Can credit card be used in Nigeria?
Daniel Santos
Updated on February 02, 2026
Although they are not so popularly used, credit cards are available in Nigeria, but until recently, they were majorly accessed through special requests from your bank.
What is the main purpose of a credit card?
Credit cards offer you a line of credit that can be used to make purchases, balance transfers and/or cash advances and requiring that you pay back the loan amount in the future. When using a credit card, you will need to make at least the minimum payment every month by the due date on the balance.
Can I use US credit card in Nigeria?
The two major credit card networks are Visa and Mastercard, but due to widespread financial fraud, cash is still king in Nigeria….Which credit card issuers are accepted in Nigeria?
| Merchant acceptance | ATM acceptance | |
|---|---|---|
| American Express | Low | Not accepted |
| Discover | Not accepted | Not accepted |
Can I use USD in Nigeria?
What’s the currency in Nigeria? The naira is Nigeria’s national currency. You’ll find, however, that in airports, hotels, and tourist destinations, USD is commonly accepted. The exchange rates used will vary, though, so it’s worth checking you’re getting a fair deal before you decide to spend your dollars in Nigeria.
Is 100 dollars a lot in Nigeria?
Largely depends on who you ask. $100 is around 36,000 Naira which is twice our current official minimum monthly wage. To someone who earns minimum wage, which unfortunately is the bulk of the Nigerian populace, it is a lot of money.
Why are things so expensive in Nigeria?
Prices of food items have skyrocketed by as much as 30 per cent in many parts of Nigeria in the last one year. This increase is largely caused by border closures, COVID-19 containment measures, and insecurity, checks by PREMIUM TIMES have shown.
How much is rent in Nigeria?
Cost of living in Nigeria chart
| Accommodation (monthly rent) | |
|---|---|
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | NGN 400,000 |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | NGN 150,000 |
| One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre | NGN 40,000 |
| Shopping and groceries |
What kind of credit cards do you have in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, credit cards are created for convenience and the way they work is regulated by Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN). Currently, there are various types of credit card issuers in the world. They include VISA, MasterCard and American Express. A credit card gives you access to a line of credit (an amount of money) from your bank.
Which is the safest way to use a credit card?
Follow these tips to improve your credit card safety: Select ATMs with care. ATMs attached to banks are generally safer than ones on the street. Take two cards. If your card is stolen or your payments are declined, having a second card could prove helpful. Keep your card in sight.
Do you have to have naira on you in Nigeria?
Nigeria remains a cash-based society, so it’s recommended to have enough naira (NGN) on you to cover your back at all times. This might be especially necessary within smaller establishments]
