SendNOW is one of the few services that still lets you send money to Russia in a simple way. In this article I walk you through how it works step by step, what happens when you pay by card (which is where things get a bit tricky with Guardarian’s verification), and how to make sense of the whole process even if you’ve never used this kind of platform before.
If what you want is a comparison of every method available to send money to Russia (not just SendNOW), check out the main article on how to send money to Russia. Here I’m focusing only on SendNOW.
What SendNOW is and how it works in a nutshell
SendNOW is an international money transfer service available as a mobile app (Android and iOS) and as a web version. The way it works is easy to explain: you pay from your country (by card, bank transfer or crypto) and your recipient in Russia gets rubles directly on their card or bank account. The recipient doesn’t need to have a SendNOW account or do anything at all.
The key thing is to understand that SendNOW is a technology platform. Payments and the actual delivery of rubles in Russia are handled by licensed financial partners (payment processors like Guardarian or Volet, and authorised entities inside Russia that handle the final payout). This matters because when you pay by card, at some point you’ll be asked to verify your identity: that’s done by the payment processor, not directly by SendNOW. I’ll explain this in detail below.
On Trustpilot they have over 200 reviews with a 4.2-star rating. Most users highlight two things: the speed of delivery (when it works, it’s usually a matter of minutes) and the quality of customer support, which is available 24/7 and replies to every negative review within 24 hours.
Which countries can you send from (and to which Russian banks)
SendNOW operates in more than 190 countries, including the entire European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Australia and most countries in Latin America. Available payment methods and accepted cards can vary depending on the country you send from (for example, cards from some US banks tend to give more trouble than European ones).
On the Russian side, SendNOW delivers rubles to cards and bank accounts at virtually any bank: Sberbank, T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff), Alfa-Bank, VTB, Raiffeisen, etc. The recipient just needs to have an active Russian card or account.
You can send amounts ranging from a minimum of 25 EUR/USD/GBP up to a maximum of 50,000 USD per transaction. From 2,500 USD (or the equivalent in euros) onwards they offer an improved exchange rate, so if you’re sending a large amount, it usually pays off to bundle it into a single transfer rather than several smaller ones.
The process step by step: overview
SendNOW splits the transfer into four steps. Here’s a quick summary, and then I’ll walk you through each one in detail:
- You sign up on the website or in the app and choose how much you want to send.
- You enter the recipient’s details in Russia (full name, phone number and card number).
- You pay. And this is where everything depends on the method you choose: card, bank transfer or crypto.
- Your recipient gets the rubles on their Russian card or account, usually within minutes.
Step 1: Sign up and choose the amount
You sign up to SendNOW directly from their website or from the mobile app. You can do it quickly with your Gmail account.
Once you’re in, on the main screen you choose how much you want to send and in which currency you’ll pay (euros, dollars, pounds, etc.) and have the recipient receive in rubles. SendNOW shows you right then the exchange rate applied and the exact amount your recipient will get. This matters: you see everything before paying anything.
On the same screen you also pick the payment method: card, crypto, bank transfer or referral points.
Step 2: Recipient’s details
You’ll need the person’s full name, their phone number and their Russian bank card number (or their bank account details). Make sure the data is accurate: every transfer is reviewed by a human SendNOW operator, and if there are mistakes they’ll let you know and the transfer will be delayed.
How card payment works step by step (via Guardarian)
When you choose to pay by card, SendNOW takes you to an external payment provider: Guardarian (in some cases Volet may also appear, which is another provider with a similar process). Guardarian showing up isn’t an error or a suspicious page: that’s just how the system works. SendNOW doesn’t directly process the card charge; it delegates it to a licensed processor that’s authorised to do so.
Guardarian is a payment gateway, just like Stripe or PayPal: a company specialised in charging cards online with all the banking licences and Visa/Mastercard agreements that this requires. SendNOW doesn’t charge your card directly; it delegates that step to Guardarian, which has the authorisations to do it. That’s why when you click “Pay” the website switches to payments.guardarian.com — the transfer is still SendNOW’s, but the card charge is processed by Guardarian.
