Planning an international trip or shopping online from abroad? If you're a UBA customer, you're in luck! Your UBA card can be your reliable companion for global spending. Let's break down how to use your UBA card for international transactions, whether you have a premium Naira card or a standard one.
Understanding Your UBA Card and International Usage
As of July 2025, UBA has enabled its Premium Naira Cards – including the Gold, Platinum, and World variants – for international transactions. This is great news, as it means these cards are ready for use whether you're making online purchases, paying at point-of-sale (POS) terminals abroad, or withdrawing cash from ATMs worldwide.
Even standard UBA Naira debit cards generally have international transaction capabilities, though the specific limits and features might differ from the premium cards.
Where Can You Use Your UBA Card Internationally?
Your UBA card is designed for convenience across various international platforms:
Online Shopping: Purchase goods and services from international websites with ease. Look for the MasterCard or Visa logo at checkout, depending on your card type.
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals: Swipe or tap your card at shops, restaurants, and other merchants when you're traveling outside Nigeria.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): Withdraw local currency from ATMs displaying the MasterCard or Visa logo in most countries globally.
Key Considerations for International Transactions
While your UBA card offers global reach, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Quarterly Spending Limits: Be aware that there might be quarterly spending limits for international transactions on your Naira card. These limits are subject to review by the bank and regulatory bodies, so it's always a good idea to confirm the current limits with UBA directly before making large international purchases.
Exchange Rates: When you use your Naira card for international transactions, the amount will be converted from the local currency to Naira based on the prevailing exchange rate set by UBA and the card network (MasterCard or Visa) at the time of the transaction.
Transaction Fees: Like most banks, UBA might charge a small fee for international transactions (e.g., cross-border processing fees or ATM withdrawal fees). It's wise to inquire about these charges beforehand.
Card Type Matters: While many UBA cards support international transactions, premium cards often come with higher default limits and sometimes additional benefits like travel insurance or lounge access. If you're a frequent international traveler or shopper, upgrading to a Premium Naira Card (Gold, Platinum, or World) might be beneficial.
Before You Travel or Shop Online Internationally
To ensure a smooth experience, consider these steps:
Notify UBA (Optional but Recommended): While not always strictly necessary for every transaction, if you plan to make a significant purchase or will be traveling to an unfamiliar country, it can be helpful to inform UBA of your travel plans or intended large international spend. This helps prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity.
Check Your Balance: Ensure you have sufficient funds in your Naira account to cover your international transactions, factoring in exchange rate fluctuations and potential fees.
Confirm Your Limits: Contact UBA customer service or check your internet banking portal to confirm your current international spending limits.
Know Your PIN: Memorize your card's PIN for ATM withdrawals and some POS transactions.
Whether you're exploring new destinations or simply shopping for unique items online, your UBA card can facilitate your international transactions. By understanding the capabilities and limitations, you can ensure a seamless and worry-free spending experience abroad.
Have you used your UBA card for international transactions recently? Share your experience in the comments!
