The total number of debit, credit and prepaid cards in Bangladesh nearly doubled to 5.29 crore in August 2026 from 2.7 crore in September 2021, according to a Bangladesh Bank report released this week. Transaction volumes through cards more than doubled over the same period, rising to Tk 49,770 crore from Tk 24,561 crore.
The 96 percent growth in card issuance and 103 percent increase in transaction volume reflect accelerating digital payment adoption across the country, Bangladesh Bank said in its report titled "An Overview of Card Usage Patterns Within and Outside Bangladesh." The central bank credited policy measures and regulatory reforms introduced by the government and Bangladesh Bank with driving the shift toward electronic payments.
Prepaid cards lead the surge
Prepaid cards emerged as the fastest-growing segment, expanding 174 percent between December 2022 and August 2026, according to The Daily Star. Debit cards grew 37 percent and credit cards 33 percent over the same period, showing more modest but steady gains in traditional card categories.
Of Bangladesh's 61 scheduled banks and 35 non-bank financial companies, 56 banks and one non-bank financial company now offer card services, indicating broad participation across the financial sector.
Domestic spending drives transaction growth
Domestic credit card transactions increased 30.03 percent year on year in August 2026, The Daily Star reported. Department stores accounted for nearly half of all domestic credit card spending that month, at 48.14 percent.
Credit card lending expanded alongside usage. The total credit limit sanctioned through credit cards by 47 scheduled banks and one non-bank financial company stood at Tk 43,108 crore as of August 2026, with outstanding claims on credit card users reaching Tk 14,482 crore.
Outbound card transactions also climbed. Bangladeshis spent Tk 987 crore abroad using credit, debit and prepaid cards in August, compared with Tk 249 crore in inbound transactions by foreign nationals. Outward credit card transactions alone rose 13.83 percent year on year, while spending by foreign nationals using cards within Bangladesh increased 34.66 percent.
Rural gaps and security fears block full adoption
Despite the gains, Bangladesh Bank identified multiple obstacles preventing a complete transition to a cashless economy. "Limited digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and low financial literacy hinder cashless adoption," the report stated. Cybersecurity concerns and lack of trust in digital platforms discourage potential users.
The country's entrenched cash-based culture and resistance from the informal economy further complicate the shift. High transaction costs and limited smartphone access add practical barriers, the report said.
"Many people also remain reluctant to use cards because of fear and a lack of knowledge, despite being eligible to do so," Bangladesh Bank noted.
What comes next for digital payments
Bangladesh Bank expects card usage to continue growing as economic development accelerates, living standards rise and international transactions increase. The central bank emphasized that enhancing security measures to prevent fraud and providing consumer education will be crucial to sustaining the momentum.