Debit card Dollar transactions limit to increase to USD 1,000

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced last night an international POS transaction increase to USD 1,000 using BML debit cards from 11th November 2025 onwards.

The international transaction limit for debit cards is currently USD 500.

President Muizzu made this announcement during a meeting in M. Muli last night, where the limit for airline ticket and international hotel transactions from debit cards would be increased to USD 3,000.

The President also stated, upon request to BML, that medical transactions to hospitals via debit cards will also be possible from 11th November onwards.

While speaking to the residents of M. Muli, the President states that this is being done as a step to overcome the "slavery" Maldivians are going through in relying on exorbitant black market Dollar purchases.

The President highlighted that BML now has an option to open a Chinese Yuan account which was introduced yesterday.

President Muizzu went on to say that a lot of progress will be made due to this, with a Union Pay debit card and credit card being introduced in January 2026 as well.

The President also highlighted that BML has been asked to implement the usage of Indian Rupees as well.

"Maldivian businesses conduct a lot of business in China. This will greatly improve that. And from 1st January, the card being used by more than 180 countries solely for the Chinese currency Union Pay, will also be introduced to Maldives with debit card and credit card options," said President Muizzu.

"This will also bring great progress to the Maldives' business field and the economy."

The President states that with these changes, the demand and use of the Dollar in businesses will decrease.