Card-based transactions are rising in Bangladesh. Over the past five years, the number of new cards in the country has increased by nearly two and a half times, while transactions made through cards have grown more than threefold during the same period.
These figures were revealed in the latest report for July published by Bangladesh Bank, which highlights the use, transaction trends, and spending patterns of credit, debit, and prepaid cards.
Currently, 56 banks and one non-bank financial institution (NBFI) in the country provide card services. Among them, 48 banks offer credit cards, dual-currency debit cards, and prepaid cards.
According to Bangladesh Bank’s report, as of August 2020, there were around 22.2 million debit, credit, and prepaid cards in circulation. By the end of July 2025, that number had risen to approximately 56.9 million — an increase of 156 percent, or more than two and a half times, in just five years.
Among the three most commonly used types of cards in Bangladesh, debit cards have seen the highest growth.
In five years, the number of debit cards has more than doubled (up by 120 percent). In comparison, credit cards have grown by 94 percent. Overall, card-based transactions have increased by 232 percent during the same period. In August 2020, the total value of card transactions stood at Tk 14,384 crore, which rose to Tk 47,817 crore by July 2025.
Banking sector insiders say debit cards remain the most popular form of transaction among the general public, primarily used for salary disbursements, cash withdrawals, and daily expenses.
While the number of credit cards is comparatively smaller and still concentrated in urban areas, their use is growing rapidly among the urban middle and upper classes. Prepaid card usage has also increased significantly.
According to Bangladesh Bank data, in July this year, Bangladeshis spent Tk 479 crore abroad using credit cards. Most foreign credit card spending occurred in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Previously, India topped the list for foreign credit card spending, but due to visa complications, its ranking has dropped to sixth place.
Debit cards issued by Bangladeshi banks are most widely used in the United Kingdom, followed by the United States, Ireland, China, and India. Prepaid cards are also used mostly in the United Kingdom.
In July, customers spent Tk 3,084 crore inside Bangladesh using locally issued credit cards. Of this, Tk 1,508 crore was spent at departmental stores.
Credit cards were also used for transactions at retail outlets, utility bill payments (electricity, gas, etc.), pharmacies, cash withdrawals, transportation, and fund transfers.
