Leading Digital Payment Solutions in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has made significant strides in the digital economy, and one of the most critical components of this growth is the rise of digital payment solutions. With the increasing need for secure and efficient transaction methods, various platforms have emerged to cater to the diverse needs of both businesses and consumers. This article explores the top ten leading digital payment solutions in Bangladesh, beginning with some of the most widely used and trusted platforms: bKash, SureCash, DBBL Mobile Banking, and iPay.

List of Leading Digital Payment Solutions in Bangladesh

  • bKash
  • Nagad
  • SureCash
  • DBBL Mobile Banking
  • iPay
  • SSLCommerz
  • AamarPay
  • ShurjoPay
  • PortWallet
  • 2Checkout

1. bKash

bKash is the most popular mobile money service in Bangladesh, playing a pivotal role in enhancing financial inclusion across the country. Launched in 2010 by BRAC Bank, bKash has rapidly grown to become a household name, with over 22% of the population using its services. The platform allows users to send and receive money using their mobile phones, making financial transactions accessible to people in even the most remote areas. bKash also offers additional services such as airtime top-ups, utility bill payments, and mobile banking, which have made everyday financial tasks more manageable for millions. By providing a secure and efficient way to manage money, bKash has significantly impacted the lives of many, helping to bridge the gap between the unbanked population and the formal financial sector.

2. Nagad

Nagad is a fast-growing digital financial service in Bangladesh, launched in 2019 as a joint initiative between the Bangladesh Postal Department and a private entity. With a focus on providing accessible and secure financial services to the masses, Nagad has quickly become one of the leading mobile financial services in the country. The platform caters to millions of users by offering a wide range of services, including mobile wallet transactions, utility bill payments, mobile recharges, and government disbursements.

Nagad’s security features are also noteworthy, as the platform employs advanced encryption technologies and complies with regulatory standards to ensure the safety of users’ financial data. Additionally, Nagad has introduced innovative services like digital KYC (Know Your Customer), which allows users to open accounts and verify their identities remotely, further simplifying the onboarding process.

3. SureCash

SureCash is another widely trusted digital payment solution in Bangladesh, known for its reliability and extensive network. The platform boasts over half a million users and maintains partnerships with more than 41,000 retail agents and 350 payment partners, including several regional banks. SureCash enables users to send and receive money, pay bills, and make online payments through a convenient and secure mobile app. This widespread accessibility has made SureCash a go-to option for many individuals and businesses across the country. Its ability to provide seamless and secure transactions has solidified its position as one of Bangladesh’s leading digital payment platforms.

4. DBBL Mobile Banking

Dutch-Bangla Bank Rocket, commonly referred to as DBBL Mobile Banking, is a state-owned service that has pioneered mobile banking in Bangladesh. As one of the country’s first large-scale mobile banking initiatives, DBBL Mobile Banking has been instrumental in extending financial services to underserved populations, particularly in rural areas. The platform allows users to manage their DBBL accounts via mobile phones, offering services such as checking account balances, viewing transaction histories, and transferring funds. With its robust security features and easy accessibility, DBBL Mobile Banking has become a cornerstone of digital financial services in Bangladesh.

5. iPay

iPay stands out as one of the first payment service providers in Bangladesh, offering a comprehensive suite of mobile payment services. Founded to create a secure payment ecosystem, iPay provides users with the ability to send and receive payments, pay bills, top-up mobiles, and more. The platform is linked with 57 commercial banks across the country, ensuring a seamless integration that supports secure transactions. iPay’s commitment to innovation and security has made it a trusted choice for both individuals and businesses looking for a reliable digital payment solution in Bangladesh.

6. SSLCommerz

SSLCommerz is the largest and most widely used payment gateway in Bangladesh, serving over 20,000 merchants since its inception in 2009. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to facilitate online transactions across various industries. One of the key strengths of SSLCommerz is its versatility in accepting multiple payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, mobile wallets like bKash and Nagad, and internet banking options. This flexibility allows businesses to cater to a broad customer base, ensuring that consumers can pay using their preferred method. Additionally, SSLCommerz is PCI-DSS Level 1 certified, providing the highest level of security for transactions. The platform’s robust fraud detection and prevention mechanisms, such as 3D Secure and SSL encryption, further enhance the safety of online transactions. With features like a user-friendly dashboard and easy integration with popular e-commerce platforms, SSLCommerz continues to be a top choice for businesses looking to streamline their payment processes.

