Nigerian Banks Resume International Transactions On Naira Cards After Three-Year Hiatus

Three major financial institutions—UBA, Wema Bank, and GTBank—have confirmed that Nigerian banks resume international transactions on naira cards, ending a restriction that had been in place for nearly three years.

In separate notices to their customers, the banks announced that their naira debit cards can now be used for international payments, online shopping, ATM withdrawals, and POS transactions across the globe.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) stated that the resumption is part of its commitment to providing seamless and enhanced banking services. According to the bank, all UBA Premium Naira Cards, including Gold, Platinum, and World variants, are now active for global transactions.

“In line with our continued commitment to providing you with seamless and enhanced banking experiences, we are pleased to inform you that all UBA Premium Naira Cards are now enabled for international transactions,” the bank said. This marks a significant moment as Nigerian banks resume international transactions on naira cards, giving cardholders more financial flexibility abroad.

Wema Bank also shared a similar update, highlighting that customers can now use their naira cards to pay in dollars across their favorite global platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Netflix, and Spotify. “Your Wema Naira Mastercard just went global,” the bank announced.

GTBank informed its customers via email that a quarterly limit of $1,000 has been set for international usage on naira cards. This limit includes up to $500 for ATM withdrawals abroad and $1,000 for online and POS transactions. This development reinforces the reality that Nigerian banks resume international transactions on naira cards, allowing customers to shop and spend internationally once again.

The move follows years of restrictions imposed due to Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenges, which had forced banks to suspend international payments on naira cards. With this change, Nigerian banks resume international transactions on naira cards, signaling a positive shift for both consumers and the broader financial sector.

As international payments return for cardholders, the announcement is being welcomed by Nigerians who frequently make purchases on global e-commerce platforms or travel abroad for business and leisure.