Gift Card That Works Both in the US and Russia: The Complete Guide

Have team members or clients spread across the US and Russia? You’re definitely not alone.

Many companies operate globally. But when it comes to sending rewards or thank-you gifts, things can get complicated fast.

Most gift cards issued in the United States or Russia are designed strictly for local use. They’re tied to specific currencies (USD or RUB), regional merchants, and country-specific payment systems.

For example, a US Amazon gift card won’t work on Amazon in Russia, and Russia-issued gift cards are usually restricted to local platforms and stores.

The challenge? Finding a gift card that works seamlessly in both the US and Russia.

This guide explains why most gift cards fail across borders—and highlights solutions like the Toasty Choice Card, which makes US–Russia gifting simple and scalable.

How Global Gift Cards Work

Gift cards are one of the most popular ways to reward employees and customers worldwide, but international redemption is still a major pain point.

Most gift cards issued in the US or Russia are region-locked, tied to local currencies (USD vs. RUB), and limited by brand or licensing agreements.

For example:

• US-issued gift cards typically work only with US merchants and platforms (such as Amazon.com) and are denominated in USD.
• Russia-issued gift cards operate in RUB and are usually limited to Russia-specific websites and in-country retailers.

As a result, a US prepaid card may be declined on Russia-based websites, while Russia-only cards generally can’t be redeemed in the US. These regional silos make cross-border gifting far more complex than expected.

Key Challenges

Currency restrictions
US cards operate in USD, while Russia cards operate in RUB. This often leads to conversion issues or declined transactions.

Brand and licensing limitations
Even global brands run country-specific gift card programs, restricting redemption to regional websites and catalogs.

Compliance requirements
Cross-border rewards can introduce different KYC and AML obligations depending on the country.

Fulfillment issues
Physical gift cards add friction through shipping delays, customs handling, and activation problems.

For organizations with employees or customers across both the US and Russia, these challenges add up quickly—turning a simple reward into an operational headache.

Criteria for a Gift Card That Works Both in the US and Russia

To work smoothly across the US and Russia, a gift card should meet three key criteria:

1. Multi-currency support

The card should support USD and RUB, either through automatic conversion or localized redemption catalogs.

2. Flexible redemption options

Instead of forcing a single store, the best solution lets recipients choose brands that actually work in their country.

3. Digital delivery

Email delivery avoids shipping delays, customs issues, and manual distribution.

Best Gift Cards That Work Both in the US and Russia

When it comes to finding a gift card that works in both the US and Russia, only a few options deliver a truly smooth experience for everyone involved.

1. Toasty Choice Card

If you’re looking for a gift card that works in both the US and Russia, the Toasty Choice Card is one of the most flexible options available.

It allows recipients to redeem from country-specific catalogs, all managed through a single platform.

Why it’s ideal for US–Russia gifting

• Works across 90+ countries, including the US and Russia
• Automatically localizes brands and currency
• Fully digital delivery via email
• No fees for senders or recipients
• Centralized tracking and reporting

💡 Example:
An employee in New York and another employee in Tokyo receive the same Toasty Choice Card. Each redeems locally, in their own currency, without the need for separate gift card programs.

Russia Catalog

Popular options in Russia (subject to change) include:

• AirlineGift
• App Store
• BucketlistGift
• eLearGift
• FlystayGift
• HotelsGift
• RentacarGift
• ToursGift
• TripGift
• Uber Eats

For the full, most up-to-date catalog, view the global catalog here.

2. Swype Global Virtual MasterCard

As an alternative, Toasty also offers the Swype Global Virtual MasterCard, which can be used in both the US and Russia wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Important considerations

• Non-USD transactions may incur fees
• Best suited for flexible spending rather than curated gifting

For full details on fees, restricted regions, and usage guidelines, refer to the Swype Global Virtual Mastercard documentation.

How to Send a Gift Card That Works Both in the US and Russia

1. Sign up
   Create an account and start sending in minutes.
   
   
2. Set the amount
   Fund in USD; conversion to RUB happens automatically at redemption.
   
   
3. Customize
   Add branding, logos, and a personalized message.
   
   
4. Upload recipients
   Add US and Russia recipients manually or via CSV.
   
   
5. Send digitally
   Deliver instantly or schedule for a future date.
   
   
6. Track delivery
   Monitor delivery and redemption from a single dashboard.

FAQs

Are US Amazon gift cards redeemable in Russia?
No. Amazon gift cards are region-locked.

Can Toasty Choice Cards be redeemed in both the US and Russia?
Yes. Recipients see a localized catalog based on their country.

What currencies are supported?
Senders fund in USD; Russia recipients redeem in RUB.

Are there any fees?
No. Toasty is completely fee-free.

How fast can recipients redeem?
Instantly. Gift cards are delivered by email.

Can I send to US and Russia recipients in one order?
Yes. Toasty automatically handles localization.

Do recipients need an account?
No account required. Recipients simply click the email and redeem.