Banks earn N225bn from ATM, e-banking charges

Nigerian banks collectively generated N224.69 billion from electronic banking services and ATM/card-related charges in the first quarter of 2026. This figure represents a 12.56% increase compared to the N199.61 billion recorded in the same period of 2025, according to an analysis of financial statements from 11 listed lenders.

The rise in earnings reflects the continued deepening of digital banking adoption and electronic payment services across the sector. Income from e-banking channels accounted for a substantial portion of non-interest revenue. Specifically, electronic banking and e-business activities saw an 11.57% increase, reaching N177.97 billion from N159.52 billion a year prior. Earnings from ATM and card management fees also climbed by 16.48%, totaling N46.70 billion compared to N40.09 billion in Q1 2025.

Access Holdings reported the highest earnings from e-banking, with N55.71 billion in Q1 2026, followed by UBA with N46.93 billion. However, Fidelity Bank demonstrated the most significant growth in digital banking-related income, with a 164.9% surge to N8.81 billion, largely driven by a 240.8% jump in ATM charges. Conversely, Wema Bank experienced the sharpest decline in electronic product fees, dropping by 50.68% to N6.10 billion.