Let’s go through the steps:
1. Pick the payment system inside SendNOW
After entering the recipient’s details, SendNOW shows you a screen titled “Payment system” where it offers the option “Card via Guardarian” with the Popular Choice tag. The fee shown here is the processor’s fee: 3.5% + 1.7 EUR. This fee is on top of what SendNOW already showed you on the main screen as the exchange rate.
2. Read the “How to pay for the transfer” screen
Before sending you off to the processor’s site, SendNOW shows you a screen with five steps explaining the flow:
- You select the amount to send and the payment method.
- You make the payment through the payment systems.
- You verify your passport and complete the payment.
- SendNOW receives the funds in the form of USDT.
- SendNOW delivers the funds in the currency you chose (rubles in this case).
You have to tick the box “I confirm that I have read the instructions for making a payment” and click Proceed to payment. At that point your browser opens the processor’s site (payments.guardarian.com).
Why is there USDT in the middle of the process? When you see on screen that SendNOW receives the funds in USDT, it doesn’t mean you have to do anything with cryptocurrency. Let me explain:
- USDT (Tether) is a stablecoin whose value is always pegged to the dollar (1 USDT ≈ 1 USD). For payments to Russia, where traditional international bank transfers no longer work because of sanctions, processors like Guardarian use USDT as a bridge: they convert your euros or dollars into USDT, send it to SendNOW, and SendNOW converts it into rubles to deliver in Russia.
- From your point of view as a user it’s completely invisible: you pay with your card in euros, dollars or whatever currency, and your recipient gets rubles. The only thing you’ll see of “USDT” is that informational figure on the Guardarian screen. You don’t have to open accounts on exchanges or handle any crypto.
3. Choose the specific method on Guardarian
Once on payments.guardarian.com, the “Payment Methods” screen shows you several options for actually making the payment. The options you’ll see are:
- Pay by Bank (open banking directly with your bank, instant)
- Visa & Mastercard (the most common option, instant)
- Apple Pay (instant, only if you have your card added to Apple Pay)
- SEPA (European bank transfer, takes 1-3 business days)
If you want to pay by card, the usual choice is Visa & Mastercard. The screen shows you how many USDT SendNOW will receive for your payment.
Next you enter your personal details: name, date of birth and address.
4. Email verification (the first time)
After picking Visa & Mastercard, Guardarian asks for your email to authenticate you in the system. You have to accept two checkboxes: the one for personal data processing and the one for terms of service. The newsletter one is optional, leave it unchecked if you don’t want marketing emails.
Then a 6-digit code arrives at the email you entered. You type it in and move on to the next screen. If the email doesn’t arrive, check your spam folder and double-check that the email you typed is correct: if you got it wrong, there’s no way to change it and you’ll have to start a new transaction.
5. Identity verification (KYC, only the first time)
Here Guardarian asks for your full personal details to comply with anti-money-laundering rules (KYC, Know Your Customer):
- First and last name (in Latin alphabet, exactly as they appear on your ID)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Postal address
In some cases, on top of that, they may also ask for a photo of your ID and a selfie (biometric verification). This depends on the amount you’re sending and the country you’re paying from.
One important point: the name you put in this form must match exactly the name on the card you’re going to pay with. If the card is in your partner’s name or someone else’s, verification will fail. Each person should use their own card and their own details.
Once verified, in future transfers you won’t have to go through identity verification again: you’ll just enter your card details.
6. Pay with the card
We get to the last screen, “Perform the payment”. Here you enter your card details (number, expiry date and CVV) and click Buy. Your bank’s 3D Secure system will pop up to confirm the operation with an SMS code, your banking app or your fingerprint, depending on how you have it set up.
On this same screen you’ll see the “Monthly limit”: Guardarian applies a monthly cap per user that’s currently set at 12,000 EUR per month. If you’re going to send large amounts often, keep that in mind.
