After years of restrictions due to forex challenges, Nigerian banks have begun allowing naira debit card international transactions once again.
This development is a major step toward restoring consumer convenience for global payments , whether it’s shopping online, subscribing to digital services, or accessing funds while traveling.
Let’s break down what each bank is offering and the specific spending limits you should know.
Why This Matters
The move follows improvements in Nigeria’s foreign exchange liquidity and policy liberalizations. While restrictions have eased, each bank still imposes unique transaction caps and conditions, mostly aimed at controlling risk and preserving forex reserves.
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)
- International spend limit: $1,000 per quarter
- ATM withdrawal cap abroad: $500 per quarter
- Available via ATM, POS, and Web channels
United Bank for Africa (UBA)
- For Gold, Platinum, and World naira debit cards
- Limit: $1,000 per quarter
- Applies to all channels — Web, ATM, and POS
Wema Bank
- Naira Mastercard now active for international payments
- Limit: $1,000 per quarter
- Good for streaming, online purchases, and travel
FirstBank of Nigeria (FBN)
- Monthly International Cumulative Spend Limit: $500
- Daily Usage Limit:
- ATM: 10 times per day (₦5,000 cross-border fee per use)
- POS: 20 times per day (No cross-border fee)
- Web: 20 times per day (No cross-border fee)
- Focused on cost-conscious access with frequency control
Other Banks (Access Bank, Zenith, Stanbic, etc.)
- Currently reviewing and reactivating naira card international features
- Public rollout expected soon with official limits
Comparison Table – Naira Debit Card International Usage (July 2025)
| Bank | Limit | ATM Usage | POS Usage | Web Usage | Cross-Border Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTBank | $1,000 per quarter | $500 limit per quarter | Yes | Yes | Minimal (based on usage) |
| UBA | $1,000 per quarter | Part of unified cap | Yes | Yes | Not specified |
| Wema Bank | $1,000 per quarter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not specified |
| FirstBank | $500 per month | 10 times/day (₦5,000 per use) | 20 times/day (No fee) | 20 times/day (No fee) | Specific ATM fee noted |
What Customers Should Keep in Mind
- Usage Caps May Vary by Card Type: Some limits apply only to premium or select account holders.
- Fees Apply in Some Cases: As seen with FirstBank, ATM withdrawals abroad may attract a fixed cross-border fee.
- Limited Forex Allocation: The caps reflect ongoing efforts to manage forex supply and demand more responsibly.
