Selling Cards for Arbitrage: What the Law Says

On shadowy forums, offers for selling cards for arbitrage abound: owners promise passive income and buyers get a “clean” payment method for first billing. However, few consider what happens under the law when selling cards. Ukrainian regulations and banking compliance impose serious risks. Below, we analyze the real consequences and the legal alternative.

1. Account Freezes and Owner Liability

  • AML checks. Banks detect unusual inflow/outflow patterns (often $50 → $250 on Facebook Ads) and may freeze accounts for up to 30 days (Law № 361-IX on financial monitoring).
  • Criminal Code Article 200. Providing card details to third parties for “cash-out” can be treated as aiding money laundering (penalties include fines or restriction of freedom).
  • Tax reporting. Monthly turnover above 50,000 UAH is reported to the tax office; undeclared income is taxed at 18 % personal income tax + 1.5 % military duty, plus penalties up to 25 % of the amount.

Important: liability always rests with the card owner, not the arbitrageur renting the card.

2. Alternative — Virtual First-Bill Cards

To avoid personal account risk, use virtual cards for first billing. Benefits include:

  • BIN matches the ad account’s GEO, reducing Risk Payment triggers.
  • If flagged, a virtual card can be reissued instantly—no bank-to-owner tie.
  • Top-up via USDT/UAH and daily limits up to $1,000 without personal KYC.

For large-scale campaigns, pair BM-250 with a virtual card: higher billing cap and fewer declines.

FAQ

Can I rent out my card to friends?
No; banks view shared cards as high-risk and will block the account.
What should I do if my card is frozen under AML?
Provide bank statements and documentation proving the source of funds; unfreeze may take up to 30 days.
How much does a virtual card cost?
Issuance from $0; top-up fee 1–2 % depending on the provider.

Conclusion: selling or renting out personal cards for arbitrage can lead to account freezes, fines, and criminal charges. It’s safer to use virtual first-bill cards and invoice billing rather than risking your personal bank account.