If everything goes well, the payment is processed and SendNOW gets the funds almost instantly. The full transfer to the recipient usually takes around 5 minutes based on SendNOW’s updated timings (in late 2025 they upgraded the technical infrastructure so card payments are processed practically on the spot).
Paying by bank transfer
If at the payment-method step you pick Bank transfer instead of Card, the flow is very similar. SendNOW shows you “Bank transfer via Guardarian” with the same 3.5% + 1.7 EUR fee, and the rest of the process (email verification, KYC) is identical to paying by card.
Paying with crypto (USDT or USDC)
If you already have USDT or USDC on an exchange (like Binance, Coinbase or Kraken) or in a wallet, this is the cheapest option and the one that completely avoids any card-rejection issues. The fee is practically zero.
The process, in short:
- SendNOW shows you an address and the blockchain network you have to use (Tron, Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain or Polygon).
- You send the exact amount of USDT or USDC from your wallet or exchange to that address, using the same blockchain network SendNOW told you to use.
- SendNOW detects the payment automatically and delivers the rubles in Russia.
The critical detail is the blockchain network. If SendNOW tells you to send via Tron (TRC-20) and you send via Ethereum (ERC-20), the money is lost. It’s not recoverable. If you’ve never made a crypto transfer, read twice which network it’s asking for, and if you have any doubts, contact support before sending.
How much SendNOW really costs
The total cost of a SendNOW transfer has two parts:
1. The difference between SendNOW’s exchange rate and the official one. SendNOW doesn’t use the Bank of Russia’s exchange rate. The difference includes intermediaries’ margins, regulatory compliance costs and a buffer for volatility. In practice, the cost on this account usually sits around 3-7%, depending on the amount.
2. The payment-method fee. Ranges from 0% (direct crypto) to 3.5% + 1.7 EUR (card or bank transfer via Guardarian).
It’s not the cheapest method in the world, but it’s legal, transparent, reliable and you don’t have to deal with cryptocurrencies or shady intermediaries.
One important figure: for amounts of 2,500 USD or more (or the equivalent in euros), SendNOW offers an improved exchange rate. If you’re going to send a large amount, it’s worth bundling it into a single transfer rather than several smaller ones.
You see all of this before paying. If you’re not convinced, you can cancel without being charged anything.
My card was declined: why and what to do
The first thing to know is that SendNOW doesn’t reject your card. SendNOW just receives the result of the payment chain. If your card is declined, the problem is somewhere between your bank and the payment processor.
When you pay by card on SendNOW, your payment goes through several intermediaries: your bank → the Visa or Mastercard network → an acquiring bank → the payment processor (Guardarian). If any of these links rejects the operation, your payment doesn’t go through.
The most common reasons for rejection
Your bank blocks the operation for security. Banks have automated systems that flag “unusual” operations. A payment to an international money transfer service can trigger their fraud filters, especially if it’s the first time you’re doing it, if the amount is high or if your bank is strict with this kind of operation. Sometimes your bank doesn’t even let you know about the block.
Your card isn’t from a supported country. What matters is the country of the bank that issued your card, not where you physically are. If your card was issued in a country not supported by Guardarian, it’s not going to work no matter how hard you try.
3D Secure verification fails. When you pay online, your bank asks you to confirm the operation with an SMS code or your banking app. If your bank doesn’t have this system properly set up, the payment is rejected. This is fairly common with US banks.
How to fix it: try these options in order
1. Pay with Google Pay or Apple Pay. If you have your card added to Google Pay or Apple Pay, the payment is processed differently: it’s “wrapped” in an extra security layer that changes how your bank sees the operation. Many payments that fail with a direct card go through perfectly with Google Pay or Apple Pay.
2. Try with another card from another bank. Anti-fraud policies vary a lot from bank to bank. Sometimes a small bank’s card works when a big bank’s card doesn’t.
