Bangladesh’s banking sector is seeing a transformation as smartphones take over traditional branches.
As of October 20, 2025, digital banking is thriving in Bangladesh. Applications like Citytouch, Astha, and NexusPay are rapidly replacing the need for in-person bank visits. Citytouch has seen a remarkable growth, with user numbers soaring to Tk 8.82 billion, and daily transactions hitting Tk 400 million. This shift is saving the bank around Tk 200 million monthly in labor costs. Astha boasts around 1.1 million users, processing approximately Tk 20,000 crore monthly, while NexusPay is reaching a user base of 7 million. Skybanking’s growth metrics include an impressive 437% increase in users and a staggering 2,695% rise in total transaction value.
Tuhidul Alam Shipur, a mid-level executive in Dhaka, reflects on his last visit to a bank branch and admits he can hardly recall it, possibly since before 2013, when he downloaded Citytouch. Now, nearly all his banking—whether it’s paying bills or managing accounts—is handled through his smartphone, allowing him to avoid lines and save time.
This isn’t just Shipur’s experience; it’s increasingly common in Bangladesh. The trend from traditional banking to digital platforms is reshaping financial interactions and how banks engage with their clients. They’re also benefiting significantly in terms of reduced staffing costs.
Take Citytouch, for instance. Initially launched in 2013, it saw only modest growth for the first seven years, but then, between 2020 and 2024, its user base skyrocketed. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, compelling many to embrace digital platforms for their financial needs. From daily transaction values of Tk 27 million in 2020, Citytouch’s figures surged past Tk 400 million by July 2025. This shows that many Bangladeshis are rapidly adapting to managing their finances online, resulting in substantial savings for CitiBank.
Meanwhile, BRAC Bank’s Astha app has achieved significant milestones, exceeding 1 million users. Managing Director Tareq Refat Ullah Khan views this growth as pivotal, reflecting the transformation of digital banking into daily financial routines. With Astha, users can even open accounts or apply for loans seamlessly, emphasizing true financial inclusion.
Similarly, NexusPay is thriving as well, with about 7 million users and transactions eclipsing Tk 21,000 billion monthly. Although Eastern Bank’s Skybanking is smaller, it has achieved remarkable growth, evidencing that banks are adapting effectively to new demands.
Industry experts note that rising digital transaction popularity is fostering a shift in consumer habits, particularly among the middle class and younger generations. It speaks to a broader trend where banking services are accessible anytime, anywhere, and with greater efficiency.
However, challenges remain. Some banking app users, like freelancer Mohammad Kayes, find themselves navigating complexities related to receiving funds from abroad. While he appreciates the convenience, he also faces logistical hurdles due to regulatory requirements. City Bank’s Saajid identified other gaps, such as the necessity for physical signatures for small loans and transaction limits imposed on digitally opened accounts.
Bangladesh Bank voice Areef Hossain Khan welcomed discussions regarding these limitations, indicating the central bank’s openness to proposals that could enhance digital banking efficiency.
Overall, the digital banking landscape in Bangladesh is not only changing how transactions are approached but is also forging a new financial narrative for millions of users. Whether through established platforms or emerging applications, the future of banking appears more situated in the hands of consumers than ever before.
