The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that Nigerians withdrawing less than N20,000 from another bank’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM) will still be charged a fee of N100 per transaction.
This is according to a FAQ document published by the apex bank on its website on Thursday, which provides further information on a new CBN’s directive.
The directive is part of the newly revised ATM transaction fees set to take effect from March 1, 2025, as contained in the CBN circular dated February 10, 2025.
Under the revised fee structure, withdrawals from one’s bank ATMs will remain free of charge.
However, customers using ATMs of other banks will be subjected to a charge of N100 per withdrawal of N20,000 or less at on-site ATMs, which are located within or directly affiliated with a bank branch.
Off-site ATMs, which are positioned outside bank premises such as shopping malls, fuel stations, and other public spaces, will attract an additional surcharge of up to N500 per transaction.
For international ATM withdrawals, charges will be based on cost recovery, meaning customers will bear the exact fee applied by the international acquirer.
The CBN stated that the charge on withdrawals below N20,000 is intended to prevent customers from splitting withdrawals into smaller amounts to avoid fees.
The FAQ document read, “Yes, the fee of N100 will apply if you withdraw less than N20,000 from another bank (a bank other than the one that issued your payment card).
The reason for applying the fee for every N20,000 withdrawal is to prevent customers from being compelled to break their withdrawals to less than N20,000 per withdrawal.
“In other words, ATM transactions will incur a base fee of N100 per transaction. It is also important to note that a tiered fee structure will apply for transactions exceeding N20,000, with an additional N100 charged for each subsequent withdrawal of N20,000 or portion thereof.”
Customers withdrawing more than N20,000 from another bank’s ATM will be charged an additional N100 for every subsequent N20,000 or portion thereof.
Another significant change in the revised structure is the removal of the three free monthly withdrawals previously allowed for customers using other banks’ ATMs.
From March 1, 2025, all withdrawals at another bank’s ATM will attract charges, potentially increasing costs for customers who frequently use ATMs outside their primary bank.
The apex bank has clarified that financial institutions are not permitted to charge more than the prescribed fees, although banks may reduce charges depending on their business strategy.
Any bank found in violation of the directive, including compelling customers to withdraw less than N20,000 per transaction despite sufficient funds in their account, will be sanctioned accordingly.
Customers who experience such restrictions are encouraged to report complaints to the CBN Consumer Protection Department via [email protected].
To minimise transaction fees, the CBN has advised customers to prioritise withdrawals from their bank’s own ATMs.
It also encouraged Nigerians to explore alternative payment methods such as mobile banking applications, POS transactions, and electronic transfers to reduce reliance on cash withdrawals.
