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Card-based transactions in Bangladesh have surged by about 143 per cent over the past five years, according to the latest report of Bangladesh Bank.
Data from the central bank, obtained by the UNB agency, shows that total card transactions stood at Tk 206.25 billion in January 2021.
The figure rose sharply to Tk 500.44 billion by December 2025, highlighting the rapid expansion of cashless transactions across the country.
The report also shows a significant rise in the number of cards in circulation.
In January 2021, the total number of cards was 24 million, which increased to more than 51.8 million by December 2025, marking a 115 per cent growth during the period.
At present, 61 banks and one non-bank financial institution (NBFI) are providing card services in Bangladesh.
Among them, 55 banks offer debit card facilities to their customers.
An analysis of consumer spending patterns indicates that credit card holders spent Tk 39.30 billion within the country in December alone last year.
Of this amount, the largest share, Tk 17.40 billion, was spent at departmental stores.
The report also analysed spending by foreign cardholders in Bangladesh, showing that citizens of the United States accounted for the highest expenditure in the country.
Nationals from the United Kingdom, India, Mozambique, Australia, Canada and Saudi Arabia also made notable contributions to foreign card spending.