Region

Jurisdiction

Regulator

2012-09-13

Added 2026-06-04 · Updated 2026-08-16

Circular 18/2012 Regarding Authorization for Commercial Banks to Issue Prepaid Tourist Cards

The Central Bank of Libya instructs commercial banks to remove the previous minimum threshold of $500 for issuing prepaid electronic cards, allowing them to issue such cards at any amount deemed appropriate. This directive replaces the minimum limit established in prior circulars to encourage the use of electronic payment methods among citizens and customers.

Libya

Central Bank of Libya

Central Bank of Libya P.O. Box 1103 Telegraphic Address: Central Bank of Libya - Tripoli - Libya

Reference: I.R.M / 804

Circular I.R.M No. (2012/18). Date: 25 Ramadan 1433 AH. Corresponding to: August 13, 2012 AD.

To: General Managers of Commercial Banks To: Heads of Temporary Administrative Committees of Commercial Banks To: General Manager, Libyan Foreign Bank To: General Manager, Exchange and Financial Services Company

Greetings,

Subject: Reduction of the minimum amount required to issue prepaid electronic cards

Based on the provisions of Law No. (1) of 2005 concerning Banks, and its amendments.

With reference to Circular I.R.M No. (2003/16) issued on November 3, 2003, regarding granting permission to commercial banks to commence issuing prepaid tourist cards, based on accounts denominated in Libyan Dinars or foreign currency.

And to Circular I.R.M No. (2012/13) issued on April 23, 2012, regarding granting permission to commercial banks to issue prepaid plastic cards, based on accounts denominated in foreign currency.

And to Circular Letter I.R.M No. (2012/142) dated May 28, 2012, regarding authorizing commercial banks to resume activating prepaid plastic cards, based on accounts denominated in Libyan Dinars.

And within the framework of efforts aimed at spreading the culture of electronic payments among customers, and encouraging citizens to deal with electronic payment methods for their purchases and other services, we inform you of the instructions of the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya regarding the cancellation of the minimum amount required to issue prepaid electronic cards, which was previously in effect at an amount of ($500.00) five hundred US dollars or its equivalent in other foreign currencies, and allowing banks to issue electronic payment cards at the amount they deem appropriate.

... And peace be upon you ...

Abdulmajid Muhammad Al-Maqouri Deputy Director of the Banking and Currency Supervision Department

To: The Governor.
To: The Deputy Governor.
To: The Director of the Banking and Currency Supervision Department.
To: The Director of the Banking Operations Department, Central Bank of Libya.
To: The Director of the Payments and Settlements Department, Central Bank of Libya.
To: The Director of the Legal Affairs Department, Central Bank of Libya.
To: Managers of Central Bank of Libya branches (Benghazi, Sabha, Sirte).
To: The Banking Follow-up and Compliance Monitoring Department.
February 9, 2012 - Abdulmajid.

Phone: +218 21 333 3951 | Fax: +218 21 444 1488 | swift code: CBLJLYLX | www.cbl.gov.ly