FirstBank of Nigeria has introduced that its Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) nationwide now settle for internationally issued cost playing cards, permitting customers to withdraw money utilizing overseas debit and bank cards whereas in Nigeria. This transfer comes after the Central Financial institution of Nigeria (CBN) directed all banks to configure ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) machines and on-line terminals to help overseas card transactions.
In an electronic mail to prospects, FirstBank mentioned the improve means cardholders can now use their worldwide or globally accepted financial institution playing cards at any FirstBank ATM throughout the nation, offering safe, dependable and seamless entry to funds for guests, diaspora Nigerians and foreigners.
“You’ll be able to conveniently withdraw money at any FirstBank ATM utilizing your foreign-issued or internationally accepted financial institution playing cards,” the financial institution’s communication to prospects reads, underscoring the comfort and prolonged entry the service presents.
CBN Directive Behind the Change
The event follows a CBN round dated December 18, 2025, which asks lenders to make sure all ATMs, POS terminals and digital cost interfaces are configured to just accept overseas playing cards which have Nigerian acquirers and adjust to world card community requirements. The round additionally requires banks to keep up system availability, present multi-factor authentication for higher-value transactions, and clearly talk relevant alternate charges and costs to customers.
What This Means for MSMEs and Prospects
For small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) working in retail, hospitality, tourism, and companies, the FirstBank replace has sensible enterprise implications. Accepting worldwide playing cards by way of ATMs and built-in cost networks can:
- Enhance spending by overseas prospects and diaspora guests who might choose card entry over money.
- Assist smoother cross-border transactions for enterprise travellers and expatriates.
- Encourage higher monetary inclusion, as extra cost channels change into out there for each consumers and sellers.
- Complement digital cost methods the place card-based receipts can increase transparency and scale back reliance on money.
The up to date ATM acceptance coverage aligns with broader efforts to place Nigeria as a extra open and responsive monetary market throughout peak journey seasons just like the festive interval, when demand for money withdrawals historically rises.
Background on Worldwide Card Use in Nigeria
In current months, a number of Nigerian banks have resumed or expanded worldwide transaction capabilities on debit playing cards following years of restrictions pushed by overseas alternate (FX) challenges. This shift towards extra open card utilization has seen banks restore worldwide spending and withdrawal limits on naira-linked playing cards and improved digital infrastructure for cross-border capabilities.
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