those preferring a physical card, applications can be submitted at the flagship client centers of both VTB and Pochta Bank. It`s important to note that all existing Pushkin Cards issued by Pochta Bank will remain fully functional until December 31, 2025.
Alexander Pakhomov, Deputy President-Chairman of VTB Bank`s Management Board, emphasized the importance of the transition: “The Pushkin Card stands as a unique social project dedicated to fostering cultural engagement among young people. Our primary objective is to ensure that the transfer of the project`s services from Pochta Bank to VTB is as comfortable and uninterrupted as possible for all clients. By allowing users to apply for their VTB Pushkin Card now, they can immediately start buying tickets for cinemas, theaters, and museums from January 1. The application process itself is designed to take no more than a minute.”
The Pushkin Card program is exclusively available to young individuals aged 14 to 22 years old (inclusive). The Russian government annually provides a subsidy of 5,000 rubles to each card, which can be spent solely on tickets for a diverse range of cultural activities. These include theater performances, cinema visits, art exhibitions, and concerts. Notably, up to 2,000 rubles of the annual limit can be specifically allocated for cinema tickets.
To acquire a digital Pushkin Card, applicants must first register and verify their account on the Gosuslugi portal, then download the `Gosuslugi Kultura` application, and proceed to confirm the issuance of their card within the app. For those who prefer a plastic card, the application process requires a visit to one of the flagship offices of VTB or Pochta Bank.
