Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has officially reactivated international transaction capabilities on its Naira-denominated debit cards, allowing customers to once again carry out online and Point of Sale (POS) payments globally. This development marks a significant relief for account holders who have faced limitations on cross-border transactions due to foreign exchange restrictions in recent years.
According to information made available, GTBank customers can now spend up to $4,000 on their Naira cards for international purchases and payments, both online and at physical merchant locations abroad. The reinstated access also includes ATM withdrawals outside Nigeria, offering users a more convenient and flexible banking experience when travelling or transacting globally.
The move is expected to bring back a measure of confidence for individuals and businesses that rely on international services, subscriptions, academic payments, shopping, and other foreign-based transactions. It also signals an improved forex liquidity position for the bank, allowing it to support such transactions at a time when access to foreign exchange has been tightly controlled.
While this update has been widely welcomed by customers, GTBank has noted that standard terms and conditions still apply. Customers are advised to ensure their accounts are funded appropriately in line with the prevailing official exchange rate and that their Know Your Customer (KYC) information is up to date to avoid transaction delays or disruptions.
This development comes as Nigerian banks continue to navigate regulatory pressures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on forex management, while also seeking innovative ways to meet customer expectations in an increasingly digital and interconnected economy.
With this reactivation, GTBank joins a select number of financial institutions in the country making efforts to restore international usage on Naira cards after a prolonged period of restrictions that had seen spending limits slashed to as low as $20 per month in some cases.
Industry observers say the move could signal a gradual easing of forex constraints within the banking sector, depending on the stability of Nigeria’s reserves and ongoing reforms in the foreign exchange market. In the meantime, GTBank customers can now enjoy seamless access to global platforms, travel conveniences, and cross-border payments, once again positioning the Naira card as a tool for modern financial inclusion.
