BRAC Bank’s ‘Astha’ app crosses 900000 users, sets new record in digital transactions

BRAC Bank’s digital banking app, Astha, has surpassed 900,000 users, marking a significant milestone that highlights the growing trust in digital financial services among Bangladeshi customers, according to a press release Tuesday.

Launched in 2021, Astha was designed to meet Bangladeshis' evolving lifestyles and diverse financial needs. It is now the fastest-growing digital banking app in the country and the preferred platform for seamless, everyday banking.

In March 2025, the app handled transactions totaling over BDT 196 billion (BDT 19,600 crore), setting a new record for monthly transactions in the country’s app-based banking sector.

Astha is particularly popular among younger Bangladeshis. Around 53 per cent of users are between the ages of 21 and 35, a demographic that values autonomy, convenience, and technological integration. Among those using Astha’s lifestyle features, 61 per cent are within the same age group, showcasing how the app is becoming integral to banking and their daily lives.

Astha customers complete 71 per cent of their transactions through the app, further indicating the widespread adoption of this convenient, mobile-first banking solution.

With on-the-go access to essential banking services, Astha enables customers to take control of their finances—anytime, anywhere. Every service is curated with customer convenience in mind, from real-time fund transfers to other banks via NPSB and RTGS, to seamless bill payments and mobile wallet top-ups. There are no transaction fees, waiting queues, or branch visits—just secure, reliable service at the tap of a finger.

Astha also simplifies long-term financial planning. Customers can easily open or encash FDRs and DPS accounts, generate or reset card PINs, block cards temporarily, and even manage nominee updates—all from their smartphones. These services cater to customers who value autonomy, accessibility, and financial discipline.

The app’s ATM cash-out by code feature allows cardless withdrawals, offering a secure and flexible alternative to traditional ATM transactions. Recurring transactions like bKash, Rocket, and insurance payments can be automated through the Standing Instruction facility, ensuring timely bill payments. The bKash Pull Money option adds further flexibility by allowing customers to transfer funds from their bKash wallets directly to BRAC Bank accounts or credit cards through the app.

Account onboarding is streamlined and inclusive in Astha. Customers can sign up using their account number, debit or credit card, or DPS number, making the process accessible across all levels of digital literacy. The app also features eKYC-based account opening, card and loan applications, and ATM, branch, and merchant locators, raising the bar on convenience in the country’s banking landscape.

A standout feature of Astha is its integration of banking and lifestyle services. Users can book bus tickets, access Prothom Alo’s e-paper, stream content via Astha Play, listen to music, and take courses on Astha Learning. Astha Islamic provides curated spiritual content, catering to customers’ diverse interests and values.

Astha further enables informed financial decision-making through instant access to account statements, tax certificates, and chequebook confirmations, including Positive Pay—crucial tools for SMEs, salaried professionals, and self-employed individuals. The comprehensive Bill Payment module covers everything from utility bills to government e-services like land tax, empowering users to easily manage their financial obligations.

As the platform grows, so does its impact. With nine lac users and counting, Astha is not only redefining digital banking in Bangladesh, but also proving that financial inclusion, lifestyle convenience, and technological innovation can go hand in hand.

"Astha is not just an app; it is a gateway to a smarter financial future for millions of Bangladeshis," said Selim RF Hussain, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank. "Its growth reflects our deep commitment to innovation, customer centricity, and making banking effortless. We believe Astha will continue to shape how people experience banking in Bangladesh—securely, seamlessly, and smartly."