New CBN ATM Operations guidelines: Here are 10 key rules that you must know
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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is poised to reshape activities surrounding the operation of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) by Banks with revised comprehensive guidelines. These measures are contained in the recently released “Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines in Nigeria” by the apex bank.
Notably, the latest regulation is a revised edition of the “Guidelines for the Operations of Electronic Payment Channels in Nigeria”, issued by CBN in 2020. It will establish minimum standards for ATM deployment, operation and maintenance to promote customer safety and align with global practices.
Notably, these measures are part of the CBN’s recent move to regulate the financial sector for transparency, accountability and responsible operations. They are part of an ongoing review process. Recall that the apex bank recently announced newly revised guidelines for the Point-of-Sale (PoS) banking agents’ operations.
According to the CBN, the guidelines will promote a sound and efficient payment system nationwide. The N1.2 million daily transaction cap for PoS operators and registration with just one financial institution are key highlights of the new rules.
In this article, we will spotlight 10 key guidelines that you must note.
Note: The list is arranged in no particular order of importance.
Also Read: CBN revised guidelines: PoS operators must now operate with one terminal.
| Description | Guideline | Purpose |
| 1- Inclusivity | 2% of all ATMs deployed by each operator must possess a tactile graphic symbol for the use of visually impaired customers. | The CBN introduced this rule to make financial transactions accessible to people with disabilities (PWD). This will help people who are blind or have low vision to use the ATM through features such as braille or the use of symbols that can be felt by touch. |
| 2- Alignment of all ATMs to various cards | All ATMs must accommodate various card ATM card types (Visa, Mastercard, Verve, etc). This means cards by other banks and debit cards issued by fintechs, payment service providers and other authorised issuers. |
This will lead to a reduced incidence of card rejections and transaction failures. |
| 3- One ATM per 5,000 cards | This means that if a bank issues 100,000 debit cards, it must have at least 20 automated teller machines to serve its customers, and others in extension. Also, banks have been given three years to comply with and achieve this standard in instalments: 30% (1st Year – 2026) 60% (2nd Year – 2027) 100% (3rd year – Year 2028) |
This will increase the volume of ATMs across the country and improve access for users. It will also reduce reliance on PoS merchants. |
| 4- Downtimes/technical glitches | ATM downtime (due to a technical fault) must not exceed 72 consecutive hours. This means that banks must ensure that the machine is not inactive for 3 days. Also, banks must communicate with customers if the issue needs more time to be resolved. |
This will reduce downtime and improve efficiency for users. |
| 5- Cash retraction functionality disabled | The revised rule mandates banks to deactivate the ATMs’ ability to retract cash for technical reasons. For instance, if the machine dispenses cash but can’t conclude the transaction (like return the card), it will not have to collect the cash back. The customer will likely need to contact the bank for help to get his cash or have the issue resolved through other means. |
This will reduce cash dispensing error-related issues. |
| 6- Cash availability | This stipulates that every ATM (not under maintenance) must have cash at all times. |
This will address the case of having a row of 6 machines with only 1 or 2 dispensing cash. |
| 7- Resolution of transaction failure | The document mandates that the resolution of failed on-us ATM transactions must be instant. And, the resolution of failed not-on-us ATM transactions shouldn’t exceed 48 hours. On-us transactions occur when a customer uses cards at the ATM of his/her bank. Not-on-us transaction is when a customer uses his/her card on another bank’s ATM. |
This will compel banks to resolve transaction issues swiftly and boost customer satisfaction. |
| 8- Clampdown on stand-alone ATMs | It is illegal to have Automated Teller Machines in locations outside of the banks, i.e. malls, companies, churches and other places. Exception: to operate an ATM outside a bank location, the operator must obtain an Independent ATM Deployer (IAD). Then, the approved IAD must liaise with a bank for cash provisioning and compliance with clear payment systems regulations. |
This will guarantee the safety of users and seamless ATM servicing. |
| 9- Installation of fraud-fighting device | All ATMs must possess an anti-skimming device that ensures effective mitigation against fraud incidents. With this, an ATM can detect debit cards being used by fraudsters trying to bypass card security. Also, machines must now be placed inside the bank building. If not, the machine must be bolted to the floor and surrounded by structures that prevent removal. |
The revised rule mandates banks to deactivate the ATMs’ ability to dispense cash for technical reasons. For instance, if the machine dispenses cash but can’t conclude the transaction (like return the card), it will not have to collect the cash back. The customer will likely need to contact the bank for help to get his cash or have the issue resolved through other means. |
| 10- Compliance and penalties | To ensure compliance, the CBN will carry out periodical audits and on-site inspections. Then, the CBN will issue appropriate penalties on banks or ATM operators that fail to comply with the guidelines. |
This will ensure compliance by banks. |
The CBN has spoken
The draft guidelines have been released to all banks, financial institutions, payment services providers and the entire public. According to the CBN, all feedback on the document is to be sent latest October 31, 2025.
Stakeholders are to direct the feedback to Musa Jimoh, Director, Payment System Policy Department, CBN, through the email address [email protected].
