Nigerian Banks Resume International Naira Card Transactions — What Abuja Customers Should Know

After a long freeze from mid‑2022 to early 2025, several major Nigerian banks have restored international transaction functionality on Naira-denominated ATM and POS cards. This reversal follows a gradual easing of strict forex controls under the CBN to improve access to dollar payments abroad pulse.ng.

I booked flight tickets last week without needing a friend with a dollar account — it worked seamlessly!

Dr. Emeka Okafor (name withheld), Abuja resident

🗣️ Voices from Abuja:

“I booked flight tickets last week without needing a friend with a dollar account — it worked seamlessly!”
— Dr. Emeka Okafor (name withheld), Abuja resident

“It’s a relief. Paying for conferences, software, even Amazon shopping—all back to normal.”
— Lillian Musa, freelance graphic designer in Garki

📌 What Changed — and Why It Matters:

• Who’s included: Major banks such as Standard Chartered and First Bank have reinstated cross-border transactions on naira Visa/Mastercards en.wikipedia.orgpulse.ng.

• Why it happened: Forex scarcity is easing, and CBN policies now encourage normalizing access to international payments.

• Who’s affected: Students studying abroad, retirees on foreign pensions, e-commerce buyers, and SMEs paying overseas services.

  
  

🛡️ What You Should Do Now:

1. Check with your bank to confirm if your naira card is enabled.

2. Monitor your daily/weekly transaction limits and fees for foreign transactions.

3. Use secure 3‑D authentication where available to prevent fraud.

4. Keep your contact info updated — banks may notify you of real-time transactions.

   
   

✅ FAQs

Q: Which banks now allow international transactions on naira cards?
A: Banks like Standard Chartered and First Bank have resumed international transactions on naira ATM and POS cards.

Q: Is this feature unlimited?
A: Limits vary by bank. Check your bank’s foreign transaction policies and forex allowances.

Q: Are there fees on these transactions?
A: Yes—expect standard international transaction fees plus possible forex charges. Confirm with your bank.