FirstBank has become one of the first banks to comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive, which mandates lenders to configure their Automated Teller Machines to accept international cards.
In an email on Wednesday, FirstBank informed its customers that its ATMs across the country now accept foreign-issued cards.
The CBN, in a circular to lenders dated Thursday, 18 December 2025, directed banks to make it possible for customers to use their global cards on domestic ATMs.
The circular, signed by the CBN Director of the Financial Policy & Regulation Department, Dr Rita Sike, said the move was part of ongoing efforts to facilitate access to funds and enhance convenience, security, and user experience in foreign card usage for diasporans and tourists visiting Nigeria.
The lender’s email to customers partly reads, “We are pleased to inform you that FirstBank ATMs across Nigeria now accept international and globally issued ATM cards.
“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.”
Before now, FirstBank has also been highlighting its readiness to service the overseas-based citizens and foreigners who are coming into the country in this festive season, as it activated a team at the Arrival Terminal, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, to provide customers with banking services, including opening a Diaspora Account, Bank Verification Number and National Identification Number enrolment, among others.
According to the CBN circular, banks are to ensure that all ATMs, PoS, and virtual (web-based) terminals are configured to accept all international cards that have Nigerian acquirers and that they are in full compliance with card association standards and possess appropriate certifications (and where the need arises, recertifications) to ensure seamless processing of card transactions.
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). With respect to 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).”
