Google Pay Officially Launches in Bangladesh, Ushering in a New Era of Digital Payments

In a landmark move toward a cashless economy, Bangladesh has officially welcomed Google Pay, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards digital financial transformation. Launched on June 24, 2025, this major development positions Bangladesh at the forefront of South Asia’s digital payment revolution, thanks to a strategic collaboration between Google, City Bank PLC, Mastercard, and Visa.

Google Pay in Bangladesh: A Major Leap in Digital Finance

The Google Pay in Bangladesh rollout was announced during a prestigious event at The Westin, Dhaka, attended by top financial executives and policymakers. Among them was Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, who hailed the launch as a powerful signal to global investors and an enabler of economic progress.

Through Google Wallet, users can now integrate their City Bank-issued Mastercard or Visa cards into their Android smartphones. This enables secure, contactless payments at any NFC-enabled POS terminal—domestically and internationally. The system is protected by advanced encryption technologies, ensuring user data remains safe while providing unparalleled ease of use.

How Google Pay Empowers Consumers and the Economy

Bangladesh’s digital economy has been steadily growing, but the inclusion of Google Pay adds a transformative layer. With just a tap of their phone, users can now:

• Make purchases without needing physical cards

• Access digital receipts instantly

• Securely store multiple cards and travel passes

• Conduct transactions both locally and globally

This technological leap is not only enhancing consumer convenience but also driving the growth of digital banking infrastructure. Financial inclusion gets a big boost as more people gain access to modern banking tools without needing traditional branches.

The Role of City Bank, Mastercard, and Visa

City Bank stands at the heart of this transformation, being the first bank in Bangladesh to offer Google Wallet compatibility. CEO Mashrur Arefin emphasized their commitment to digital innovation, citing the collaboration as a defining moment for both the bank and the country.

Meanwhile, Mastercard and Visa bring in their robust global infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and trustworthiness. Their role enhances transaction speed, cross-border reliability, and customer confidence.

What This Means for Bangladesh’s Financial Future

Bangladesh’s young, tech-savvy population is a fertile ground for digital adoption. With more than 120 million mobile phone users and growing internet penetration, the timing couldn’t be better. Google Pay will help reduce dependency on cash, lower transaction costs, and increase tax transparency.

It also encourages more businesses to adopt digital payment systems, improving operational efficiency and reducing fraud. From retail to transportation, and education to healthcare, Google Pay’s arrival touches all sectors.

Safety, Convenience, and Innovation at the Core

Security remains paramount. Google Pay’s design integrates multi-layered encryption, biometric authentication, and real-time alerts. This ensures each transaction is not just fast, but also safe. The user-friendly design makes it accessible even to first-time digital payment users.

Next Steps and Expansion

While the initial rollout targets City Bank cardholders, expectations are high for other banks to follow suit. As the ecosystem grows, new features such as peer-to-peer transfers, utility bill payments, and even integration with government services are anticipated.

Stakeholder Reactions and Industry Buzz

At the launch, Shammi Quddus, Group Product Manager at Google Payments, expressed enthusiasm for expanding in South Asia. Both Syed Mohammad Kamal (Mastercard) and Sabbir Ahmed (Visa) underscored the innovation’s potential to elevate financial systems in emerging markets like Bangladesh.

Industry experts predict this move will influence neighboring countries to accelerate their own digital payment initiatives, further positioning Bangladesh as a regional fintech leader.

You Must Know:

Is Google Pay available for all banks in Bangladesh?
Currently, it is exclusive to City Bank customers, but expansions are expected soon.

Can I use Google Pay outside Bangladesh?
Yes, as long as your device is NFC-enabled and your linked card supports international transactions.

Is Google Pay secure?
Yes. It uses advanced encryption and biometric verification for maximum security.

What devices support Google Pay?
All Android smartphones with NFC functionality are compatible.

Do I need internet to make payments?
For most NFC payments, internet isn’t required at the time of transaction, but setup does require connectivity.

Will Google Pay support government payments in the future?
There is potential for integration with public services as adoption increases.

Google Pay in Bangladesh is not just a convenience—it’s a catalyst for systemic change in the way people and businesses interact with money. With strong backing from global tech and finance leaders, Bangladesh is now firmly on the map as a rising digital economy.