Bangladeshi bank cards, both credit and debit, are increasingly used abroad, reflecting shifting trends in overseas spending. While credit cards historically dominated international transactions, debit cards have gained traction in recent years, offering a convenient, interest-free alternative for Bangladeshi travellers and expatriates.
A recent report from Bangladesh Bank provides insights into card usage patterns across different countries. It shows that Bangladeshi credit cardholders spend the most in the United States, while debit card usage peaks in the United Kingdom.
Top Five Countries for Bangladeshi Card Usage (December)
| Card Type | Country | Spending (BDT crore) | Share of Total (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | United States | 68 | 13.8 |
| Thailand | 65 | 13.2 | |
| United Kingdom | 44 | 9.0 | |
| Singapore | 38 | 7.7 | |
| India | 35 | 7.1 | |
| Debit Card | United Kingdom | 63 | 16.1 |
| United States | 50 | 12.8 | |
| India | 36 | 9.2 | |
| Saudi Arabia | 35 | 8.9 | |
| Ireland | 31 | 7.9 |
In December, total international credit card spending by Bangladeshis reached 491 crore BDT, with over half concentrated in the top five countries (250 crore BDT). Debit card usage abroad amounted to 392 crore BDT, with the top five countries accounting for 215 crore BDT.
Experts explain the high debit card usage in the UK by the large number of Bangladeshi students residing there. Many carry dual-currency debit cards, funded monthly by family members in Bangladesh, ensuring smooth access to funds without interest charges. Debit cards are preferred over credit cards because they do not involve borrowing or repayment obligations, making them a practical choice for students and other long-term residents.
Bangladesh Bank’s data also highlights sectoral trends:
Debit cards: most frequently used for government services, departmental store purchases, and commercial services.
Credit cards: primarily used in departmental stores, retail shops, and for transport services.
Monthly trends show a steady increase in debit card usage abroad, rising from 373 crore BDT in November to 392 crore BDT in December, a growth of over 5%. Credit card spending abroad, however, decreased slightly from 511 crore BDT to 491 crore BDT over the same period.
Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director of Mutual Trust Bank, noted that most Bangladeshi banks now offer dual-currency debit cards. This convenience, combined with interest-free usage, has contributed to the growing popularity of debit cards abroad, especially in countries with significant Bangladeshi populations such as the United Kingdom.