Bangladeshis spent nearly Tk874 crore overseas using plastic cards in January 2026, marking a 6.82 per cent decline from the previous month amid shifting cross-border spending patterns.
Credit card spending abroad dropped to Tk344 crore, reflecting a 20.16 per cent decrease from Tk491 crore in December. Debit card transactions overseas fell to Tk357 crore, a decrease of 8.93 per cent from Tk392 crore in the previous month. Prepaid card spending stood at about Tk54 crore, remaining unchanged from December 2025.
Md Mahiul Islam, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Retail Banking at BRAC Bank, explained the decline, stating, “Every year in December, overseas travel by Bangladeshis increases due to school holidays and year-end vacations, leading to higher spending, which drops again in January.”
He also pointed out that travel remained subdued this year, especially ahead of the February elections, contributing to lower overseas spending.
Meanwhile, card transactions by foreign nationals inside Bangladesh totalled Tk344 crore during January, showing a 21.13 per cent increase from Tk284 crore in December. Department stores, cash withdrawals, and retail segments continued to dominate spending by foreign cardholders in Bangladesh.
Cards issued in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mozambique accounted for the largest shares of inward transactions.
Country-wise data showed Thailand, the United States, and the United Kingdom were the top destinations for overseas credit card usage by Bangladeshis.
Sectoral data revealed that department stores, retail outlets, and transportation services accounted for a significant share of overseas credit card transactions. Debit card usage abroad was largely driven by department store purchases, government services, and business services.
Cash withdrawals and retail transactions also formed a notable portion of debit card spending overseas. Prepaid card usage abroad was mainly fueled by government services, cash withdrawals, and business services. Department store purchases and retail spending also contributed.
