Spending behaviour among Bangladeshi credit card users abroad is undergoing a significant transformation, with notable decreases in expenditure in India and a surge in transactions in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
According to the latest figures from Bangladesh Bank, the total overseas expenditure by Bangladeshi credit card holders fell to Tk 361 crore in March 2025, a 6.25% drop from February's Tk 385 crore.
The year-on-year comparison paints an even starker picture: in March 2024, the figure stood at Tk 503 crore, Tk 142 crore higher than the current year's amount.
Perhaps the most dramatic shift has occurred in India, historically one of the top destinations for Bangladeshi credit card usage. In March 2025, card transactions in India dropped to just Tk 27.60 crore, a steep 72.26% fall from Tk 106 crore in March 2024.
Analysts attribute this decline to a combination of factors, including stricter border controls, visa complications, and a growing preference for other international destinations. Diplomatic tensions are also cited as a key reason.
Since 5 August of last year, India has suspended issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshis following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. No timeline has been given for when tourist visas will resume.
Besides, India has placed restrictions on certain exports to Bangladesh and limited the transit of Bangladeshi goods through Indian territory.
These actions have severely impacted travel plans for Bangladeshis who frequently visited Indian cities such as Kolkata, Delhi, Darjeeling, Sikkim and Meghalaya.
Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, said visas are currently being issued only for urgent needs due to staff shortages at the embassy.
Tourist visas would be reconsidered once normal operations resume. In the meantime, medical and third-country visa applications made in India are being prioritized, he added.
While India sees a decline, other countries are recording higher levels of spending. The United States now tops the list for Bangladeshi overseas credit card usage, with March expenditures reaching Tk 57.40 crore, up from Tk 52.30 crore in February.
The United Kingdom follows, with spending increasing from Tk 30 crore in February to Tk 36 crore in March.
Saudi Arabia, often associated with Hajj and other religious travel, comes in third with Tk 35 crore in March, a notable rise from Tk 24 crore in the previous month.
Bangladesh Bank officials suggest that this redistribution of spending reflects a broader trend. "UNB
