Resumption of International Card Usage in Nigeria (GTB, UBA, ACCESS, and others)

After nearly three years of suspension (mid‑2022 to early 2023), major Nigerian banks—including GTBank, UBA, and Wema—have resumed international transactions on their Naira debit cards as of July 2025 (nairametrics.com). Previously halted due to forex scarcity and FX market strain, this reinstatement comes alongside improvements in foreign exchange liquidity and stabilization of clear-market rates (firstweeklymagazine.com).

? Spending Limits: What’s Allowed?

Most banks are granting quarterly limits of up to $1,000, broken down as follows:

• GTBank: $1,000 per quarter for all international transactions; ATM withdrawals abroad capped at $500 quarterly (nairametrics.com).
  • Note: Some premium customers have reportedly received $4,000 quarterly limits—a variation likely based on profile, history, or card type (nairametrics.com).
• UBA: Offers $1,000 quarterly limit across its Gold, Platinum, and World Naira Cards for online, POS, and ATM use abroad (nairametrics.com).
• Wema Bank: Also reinstated international use with a $1,000 quarterly spend limit via its Naira Mastercard (nairametrics.com).

? Others on the Cusp

While Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, Ecobank, and Stanbic had joined the earlier round of suspensions, they are now either reactivating international card usage or conducting reviews for rollout – with First Bank expected to define its specific limits soon (okay.ng).

? Why Now?

A convergence of macroeconomic and policy factors enabled this shift:

1. Improved FX liquidity and narrowing of the parallel/official FX rate spread (firstweeklymagazine.com).
2. Stronger diaspora inflows tied to CBN’s push for non-resident accounts (thecable.ng).
3. Confidence boosted by FX backlog clearance, new trading platforms, higher oil revenue, and increased bank capital (firstweeklymagazine.com).

?️ What This Means for You

• You can now directly pay for international subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, Apple, Twitter) ?, eliminating the need for third-party or domiciliary solutions (nairametrics.com).
• Quarterly caps help manage individual risk and FX outflow.
• Higher-tier customers may enjoy elevated limits.

✅ Bottom Line

• Banks: GTBank, UBA, Wema have reactivated international usage; others are in the pipeline.
• Limits: Generally $1,000 quarterly, sometimes $500 withdrawal / $500 spend, with custom tiers for select clients.
• Drivers: FX improvements, policy support, remittance boosts, and stronger institutional footing.

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