Card-based transactions in Bangladesh have witnessed remarkable growth over the past five years. According to the latest report from Bangladesh Bank, the total volume of transactions via debit, credit, and prepaid cards has increased by nearly 143 per cent during this period.
In January 2021, the total card transactions stood at BDT 20,625 crore. By December 2025, this figure had soared to BDT 50,044 crore, reflecting a significant surge in digital payments across the country.
“The rise in card usage highlights the increasing adoption of cashless transactions in both retail and service sectors, reflecting a shift in consumer behaviour,” noted the report.
Growth in Card Numbers
The number of active cards in circulation has grown substantially. At the end of January 2021, Bangladesh had over 24 million debit, credit, and prepaid cards. By December 2025, this number had more than doubled to over 51.8 million, marking an increase of approximately 115 per cent in just five years.
Bangladesh Bank’s figures further indicate that, as of August 2020, the total number of cards was 22.2 million, which rose to 56.9 million by July 2025. This rapid expansion underscores the growing reliance on digital payment methods.
Currently, 61 banks and one non-bank financial institution (NBFI) in Bangladesh provide card services, with 55 banks offering debit card facilities.
Domestic and International Spending Trends
Domestic card usage continues to expand across various sectors. In December 2025 alone, customers spent BDT 3,930 crore using credit cards issued by local banks, with department stores accounting for BDT 1,740 crore of this expenditure.
Foreign residents living in Bangladesh have also contributed significantly to card spending. During July 2025, American citizens were the highest spenders, accounting for more than one-quarter of foreign card transactions. Other prominent foreign spenders included citizens from the United Kingdom, India, Mozambique, Australia, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.
Summary of Card Trends (2021–2025)
| Indicator | January 2021 | December 2025 | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total transaction volume (BDT crore) | 20,625 | 50,044 | 143% |
| Total number of cards | 24.0 million | 51.8 million | 115% |
| Credit card spending in Dec 2025 (BDT crore) | – | 3,930 | – |
| Department store transactions (BDT crore) | – | 1,740 | – |
The sustained growth in card usage reflects both increasing financial literacy and the expansion of banking infrastructure in Bangladesh. Analysts suggest that with continued support for digital payment systems and technological innovation, card-based transactions are likely to maintain a strong upward trajectory in the coming years.