Nigerian Banks resume International Transactions on Naira Cards with Quarterly Limits

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Several Nigerian commercial banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, and Ecobank, have resumed international transactions on Naira-denominated debit cards after a nearly three-year suspension. The reinstated services come with varying quarterly spending limits.

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GTBank announced the reactivation of international transactions on its Naira Mastercard, with a quarterly limit of $1,000. “Dear customer, we are pleased to inform you that you now have a quarterly limit of $1,000 on your GTBank Naira Card to pay for all your favourite things anywhere in the world,” the bank said in an email to customers. The bank clarified that the $1,000 quarterly limit applies to all international transactions, including ATM withdrawals, online purchases, and point-of-sale (POS) payments outside Nigeria

However, some customers have reported receiving higher limits. Bashir Ahmad, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he received a $4,000 quarterly limit from GTBank. “So, finally, Nigerian banks have now resumed international transactions on Naira cards. I received an email from @GTBank this afternoon confirming the development, stating that customers now have a quarterly limit of $4,000 on their Naira cards for international payments,” he posted.

UBA also confirmed the resumption of international transactions for its Premium Naira Cards, including Gold, Platinum, and World variants. “This means you can now use your Premium Naira Card for everyday payments, online shopping, POS, and ATM transactions across the world, with more ease and flexibility,” the bank said in a customer notice.

Wema Bank joined the list of banks reactivating global access, announcing: “Your Wema Naira Mastercard just went global! Now you can pay in dollars on all your favourite international platforms Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Netflix, Spotify, YouTube.”

The resumption of international transactions on Naira cards is expected to enhance customer convenience, reduce friction in cross-border payments, and potentially restore lost revenue for international service providers. With GTBank, UBA, and Wema Bank leading the way, other banks are expected to follow suit to remain competitive in Nigeria’s dynamic financial services sector.