Instant transfer for Bangla QR payments from 15 Dec
Payments over Tk10 lakh will follow regular processing
The Bangladesh Bank has instructed that payments made via Bangla QR code be transferred instantly to merchants' accounts, replacing the current one-day delay.
The central bank's Payment Systems Department today (24 November) issued a circular to all scheduled banks, mobile financial services, and payment service providers.
The new directive will take effect from 15 December.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
A senior Bangladesh Bank official said the instant transfer facility is aimed primarily at micro merchants.
Payments under Tk10 lakh will be credited immediately, while transactions above this threshold will follow regular processing. Merchants willing to participate can benefit from the faster system.
"Currently, payments made on Sunday are credited the next day. A Thursday payment reaches the merchant only by Sunday. From 15 December, funds will reach accounts instantly," the official explained.
Bangla QR is a unified, interoperable QR‑code payment system launched by Bangladesh Bank. It follows a national standard, so a single QR code at a merchant's counter can accept payments from different banks, mobile financial services and payment apps.
The circular said the central bank's drive to reduce cash transactions and promote a cashless society. Financial institutions providing Bangla QR services will ensure instant credit for small and marginal merchants.
For other merchants, institutions can set their own timelines for transferring QR-based payments, taking into account customer relationships and risk management.
