The Bank of Maldives has clarified that subscription payments for commonly used services remain exempt from the recent restrictions placed on Maldivian Rufiyaa cards for certain foreign e-commerce websites, providing reassurance to customers who were concerned about disruptions to their routine digital payments. The clarification follows public concern after the bank introduced tighter controls on international card usage as part of broader efforts to manage the ongoing national shortage of US dollars.

Under the recently introduced measures, individual transactions on selected international e-commerce platforms were capped at 30 per month, while a strict daily spending limit was also established at the national level for foreign transactions. The policy led to complaints from customers who reported difficulties in processing regular subscription payments, raising concerns about access to essential online services that many individuals and households rely on in their daily lives.

In response, the Bank of Maldives stated that subscription payments are not included within the daily foreign spending limit and that such payments have not been prohibited. The bank explained that while some transactions may still be declined, these issues are not due to a blanket restriction on subscription services. According to the bank, some subscription payments are being rejected by merchants for a range of reasons, and the institution is actively working to address those cases as they arise.

The bank further noted that it is proactively attending to subscription payments that have been declined and is currently investigating the complications affecting certain transactions. Customers whose payments are unsuccessful have been encouraged to contact the bank directly, with the institution assuring that appropriate solutions will be provided immediately. This response reflects the bank’s efforts to maintain continuity for customers while balancing broader financial management measures during a period of foreign currency pressure.

The announcement has provided a degree of relief for cardholders who depend on online subscriptions for communication, productivity, entertainment, cloud storage, education, and other recurring services. By confirming that subscription payments remain outside the daily foreign spend cap, the bank has sought to ease public concern and improve confidence among customers navigating the current controls on overseas card spending.

Additional optimism emerged during a press conference held at the President’s Office on 1 June, where President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that the Bank of Maldives had indicated that significant relief regarding these banking limits is expected from the end of this month. The remarks suggest that further adjustments may soon be introduced to improve convenience for customers while continuing to address national financial realities in a measured and responsible manner.

As the situation develops, the Bank of Maldives’ clarification signals an effort to ensure that essential digital financial activity remains accessible to the public. For customers across the Maldives and observers abroad, the latest update highlights the bank’s focus on responding to concerns, resolving transaction-related issues, and working toward a more stable and practical framework for international card use in the weeks ahead.