The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a review of the transaction fees for Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services, with new charges set to take effect from March 1, 2025. According to a circular signed by John Onojah, the acting director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, the fee adjustment is aimed at addressing the rising operational costs and enhancing efficiency within the banking sector.
The last time the ATM transaction fees were revised was in 2019, when the CBN reduced withdrawal fees from ₦65 to ₦35. The new policy will result in higher costs for certain ATM transactions, but the CBN emphasizes that it aligns with Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (2020).
Under the new structure, customers making withdrawals from their own bank’s ATMs (on-us transactions) will still enjoy free withdrawals. However, a ₦100 fee will be charged for every ₦20,000 withdrawal at on-site ATMs, which are located within the bank’s branches. For withdrawals at ATMs of other banks (off-site or not-on-us transactions), customers will be charged a ₦100 fee plus a surcharge of up to ₦450 per ₦20,000 withdrawal.
The CBN has also introduced a “cost-recovery charge” for international withdrawals using debit or credit cards, which will be equivalent to the exact amount charged by the international acquirer. Additionally, the previous benefit of three free monthly withdrawals for remote-on-us transactions (customers of other banks) will no longer apply.
The CBN has urged all financial institutions to comply with the new directives ahead of the implementation date, emphasizing that the revised fees aim to improve the efficiency of ATM services and ensure that appropriate charges are applied to consumers. The new fees are expected to take effect on March 1, 2025, and customers are advised to take note of the changes to avoid any unexpected charges.
