Both domestic, foreign transactions soar in May

The use of credit cards in Bangladesh continued to grow, with total domestic spending reaching Tk 4,288 crore in May 2026, up 10.85 per cent from Tk 3,868 crore in April, according to the latest data published by Bangladesh Bank.

The central bank’s data also showed a strong year-on-year increase. Domestic credit card transactions stood at Tk 3,220 crore in May 2025, meaning spending rose by 33.15per cent over the past year.

According to Bangladesh Bank, the growth came despite persistently high inflation, as consumers continued to make retail purchases. Department stores accounted for the largest share of credit card transactions, representing nearly half of all card spending in the country during May.

The report attributed the increase to higher spending on essential goods amid inflation, promotional offers by banks, the convenience of card-based payments for everyday purchases, and the widespread acceptance of credit cards at department stores.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshis also increased their credit card spending abroad. Overseas transactions reached Tk 425 crore in May, up 1.57per cent from Tk 424 crore in April.

Such transactions fell to Tk 312 crore in May from Tk 329 crore in April, a decrease of 4.95per cent. However, on a year-on-year basis, spending by foreign cardholders in Bangladesh increased by 12.63per cent, indicating a positive trend in tourism and business activity.

According to Bangladesh Bank, the total approved credit limit for credit cards in Bangladesh stood at Tk 42,001 crore at the end of May. Outstanding receivables from cardholders amounted to Tk 14,365 crore.

The figures suggest that a significant number of consumers continue to rely on credit cards to finance household consumption.

An analysis of international transactions showed that the United States remained the top destination for Bangladeshis’ overseas credit card spending, accounting for 17.3per cent of total international card transactions. The United Kingdom ranked second with 9.60per cent.

The list was followed by Thailand (8.85per cent), Singapore (7.81per cent), Saudi Arabia (7.47per cent), India (6.89per cent), Malaysia (5.08per cent), the Netherlands (4.89per cent), China (4.78per cent), Canada (4.03per cent), Australia (3.93per cent), and Ireland (3.51per cent). The remaining 16.67per cent of international credit card spending was recorded in other countries.

The central bank also noted a sharp rise in spending in Saudi Arabia. The country’s share of international card transactions increased from 3.94per cent in April to 7.47per cent in May, meaning Bangladeshis’ credit card spending there nearly doubled within a month.