Credit card transactions in Bangladesh have shown distinct trends in both domestic and international spending.

A recent Bangladesh Bank report highlights shifts in consumer behaviour, sectoral spending patterns, and transaction growth over the past year.

In January 2025, domestic credit card transactions hit Tk 3,125 crore, reflecting a 2.80 percent decline from December 2024.

Department stores accounted for nearly half (48.64 percent) of these transactions, followed by retail outlet services (13.08 percent) and utility bill payments (8.54 percent).

Spending for government services and professional service providers increased slightly while the retail purchases, transportation and cash withdrawals declined.

Visa remained the most used card domestically, covering 72.11 percent of all transactions.

Mastercard accounted for 18.08 percent while AMEX and other cards made up the rest.

The usage pattern suggests a stable reliance on credit cards for essential spending despite minor monthly fluctuations.

Bangladeshi credit cardholders spent Tk 445 crore abroad in January 2025, a 9.34 percent decrease from December 2024.

Department stores remained the top spending category (29.72 percent), followed by retail outlets (16.82 percent) and pharmacies (11.50 percent).

Business services and transportation also saw notable usage.

Visa cards dominated international transactions, holding a 75.36 percent share, followed by Mastercard at 14.60 percent.

The United States was the most popular destination for Bangladeshi credit card spending (15.44 percent), with significant transactions also occurring in Thailand (14.38 percent) and Singapore (8.58 percent).

Spending by foreign nationals within Bangladesh rose 4.86 percent in January 2025, reaching Tk 252.6 crore.

Department stores accounted for 34.26 percent of these transactions while cash withdrawals made up 27.42 percent.

Transportation and clothing expenses contributed 15.35 percent and 10.98 percent, respectively.

Visa remained the preferred card for foreign transactions within Bangladesh, covering 64.10 percent of transactions.

US-issued cards accounted for the highest spending (26.49 percent), followed by UK (10.94 percent) and Mozambique (9.71 percent).

Credit card transactions peaked in March 2024 before declining until August 2024, after which they rebounded.

While domestic and cross-border transactions saw minor declines in January 2025, spending by foreign nationals within Bangladesh increased.

The data reflects evolving consumer behaviour and highlights the growing role of credit cards in digital financial transactions.