Bangladeshi cardholders spent more than Tk 10 billion abroad in June 2026, with overseas card expenditure surging nearly 27.5 per cent month-on-month, according to the latest Bangladesh Bank data.

The central bank report shows that Bangladeshi citizens spent 4.29 times more abroad using cards than foreign nationals spent using cards in Bangladesh during the same month.

The data also showed a significant expansion in card adoption and usage over the past five years.

The number of debit, credit and prepaid cards nearly doubled, while total transaction volume rose by 91 per cent — from Tk 234.97 billion in July 2021 to Tk 448.13 billion in June 2026.

Bangladeshi travellers spent a combined Tk 10.37 billion abroad through credit, debit and prepaid cards in June, up 27.55 per cent from Tk 8.13 billion in May.

The breakdown of overseas card spending in June was:

• Credit cards: Tk 5.52 billion through 863,412 transactions, compared with Tk 4.25 billion in May

• Debit cards: Tk 4.23 billion through 815,719 transactions

• Prepaid cards: Tk 611 million through 122,025 transactions

Departmental stores accounted for the largest share of overseas credit card spending in June at Tk 1.83 billion, or 33.10 per cent of total expenditure.

Other major spending categories included retail outlet services at Tk 970.9 million, transportation at Tk 639 million, pharmaceuticals and medicines at Tk 590 million, clothing stores at Tk 397 million, and business services at Tk 391 million.

The United States was the top destination for Bangladeshi credit card spending abroad, accounting for 15.40 per cent of total expenditure in June.

Thailand ranked second with 10.59 per cent, followed by Saudi Arabia at 8.97 per cent, the United Kingdom at 8.36 per cent, Singapore at 7.32 per cent, India at 6.79 per cent and Malaysia at 6.08 per cent.

Bangladesh Bank statistics show substantial growth in the number of payment cards over the past five years.

The number of debit cards rose from 23,620,886 in July 2021 to 40,268,746 in June 2026.

Credit cards increased from 1,737,932 to 2,750,513 during the same period.

Prepaid cards recorded the strongest growth, rising from 954,673 in July 2021 to 8,696,712 in June 2026 — an increase of 157 per cent between December 2022 and June 2026, according to the report.

The report also recorded increased card use for utility bills, government services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, commercial services and transportation.

The sharp rise in card usage signals growing adoption of digital payments and could support financial inclusion, expansion of the digital economy and reduced reliance on cash.

However, Bangladesh Bank identified several structural challenges to achieving a more cashless economy.

These include inadequate digital infrastructure in rural areas, low financial literacy, cybersecurity risks, limited trust in digital payment platforms, high transaction costs, restricted smartphone access and the continued dominance of an informal, cash-based economy.

The central bank stressed the need for sustained consumer awareness and training to help users understand both the benefits and security risks associated with card-based transactions.