Credit card transactions, both domestically and internationally, have exhibited diverse trends, providing insights into consumer behavior and economic activities. 

While credit card transactions by foreign nationals within Bangladesh declined in March 2024, the overall transaction volume surged, signaling dynamic market dynamics.

In March 2024, credit card transactions by foreign nationals within Bangladesh decreased to Tk 2.26 billion from Tk 2.40 billion in February 2024, marking a decline of 5.59 percent. 

Despite this, total transactions within the country witnessed a significant uptick, rising by 16.78 percent to Tk 29.87 billion compared to the previous month.

Conversely, transactions made by Bangladeshi nationals outside the country experienced a marginal increase of 0.87 percent, reaching Tk 5.03 billion in March 2024 from Tk 4.99 billion in February 2024. 

Notably, Bangladeshi credit card holders engaged in transactions outside the country nearly twice as much as foreign nationals within Bangladesh.

Departmental stores in Bangladesh emerged as the primary destination for credit card transactions, constituting approximately 36.84 percent of all transactions in March 2024. 

Cash withdrawals accounted for nearly 22.55 percent of total transactions, highlighting consumers’ liquidity preferences. Transportation transactions comprised 20.14 percent, reflecting consumers’ reliance on credit cards for commuting and travel-related expenses.

The data also indicates a surge in credit card transactions at departmental stores, reaching Tk 13.81 billion in March 2024 from Tk 12.69 billion in February 2024. This increase aligns with heightened consumer spending, particularly during festive seasons like Eid-ul-Fitr.

The clothing category witnessed a substantial surge, rising to Tk 3.44 billion in March 2024 from Tk 1.5 billion in February 2024, driven by increased shopping activities associated with festive occasions.

Business services transactions declined to Tk 520 million in March 2024 from Tk 523 million in February 2024, reflecting variations in demand dynamics across industries.

In terms of card usage, Visa cards dominated the market, accounting for approximately 71.16 percent of transactions, followed by Mastercard (17.53 percent) and AMEX (11.11 percent).