BRAC Bank on turning credit cards into everyday essentials

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The path to a truly cashless Bangladesh depends on accessible and responsible credit card usage, supported by innovation, partnerships, and trust.

Credit cards in Bangladesh are no longer just a luxury or a travel accessory — they are becoming woven into the fabric of daily life. Over the last few years, their use has expanded far beyond exclusive transactions to cover groceries, pharmacies, hospitals, departmental stores, and more. For many young, middle-class families, credit cards are emerging as essential tools for managing household expenses and balancing financial needs efficiently. As Bangladesh steadily moves toward a more cashless future, I believe credit cards will not only grow in usage but also transform how people think about spending, saving, and financial planning.

Credit cards today are more than a means of payment; they are shaping lifestyles. They encourage planned spending, foster digital adoption, and offer value-added benefits such as cashback, rewards, and installment facilities. These advantages influence not just purchasing decisions, but also nurture a culture of financial awareness. In this way, credit cards are becoming instruments that subtly guide modern consumer behaviour and aspirations.

At BRAC Bank, we are taking a thoughtful, segment-based approach to grow this market responsibly. For first-time users or those with modest incomes, we provide entry-level cards with low fees and smaller limits. For customers with higher earning capacity and greater familiarity with financial products, we offer premium cards with enhanced benefits. We are also expanding beyond luxury-focused offerings. Through strategic partnerships with groceries, pharmacies, schools, hospitals, and utility providers, we make it easier for customers to use credit cards for everyday needs. Our 0% EMI facilities with partner merchants further empower customers to manage their payments with flexibility and confidence. These partnerships are expanding fast, and we are creating a seamless ecosystem where card adoption becomes practical, useful, and sustainable.

Security remains a priority as digital and e-commerce transactions grow. Customers rightly expect trust and safety alongside convenience. That's why we work only with verified and secure partners, and protect most transactions with two-factor authentication. Our advanced fraud monitoring systems detect suspicious activity in real time, and we continually strengthen our security standards. This ongoing investment means our customers can transact with confidence, knowing that safety is built into every step.

In a crowded market of cashback and rewards programs, we aim to stand apart by rethinking the model itself. Instead of the usual "earn now, redeem later" approach, we are focusing on instant and personalised rewards through our Astha app. This transformation makes rewards instantly accessible and far more meaningful. Astha is becoming more than a banking tool — it is evolving into a lifestyle platform. From OTT subscriptions and e-books to news and fitness services, we want Astha to be the go-to app for banking and lifestyle needs.

Regulatory support will be critical in driving this transformation further. The central bank has already played a vital role in enabling credit card growth in Bangladesh, but the potential is far greater. Financial inclusion must expand so that more people can access formal financial services. Digitisation initiatives, financial literacy campaigns, and targeted policies for underserved segments can accelerate this growth. Regulatory measures that promote innovation in digital payments, encourage partnerships between banks, fintechs, and merchants, and streamline approval processes will make credit cards more accessible and trustworthy. Support for building credit card infrastructure in rural areas could open entirely new markets and bring meaningful financial empowerment to millions.

Credit cards, when designed and deployed responsibly, have the power to transform consumer behaviour and contribute significantly to Bangladesh's journey toward a cashless economy. At BRAC Bank, we are not just offering cards — we are shaping the future of payments and lifestyles in this country.