7. AamarPay

AamarPay has quickly gained a reputation as a reliable payment gateway since its establishment in 2016. Catering to the needs of e-commerce businesses in Bangladesh, AamarPay offers a secure platform that supports various payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and mobile wallets like bKash and Rocket. The gateway’s PCI-DSS Level 1 certification ensures that all transactions are conducted with the highest security standards, backed by SSL encryption. AamarPay’s user-friendly dashboard allows merchants to efficiently manage transactions, refunds, and chargebacks, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. However, one of the drawbacks of AamarPay is its relatively high transaction fees for international cards, which may be a consideration for businesses dealing with a global customer base. Despite this, AamarPay remains a popular choice for its ease of integration with common e-commerce platforms and its commitment to providing a secure and dependable payment solution.

8. ShurjoPay

ShurjoPay, launched in 2014 by ShurjoMukhi Limited, has emerged as a prominent player in the Bangladeshi payment gateway market. Known for its innovative approach to digital payments, ShurjoPay offers a wide range of payment options, including credit and debit cards, mobile wallets, and Internet banking. Like its counterparts, ShurjoPay is PCI-DSS Level 1 certified and employs SSL encryption to ensure the security of transactions. The platform’s advanced fraud detection and prevention tools further protect both merchants and consumers from potential threats. ShurjoPay also features a straightforward dashboard that simplifies the management of transactions, making it an ideal solution for businesses seeking a reliable and user-friendly payment gateway. However, the one-time setup fee and higher transaction costs for international cards may pose a challenge for small businesses. Despite these limitations, ShurjoPay’s robust feature set and commitment to security make it a valuable asset for e-commerce businesses in Bangladesh.

9. PortWallet

PortWallet, introduced in 2015, has quickly become a favored payment gateway among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh. The platform’s ability to support a variety of payment methods, including major credit and debit cards, mobile wallets, and Internet banking, makes it a versatile choice for businesses looking to offer multiple payment options to their customers. PortWallet’s PCI-DSS Level 1 certification and SSL encryption provide a secure environment for online transactions, while its advanced fraud detection and prevention systems help safeguard against potential risks. The platform’s user-friendly dashboard allows merchants to easily manage their payments, refunds, and chargebacks, streamlining the overall transaction process.  Nevertheless, PortWallet remains a comprehensive and secure payment solution for SMEs in Bangladesh.

10. 2Checkout

2Checkout is a globally recognized payment gateway that has made a significant impact on the Bangladeshi market. Established in 2000, 2Checkout offers a wide range of payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, and mobile wallets, making it a versatile choice for businesses with international clientele. The platform’s PCI-DSS Level 1 certification and SSL encryption ensure that all transactions are secure, while its advanced fraud detection and prevention tools provide an additional layer of protection. 2Checkout also offers features like recurring billing, global tax and compliance management, and currency conversion, making it an ideal solution for businesses looking to expand globally. However, the platform’s complex pricing structure and high transaction fees may be a concern for some businesses. Despite these challenges, 2Checkout remains a popular choice for businesses seeking a reliable and secure payment gateway for global transactions.

Wrapping Up 

As Bangladesh continues to embrace digitalization, the role of payment gateways in facilitating secure and efficient online transactions will only become more critical. Platforms like bKash, SureCash, DBBL Mobile Banking, iPay, SSLCommerz, AamarPay, ShurjoPay, PortWallet, Easy Pay Way, and 2Checkout have already made significant strides in shaping the digital payment landscape in the country. Each of these solutions offers unique features and services that cater to the diverse needs of businesses and consumers, from robust security measures to seamless integration with e-commerce platforms.

Leave a Comment