Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) monthly deposit pension scheme (DPS) can now be opened through the bKash app, expanding digital savings access across banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), bKash said on Tuesday.
The integration adds EBL to a growing list of institutions offering DPS via bKash, alongside IDLC Finance, Dhaka Bank, Mutual Trust Bank, The City Bank and BRAC Bank.
The move is part of a wider push to expand financial inclusion by enabling users to open and manage DPS products through mobile phones without visiting bank branches.
bKash said more than 60 lakh DPS accounts have already been opened through its platform across partner banks and NBFIs, reflecting rising adoption of digital savings products.
Under the EBL DPS facility, customers can deposit between Tk500 and Tk20,000 per month for tenures ranging from six months to four years.
Users can open a DPS via the “Savings” section on the bKash app by selecting “General Savings”, choosing tenure and deposit type, selecting EBL from the list of institutions, entering nominee details if required, reviewing terms and confirming with a bKash PIN.
Once activated, instalments are auto-debited on a fixed date if sufficient balance is available, with advance notifications sent to users. On maturity, principal and profit are credited to the bKash account, with free cash-out options. Early closure is also available through the app.
Eastern Bank Deputy Managing Director and Head of Retail and SME Banking M Khorshed Anowar said the partnership enables faster and more accessible savings services while supporting sustainable deposit growth through digital channels.
bKash Chief Commercial Officer Ali Ahmmed said deeper collaboration between banks and fintech platforms is expanding access to financial services for unbanked and underbanked groups, including small entrepreneurs, farmers, students and low-income users.
He said the platform is helping users build savings habits through simple, paperless processes, strengthening financial inclusion.
bKash said DPS services are currently available through multiple institutions, including both weekly and monthly schemes offered without requiring a bank account.
The company said 34 per cent of DPS accounts are opened by women, while 55 per cent are initiated outside banking hours, indicating strong demand for flexible digital savings tools.
A customer survey cited by bKash showed 96 per cent of users whose DPS matured opted to reopen schemes through the platform, signalling high retention in digital savings adoption.