3. Call your bank before retrying. Tell them you’re going to make an international payment to a money transfer service and ask them not to block it. Some banks can temporarily disable the filters or flag the operation as legitimate.
4. Switch to bank transfer. If no card works, bank transfer is usually a slower alternative that tends to go through.
5. Use crypto. The crypto method completely sidesteps the card payment chain. If you have USDT or USDC, this is the most reliable method and the cheapest one.
6. Contact SendNOW support. Their support is available 24/7 via chat inside the app. They can help you pinpoint the specific problem. When you write to them, tell them: which method you used, which processor (Guardarian or Volet), in which currency and from which country your card was issued.
The transfer is taking longer than expected
Since late 2025, SendNOW upgraded its infrastructure: internal processing takes around 5 minutes. Adding the time of each payment method:
- Card: the fastest, usually around 5 minutes total.
- Crypto: slightly slower because the blockchain confirmation takes a few minutes on your side.
- Bank transfer: the slowest, depending on your bank (anywhere from a few hours to 1-3 business days).
If hours have gone by and the money hasn’t arrived, check the transfer status in the app. If it shows “in processing”, it’s moving along. The usual causes of delay are: incorrect recipient details (a wrong digit in the card number), additional checks because of the amount or temporary issues with the receiving bank.
If more than 24 hours have passed, contact support. They can see where your transfer is and tell you if there’s any specific issue.
How does the money actually reach Russia?
This is a really common question: if Russian banks are sanctioned, how is it possible for the money to get there?
What SendNOW does isn’t a direct bank transfer from your bank to a Russian bank. Your money (euros, dollars or crypto) is collected outside Russia by intermediary processors. Then, through a chain of licensed financial partners, the conversion to rubles and the final payout happens.
The final part is handled by an authorised financial entity operating inside Russia, with access to the Russian domestic payment system. It’s this entity that credits the rubles to your recipient’s card or account. In your recipient’s bank statement, the transfer shows up as a credit from a licensed operator, not as a personal international transfer.
This matters for two reasons: first, because it’s why it works despite sanctions (SWIFT and the sanctioned banks aren’t used for the direct transfer). And second, because the recipient doesn’t have to worry about their card being blocked for receiving money from abroad, since the credit comes from an authorised Russian entity.
Is SendNOW legal?
Yes. Sending money to individual people in Russia (family, friends, acquaintances) isn’t illegal in the European Union or in the United States, as long as the person receiving the money isn’t on a sanctions list and the purpose is legitimate (family support, payment for services, etc.).
International sanctions target specific entities (certain banks, companies, individuals linked to the Russian government), not the civilian population. SendNOW operates with full regulatory compliance: identity verification (KYC), anti-money-laundering controls (AML) and licensed partners at every link of the chain.
Since May 2025, Russian regulation requires full identification for transfers above 100,000 rubles. SendNOW says this doesn’t affect its users because their transfer chain already complies with these requirements.
That said, every person is responsible for making sure their recipient isn’t on any sanctions list.
The transfer request feature
SendNOW has a feature most people don’t know about and that’s really useful: the transfer request.
The person in Russia who needs to receive money goes into SendNOW, generates a personalised payment link with the amount and their bank details, and shares that link with the person who’s going to send the money. The sender opens the link, enters their payment information and completes the transfer.
It’s especially useful when the person sending the money isn’t very tech-savvy: they just have to open a link and pay, without setting anything up or entering recipient details. Everything comes pre-filled in the link.
Sending money from Russia abroad
SendNOW also works in the opposite direction: it lets you send money from Russia to other countries. If you have a relative in Russia who needs to send you money, SendNOW is one of the few options available to do it.
Practical tips so everything goes smoothly
Make a small transfer first. If it’s your first time using SendNOW, try with a small amount to check that everything works fine with your card and the recipient’s details before sending larger sums.
Double-check the recipient’s details. A mistake in the card number or the name causes delays. SendNOW reviews each transfer manually and will let you know if there are errors, but that means losing time.
