Top 5 Nigerian Bank ATM Cards You Can Use Seamlessly for Umrah
By Auwal Ilyasu
For years, Nigerian pilgrims embarking on Umrah relied almost entirely on cash. That model is now obsolete. In 2025, Nigerian banks reinstated international transactions on naira-denominated debit cards after a prolonged suspension, restoring the ability of cardholders to make payments, withdraw cash, and complete online bookings abroad, including in Saudi Arabia.
This development has materially changed the travel experience for Umrah pilgrims, offering convenience, security, and financial flexibility. Below are five Nigerian bank ATM cards that currently deliver reliable international functionality and are practical for Umrah travel.
GTBank Naira & NRN MasterCard — Travel-Ready and Dependable. GTBank’s Naira MasterCard is enabled for global use, supporting POS payments, online transactions, and ATM withdrawals wherever MasterCard is accepted.
In addition, the bank’s Non-Resident Nigerian (NRN) MasterCard offers similar international functionality, tailored for Nigerians living abroad or frequent travellers.
Best for: Pilgrims seeking a dependable, globally accepted card from a top-tier Nigerian bank with transparent international access.
UBA Visa & MasterCard — Broad Acceptance, Straightforward Use. United Bank for Africa (UBA) has reactivated international usage on many of its Visa and MasterCard debit cards. Cardholders can make payments at merchants, withdraw cash from ATMs, and complete online transactions outside Nigeria.
UBA cards can be used in Saudi Arabia for hotel payments, transport, flight bookings, and cash withdrawals in Saudi riyals.
Best for: Pilgrims and regular travellers who want simple, widely accepted international payment tools.
FirstBank Naira MasterCard — Familiar and Functional. FirstBank’s Naira MasterCard is globally enabled and supports ATM withdrawals, POS transactions, and online payments abroad. The card comes with chip-and-PIN security, making it suitable for international travel and digital transactions.
Best for: FirstBank customers looking for a familiar and reliable debit card for Umrah and other overseas travel.
FCMB International Debit Cards — Visa and MasterCard Options. First City Monument Bank (FCMB) offers naira-linked Visa and MasterCard debit cards with international functionality. These cards can be used for POS payments, online transactions, and ATM withdrawals outside Nigeria.
This flexibility makes them practical for pilgrims who prefer to limit the amount of cash carried during Umrah. Best for: FCMB account holders seeking globally accepted debit card options.
Fidelity Bank Naira Visa/MasterCard — Restored Global Access. Fidelity Bank has reinstated international usage on its naira debit cards, allowing customers to spend abroad and withdraw cash from international ATMs. Selected Visa variants also offer travel and lifestyle benefits.
Best for: Pilgrims who want renewed global access with the possibility of added travel-related perks. Why This Matters for Umrah Pilgrims.bThe return of international debit card functionality offers clear advantages.
Cashless payments: Pay for goods and services in Saudi Arabia without carrying large sums of cash.
Online transactions: Book hotels, Haramain train tickets, and other services digitally.
ATM withdrawals: Access Saudi riyals directly from ATMs, subject to bank limits and fees.
Enhanced security: Reduced exposure to the risks associated with carrying only cash abroad.
Pro Tip: Before travelling, confirm that international transactions are activated on your card and review your daily spending and withdrawal limits. Not all cards are automatically enabled for overseas use, and limits vary by bank.
In practical terms, Nigerian pilgrims now have credible, bank-backed alternatives to cash for Umrah. The smart move is preparation, activate, verify, and travel with confidence.
