FirstBank has become one of the first banks to comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive requiring lenders to set up their Automated Teller Machines to accept foreign cards.
- FirstBank has become one of the first banks to comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive requiring lenders to set...
- FirstBank notified consumers via email on Wednesday that it would accept foreign-issued cards at its ATMs nationwide.
- Dr Rita Sike, the CBN director of the Financial Policy & Regulation Department, signed the circular, which stated that the...
- CBN directives to enhance smooth card transactions The CBN circular states that to guarantee smooth card transaction processing, banks must ensure...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on cbn directive foreign atm cards 2025 — everything you need to know is covered below.
FirstBank notified consumers via email on Wednesday that it would accept foreign-issued cards at its ATMs nationwide.
CBN directive for banks to accept foreign ATM cards
In a circular to lenders dated Thursday, December 18, 2025, the CBN instructed banks to enable customers to use their international cards at domestic ATMs.
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Dr Rita Sike, the CBN director of the Financial Policy & Regulation Department, signed the circular, which stated that the action was part of continuous efforts to improve the convenience, security, and user experience of foreign card users travelling to Nigeria.
“You can conveniently withdraw cash at any FirstBank ATM using your foreign-issued or internationally accepted bank cards. Enjoy secure, reliable and seamless access to your funds anywhere in Nigeria, anytime.”
Prior to this, FirstBank has demonstrated that it is prepared to assist foreign nationals and citizens living abroad who are entering the country during this holiday season by setting up a team at the Arrival Terminal of Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos to offer banking services to clients, such as opening a Diaspora Account, enrolling in a National Identification Number, and obtaining a Bank Verification Number, among other things.
CBN directives to enhance smooth card transactions
The CBN circular states that to guarantee smooth card transaction processing, banks must ensure that all ATMs, PoS, and virtual (web-based) terminals are set up to accept all foreign cards with Nigerian acquirers, that they fully comply with card association standards, and that they have the necessary certifications (and, if required, recertifications).
The lenders are also expected to “maintain system availability to guarantee seamless and uninterrupted processing of transactions. Implement multi-factor authentication for all withdrawals and online transactions exceeding $200 per day, $500 per week, and $1,000 per month (or their equivalent). For ATM cash withdrawal transactions, ensure compliance with approved cash withdrawal limits. Clearly communicate the applicable exchange rate, which shall be market-driven and based on the prevailing official rate, as well as other associated charges to users. Transactions should only be completed after the user has accepted the terms (with evidence obtained).”