Regulatory Alerts2025-09-10 | 13750Central Decision No. 13750 Amending the Electronic Settlement System for Lebanese POS Cards
The Central Bank of Lebanon issued Circular No. 743 and Central Decision No. 13750 to amend the electronic settlement system for locally used POS cards by removing all restrictions and commissions on Lebanese Lira card transactions for individuals. The amendment, effective immediately upon issuance, modifies Article 1 of the existing POS electronic settlement framework to explicitly permit cash withdrawals for these unrestricted transactions. This regulatory update applies to all licensed Lebanese and foreign banks, financial institutions, and companies authorized to issue settlement, payment, or credit cards in the Lebanese market.
Circular No. 743
To banks, financial institutions, and Lebanese and foreign companies licensed to issue settlement, payment, or credit cards
We enclose herewith a copy of Central Decision No. 13750 dated September 10, 2025, concerning the amendment of the electronic settlement system for settlement, payment, or credit cards issued in the Lebanese market and used locally on Point of Sale (POS) devices (attached to Basic Decision No. 9668 dated August 9, 2007, subject of Basic Circular No. 109).
Beirut, September 10, 2025
Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Karim Saeed
Central Decision No. 13750
Amendment of the Electronic Settlement System for Settlement, Payment, or Credit Cards Issued in the Lebanese Market and Used Locally on Point of Sale (POS) Devices
The Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, Pursuant to the Monetary and Loan Law, particularly Articles 70 and 174 thereof, Pursuant to Law No. 133 dated October 26, 1999, concerning the duties of the Central Bank of Lebanon, Pursuant to Basic Decision No. 7299 dated June 10, 1999, and its amendments concerning the ATM and credit/settlement cards, particularly Article 5 thereof, Pursuant to Basic Decision No. 9668 dated August 9, 2007, and its amendments concerning the electronic settlement system for settlement, payment, or credit cards issued in the Lebanese market and used locally on Point of Sale (POS) devices, Pursuant to the decision of the Central Council of the Central Bank taken in its session held on September 3, 2025,
Decides as follows:
Article 1: A paragraph with the following text is added to Article 1 of the electronic settlement system for settlement, payment, or credit cards issued in the Lebanese market and used locally on Point of Sale (POS) devices (attached to Basic Decision No. 9668 dated August 9, 2007): "The amounts resulting from the use of 'cards' in Lebanese Lira, issued to individuals, locally on Point of Sale (POS) devices, are not subject to any type of restrictions or commissions and can be withdrawn in cash."
Article 2: This decision shall take effect upon its issuance.
Article 3: This decision shall be published in the Official Gazette.
Beirut, September 10, 2025 Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Karim Saeed