Simplifying digital transactions through bKash's add money feature

Nasrin Sultana, a private-sector employee and regular online shopper on various platforms, including Facebook pages, often faces situations where card payments aren't accepted. For her, the ability to add money to bKash from a card or bank account has become a reliable solution.

"This instant add money feature allows me to complete necessary purchases seamlessly," she said. "Beyond online shopping, I use bKash for regular expenses like my children's school fees, mobile recharges, and utility or internet bills."

University student Manzur Ahmed recounted a late-night incident when his mobile data ran out just before an important online group study session. With insufficient funds in his bKash wallet and no recharge shops open after midnight, the add money feature came to his rescue. "That night, being able to instantly top up my bKash balance from my card saved me a lot of hassle," he said. "It's incredibly convenient and lets me manage urgent needs without leaving home."

These everyday experiences reflect how bKash, by partnering with commercial banks and leveraging digital infrastructure, has created a robust ecosystem for digital transactions. Whether it's to make a quick purchase, pay a bill, or manage an emergency, adding money to bKash from a card or bank account is proving to be a flexible, time-saving option.

Bangladesh Bank data shows that as of February 2025, there are about 40.35 million active debit cards and over 2.65 million credit cards in the country. Yet, many people with cards struggle to use them due to a lack of POS machines at local stores or a shortage of ATMs outside urban areas. In such situations, customers increasingly turn to bKash, topping up their digital wallets from cards to complete essential transactions.

Adding money to bKash is straightforward. From the app's home screen, users can select the 'add money' option, choose 'card to bKash', and then pick from Visa, MasterCard, or Amex. They can transfer to their own account or someone else's. After entering the amount and card details-including the card number, holder's name, expiry date, and CVV-a one-time password (OTP) is sent to the user's phone for verification. Once entered, the transfer is completed, and a confirmation message is received. Users also have the option to save their card for future use, making the process even faster with only an OTP required for subsequent transactions.

Each customer can add up to Tk 50,000 per day across 20 transactions, and up to Tk 300,000 per month through a maximum of 50 transactions. There is no fee for adding money from Bangladeshi-issued Visa, MasterCard, or Amex cards. Similar steps apply for internet banking transactions through 45 partner banks.

This feature is particularly valuable in a country where cash remains dominant but is gradually being replaced by mobile financial services. With over 80 million verified users, bKash is now embedded in daily life, supporting a wide range of services including mobile recharges, utility payments, school fees, in-store and online purchases, government fees, and charitable donations. Customers also use

bKash for subscriptions, insurance payments, savings, and more-all made possible by having funds readily available in their accounts.

Moreover, bKash has a strong physical presence across the country, with more than 350,000 agents offering cash-out services and about one million merchant points where customers can pay directly using their bKash balance.

By integrating disruptive technology and forging collaborations across the banking sector, bKash continues to enable secure, efficient, and inclusive digital transactions. Its add money feature not only reduces dependence on physical banking infrastructure but also ensures that users-from students to working professionals-can manage their finances conveniently, anytime and anywhere.