Nigerian banks have resumed international payment services for customers using naira-denominated debit cards, marking a significant shift after months of suspension due to foreign exchange challenges.
Previously, only Providus Bank allowed its premium customers to use naira cards for dollar transactions abroad. However, several other banks—including Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Wema Bank, and Stanbic IBTC—have now reinstated the service, giving customers wider access to global payments.
GTBank, in a notice to customers, stated that its naira debit card now supports international transactions up to a $1,000 quarterly limit. The bank explained that this includes up to $500 for ATM withdrawals and $1,000 for online and point-of-sale (POS) payments outside Nigeria.
“This limit applies to all international transactions, including cash withdrawals, online purchases, and POS payments outside Nigeria,” the message read.
UBA also reactivated international spending on its premium naira cards—Gold, Platinum, and World variants. “We are pleased to inform you that all UBA Premium Naira Cards are now enabled for international transactions,” the bank announced. “This means you can now use your Premium Naira Card for online shopping, ATM, and POS transactions globally with greater ease and flexibility.”
Wema Bank joined the move, informing customers that its naira Mastercard can now be used for payments on major global platforms. “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 bank said.
The reactivation of naira cards for international payments follows gradual improvements in Nigeria’s foreign exchange management and aims to enhance customer convenience for cross-border transactions.
