Bank of Maldives (BML) has rejected rumours on social media that several e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and AliExpress have been blocked, assuring that no such measures have been taken.
A BML Official confirmed that it is not true that card transactions on these websites have been blocked.
BML noted that a common reason for card transactions being declined is because customers have reached their monthly foreign transaction limit.
BML also disclosed the total transaction amounts on Amazon and AliExpress from January to date.
From January 1 to February 21, USD 2.33 million was spent via BML cards on Amazon and AliExpress, amounting to a total of 58,000 transactions, according to data shared by the bank.
BML further said that there is an increase in customers' personal debit and credit cards being used to purchase goods for business purposes. It has also come to the bank's attention that transactions exceeding the information provided to the bank are being attempted on the cards.
The bank urged customers to use BML Business Banking Solutions for business transactions. These services are designed for larger transactions and to provide necessary documents for goods importation, the bank said.
BML said that over the past three years, the bank has facilitated hundreds of million dollars for customers' foreign transactions on cards.
Details of foreign transactions on BML cards
Total foreign transactions on BML cards (via ATM, POS and eCommerce)
2023: USD 311 million
2024: USD 389 million
2025: USD 524 million
End of January 2026: USD 59 million
Approximately 66 percent of these transactions are through e-commerce platforms, BML said.
The BML Official said that the bank believes an adequate dollar allowance has been provided for airline tickets, hotels, medicals and other purposes for customers travelling abroad.
However, when using personal cards or accounts for large transactions for business purposes, customers may face inconveniences through reaching the foreign transaction limit, they said.
BML has increased the foreign transaction limit on their credit cards as well from January 1 onwards.
On November 11 last year, the bank also began issuing a USD 3000 foreign transaction limit for debit cards for travel and medical purposes. The limit for foreign POS transactions on debit cards was also increased to USD 1000.