Have a backup ready. If you’re going to pay by card, have a second card from another bank ready, or the option to pay by bank transfer in case the first one fails.
For large amounts, bundle them. From 2,500 USD/EUR, SendNOW offers a better exchange rate. If you’re going to send 1,000 EUR this month and 1,500 next month, it usually pays off to send the 2,500 in one go.
The name on your card has to match the name on your ID. If you use a card in your partner’s or family member’s name, KYC verification will fail. Each person should use their own account and their own card.
If you use crypto, double-check the blockchain network. Always send via the same network SendNOW tells you. If the app says “Tron (TRC-20)”, don’t send via Ethereum. If you’re not sure, contact support before sending.
Save the receipts. SendNOW sends email confirmations for every operation. They’re useful if you need to justify the transfer to your bank or for your own records.
Frequently asked questions about SendNOW
Does my recipient need to have a SendNOW account?
No. Your recipient doesn’t have to do anything at all. They get the rubles directly on their Russian bank card or account.
Why does Guardarian show up when I pay by card?
Because SendNOW is a technology platform and delegates the card charge to a licensed payment processor. Guardarian is that processor. Seeing its website (payments.guardarian.com) when you pay is completely normal and part of the process. The identity verification (KYC) it asks for is done by Guardarian, not directly by SendNOW.
How long does it take for the money to reach Russia?
By card, usually around 5 minutes total. With crypto it can take a bit longer because of the blockchain confirmation. With bank transfer it depends on your bank (from a few hours to 1-3 business days).
How much can I send?
From a minimum of 25 EUR/USD/GBP up to a maximum of 50,000 USD per transaction. From 2,500 USD onwards they offer an improved exchange rate.
Which countries can I send from?
SendNOW accepts transfers from more than 190 countries, including the entire European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Australia and most countries in Latin America. Available payment methods and accepted cards may vary by country.
Which Russian banks can the money be delivered to?
Practically all of them. SendNOW delivers rubles to cards and accounts at Sberbank, T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff), Alfa-Bank, VTB, Raiffeisen and other Russian banks.
Do I have to use crypto to send money?
No, unless you want to. Even though the system uses USDT internally as a bridge to move the money, you pay with your normal card or bank transfer. The USDT part is invisible to you.
What happens if I make a mistake in the recipient’s details?
Every transfer is reviewed by a human SendNOW operator. If they spot a mistake, they let you know and the transfer is delayed. That’s why it’s important to double-check the name and card number before sending.
Is it legal to use SendNOW from Europe or the United States?
Yes. Sending money to family members or individual people in Russia (who aren’t on sanctions lists) is legal both in the EU and in the United States. Sanctions target specific entities, not the civilian population.
Can my card be blocked for using SendNOW?
Your bank isn’t going to block your card for using SendNOW, but it can decline specific operations if its anti-fraud systems flag them as unusual. If that happens, you can call your bank and let them know it’s a legitimate operation.
What happens if something goes wrong with my transfer?
Contact SendNOW support via the chat in the app or by email at [email protected]. They’re available 24/7. If you write from the transfer history screen inside the app, your message is automatically linked to the transfer in question, which speeds up the resolution.
My take: is SendNOW worth it?
If you need to send money to Russia, SendNOW is probably the most balanced option out there right now. It’s not the cheapest (if you handle crypto comfortably, there are cheaper routes), but it’s legal, transparent, reliable and has excellent customer support.
What I like most is that the process is predictable: you see the exchange rate before paying, you know exactly how much your recipient will get, and if something goes wrong, support replies fast. Every transfer is reviewed by a human operator, which is an extra safeguard against mistakes.
My recommendation is simple: if you handle crypto, use USDT (it’s the fastest, cheapest and free of card issues). If you don’t, pay by card and be patient if it fails the first time: try with Google Pay or Apple Pay, with another card, or switch to bank transfer. And if all else fails, open a chat with support.
