Algerian banks have reduced international card issuance fees and now allow the €750 annual travel allowance to be used for online payments abroad, aiming to modernise banking services and ease access for travellers.
Algerian public and private banks have introduced new measures this week to simplify access to the €750 annual travel allowance for citizens travelling abroad. The changes include reduced fees for international payment cards and the ability to use foreign currency balances for online purchases on international websites. These steps come as international payment cards have become the sole channel for accessing the official foreign exchange allocation.
Lower Card Fees and Expanded Online Payment Options
Under the updated regulations, beneficiaries can now have the €750 allowance credited directly to an existing eligible international card, removing the need to apply for a new card each year. The Banque du Développement Local (BDL) has launched a promotional offer, cutting international card issuance fees by 50% to make travel and cross-border payments more affordable, particularly for families and frequent travellers.
Beyond cash withdrawals and in-person payments abroad, these cards now enable cross-border e-commerce. Users can pay for hotel bookings, airline tickets, and other travel-related services online, reflecting a broader shift towards digital banking in Algeria.
Bank-Specific Offers and Conditions
The Banque Nationale d'Algérie (BNA) has confirmed via its official Facebook page that funds from the travel allowance can be used for foreign expenses, including online transactions. BNP Paribas El Djazaïr has also reiterated that holders of its Visa cards linked to both dinar and foreign currency accounts can make online purchases from abroad. The bank offers three card tiers-Classique, Gold, and Platinum-with annual fees of 4,500 DA, 8,000 DA, and 20,000 DA (excluding taxes), respectively. Obtaining these cards requires opening both dinar and euro accounts and maintaining minimum balances, which vary by card type.
This competitive push among banks is part of a wider effort to adapt services to evolving customer needs. The travel allowance remains available only once per year and must be returned if the trip is cancelled or the traveller returns within seven days. Notably, access to international cards remains restricted to those with formal employment.
Modernisation in the Context of Wider Banking Reforms
The move to facilitate online payments and reduce card costs aligns with broader efforts to modernise Algeria's banking sector. Similar initiatives, such as the recent CPA financing scheme for public transport renewal, reflect a trend towards greater financial inclusion and digitalisation.
