BML Raises International Debit Card Purchase Limit to USD 500

Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced an increase in the monthly limit for international purchases using MVR-denominated debit cards to USD 500, effective July 1st. The move comes without any additional fee increases for general use.

However, BML has introduced a transaction fee of up to 30% for purchases from specific commercial websites, including Tmall, Shein, Alibaba, AliExpress, Lazada, and eBay, citing their use by individuals conducting business through personal accounts. The bank clarified that purchases related to airline tickets, hotel bookings, and subscriptions are not subject to this fee, nor are cards linked to USD accounts.

To ensure fair access for all customers, BML stated that the new measures are part of an effort to curb misuse, particularly by customers using personal cards for commercial activities and by those withdrawing foreign currency from international ATMs without travelling abroad.

In line with this, international ATM withdrawal limits have been reduced to USD 125 per month, and a USD 10 fee will apply per withdrawal.