88pc of prepaid cards issued in September were virtual: BB data
Business Report :
Virtual cards accounted for 88 percent of all prepaid cards issued in September, underscoring the rapid growth of digital payment instruments in Bangladesh, according to data from Bangladesh Bank (BB).
This trend reflects the increasing preference for convenient, contactless, and secure payment methods, particularly among tech-savvy consumers and younger demographics, as well as the growing adoption of e-commerce and online financial services across the country.
Banks issued a total of 97.2 lakh prepaid cards during the month, of which 85.2 lakh were virtual. In contrast, issuance of virtual debit and credit cards remained limited. Of the 4.28 crore debit cards issued, only 10,439 were virtual, while just 2,664 of the 26.5 lakh credit cards issued were in virtual form.
The significant adoption of virtual prepaid cards highlights their role in boosting e-commerce and online financial transactions and demonstrates the increasing trust of consumers in digital payment systems.
Virtual debit, credit, and prepaid cards allow users to instantly make online purchases, subscriptions, transfers, and international transactions, driving their growing appeal, particularly among prepaid card users who seek easy, safe, and efficient digital payment solutions.
BB data also showed a rise in transaction activity, with both the number and value of local and foreign currency transactions increasing by 2 percent year-on-year in September.
During the month, Tk 46,353 crore was transacted through 5.24 crore transactions, reflecting robust activity in both retail and corporate sectors, as more people and businesses shift to digital payment methods for convenience and transparency.
The Bangladesh Bank’s Review on e-Banking and e-Commerce Statistics (September 2025) noted that the Bangladeshi-branded Taka Pay debit card continued to gain traction, with 170,527 cards issued during the month.
Launched in November 2023, Taka Pay is the country’s first national debit card scheme, aimed at strengthening financial self-reliance, promoting domestic digital payments, and reducing reliance on international payment networks, while offering users a secure platform for everyday transactions.
Internet banking usage also continued to expand. The number of customers rose by 2.46 per cent month-on-month, reaching 1.22 crore users across 56 scheduled banks.
About three-fifths of these customers used mobile apps, collectively transacting Tk 108,628 crore in September, highlighting the growing integration of mobile technology in the banking sector.
Alongside digital growth, physical banking infrastructure also expanded. As of September, Bangladesh had 11,395 fully online branches and 4,845 physical sub-branches.
Cash recycling machines (CRMs), which enable real-time deposits, continued to gain popularity, with their number increasing by 0.93 percent compared to August, outpacing the growth of traditional ATMs and reflecting a broader shift toward integrated digital and physical banking solutions that cater to evolving consumer needs.