The Bank of Maldives (BML) has warned it may cut foreign transaction limits after discovering a case where one person took more than 100 debit cards abroad and misused the dollar allowance.  
BML said it increased the number of debit cards linked to Maldivian Rufiyaa accounts that can be used overseas from November 11, setting monthly limits of USD 1,000 for point‑of‑sale transactions and USD 3,000 for tickets, hotel bookings and healthcare payments.  
However, the bank noted that these limits are being abused. In one case, a household member carried more than 100 cards abroad and used them at a merchant’s card machine to obtain foreign currency. BML also observed tickets and hotel bookings being purchased in large amounts using cards of people who did not travel.  
The bank stressed that issuing cards to third parties and misusing them violates the agreement between cardholders and the bank. It added that foreign transaction limits are intended solely for the personal use of the cardholder, and such practices go against accepted norms of cash handling.  
BML said it will continue investigating suspicious transactions and refer them to relevant authorities. The bank also warned it may reduce limits on overseas card use and block transactions at merchants found to be facilitating abuse.  
“The Bank of Maldives has increased the amount of foreign exchange sold through debit cards to provide maximum convenience for essential and other purposes while traveling abroad. Therefore, this service can only be provided in a sustainable manner by stopping card abuse,” the bank said in its statement.  
For account safety and service sustainability, BML advised customers not to allow others to take advantage of their cards.