BML denies claims of blocking Amazon, AliExpress transactions

Bank of Maldives (BML) on Sunday denied claims circulating on social media that it has blocked international e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and AliExpress.

The bank said reports alleging that card transactions on these platforms had been restricted were untrue. In a statement issued on Sunday night, BML said no such measures had been imposed.

“Reports that international e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and AliExpress have been targeted and restrictions have been imposed to prevent card transactions are untrue,” the bank said.

BML explained that card transactions may fail when customers attempt to make payments beyond the limit set for their cards.

The bank also released data on transactions made by its customers on Amazon and AliExpress from January 1 to February 21. During this period, transactions amounted to $2.33 million across 58,000 individual transactions.

Based on its review of card usage, BML said it has observed an increase in private individuals using debit and credit cards for business-related purchases. The bank also noted cases where customers attempted to carry out transactions exceeding the income levels declared for their cards.

For business-related transactions, BML advised customers to use its business banking services, stating that these are intended to support higher transaction volumes and provide documentation required for the import of commercial goods.

The bank said it facilitates hundreds of millions of dollars in overseas card transactions each year. According to BML, overseas card transactions amounted to $311 million in 2023, $389 million in 2024 and $524 million in 2025. In January 2026 alone, such transactions totalled $59 million.

BML said that 66 per cent of overseas card transactions this year were conducted on e-commerce platforms.

A bank official added that customers have been provided with foreign currency for airline tickets, accommodation, medical treatment and other general expenses incurred during overseas travel.

“In cases where large-value transactions are attempted using a card or account issued for personal use, the transaction may not be completed once the applicable limit is reached,” the official said.