Getting a debit card for online shopping in Nigeria is quite easy. In fact, if you have a bank account in any Nigerian bank it is very likely you already have a debit card for shopping online at Nigerian Online Stores. Yes that ATM card, which you currently only use to withdraw cash at ATM machines can also be used to shop at some online stores in Nigeria.
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Getting a Naira Debit Card
Getting a Naira Debit card is easy. Chances are you already have one. Your Naira denominated MasterCard and Visa ATM cards as well as the InterSwitch Verve card and all other branded Nigerian bank issued ATM cards are also debit cards.
These cards are not just meant for withdrawing cash at ATM machines, they can also be used for online shopping as well as for cashless shopping at stores with PoS terminals.
If for whatever reason you do not have these Naira denominated debit cards, getting one is very easy, just visit your bank and ask for one. It will cost around N1,000. If you are opening a new account make sure you tick ATM/Debit card on the new account registration form.
Getting a Dollar Debit Card
Getting a dollar denominated debit card in Nigeria is quite easy, though not as easy as obtaining a Naira debit card. Two card options are available though some banks only offer one or the other: Visa and MasterCard. You will have to apply for the dollar debit card of your choice at your bank.
Normally, this involves opening a debit card account at your bank. Requirements for opening a debit card account at Nigerian banks are usually similar to opening a current account. Most banks will require that you have a dollar denominated domiciliary account before you can open a dollar debit card account.
Having a domiciliary account is beneficial as it makes transferring funds to your debit card easy and fast.
However, dollar denominated cards come at some cost. For example, Dollar Visa card from GTBank comes at $20 issuance fee and $30 annual fee. If you withdraw from an ATM, you are charged $3.50. Contact your bank for details of their fees.
So, you have it. Get your own debit card today and start shopping online.
