Now available to City Bank Visa and Mastercard users, Google Pay brings secure NFC payments to Android smartphones across Bangladesh.
On June 24, 2025, Google Pay officially launched in Bangladesh, introducing a new chapter in the country’s journey toward digital transformation. Hosted at the Westin Dhaka, the event brought together Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur and representatives from Google, City Bank, Mastercard, and Visa to mark the debut of the global digital payment platform in the Bangladeshi market.
This launch brings Google Pay Bangladesh into focus as it offers Android users a secure, easy-to-use contactless payment solution. Currently, only City Bank’s Visa and Mastercard holders can use the service. They simply need to link their debit or credit cards to the Google Pay app to start making NFC-enabled payments at home and abroad. Google confirmed that it does not charge any transaction fees for the service, although standard bank charges may still apply for international use.
The digital payments landscape in Bangladesh has grown rapidly over the last decade, thanks to popular mobile financial services like bKash and Rocket. However, Google Pay brings a globally trusted, tokenized, and contactless payment option that’s new to many local users. With 95% of smartphones in Bangladesh running Android, Google Pay is positioned to become a mainstream payment method, especially among urban and tech-savvy users.
One of the standout features of Google Pay is its emphasis on payment security. It uses advanced tokenization, replacing the actual card number with a unique encrypted token, which prevents sensitive data from being shared with merchants. Additionally, the app supports biometric and PIN authentication and allows users to lock or erase their device remotely if lost or stolen via Google’s Find My Device.
The availability of contactless transactions in Bangladesh has been growing, particularly in retail outlets and malls where NFC terminals are increasingly used. Google Pay makes use of this infrastructure and requires no additional setup for merchants who already accept contactless cards.
This launch is the result of a strategic collaboration between Google, City Bank, Visa, Mastercard, and the oversight of Bangladesh Bank. While City Bank is currently the only local issuer integrated with Google Pay, other banks are expected to join soon. The partnership is seen as a major step in achieving the country’s broader vision of a cashless and Smart Bangladesh by 2041.
For Bangladeshi consumers, the benefits are significant. Google Pay allows for quick and secure payments, reduces the need to carry physical wallets, and adds another layer of security compared to traditional debit or credit cards. Additionally, users can make international purchases and travel payments more conveniently, enhancing cross-border financial freedom.
On the merchant side, the process is simple—any business that already accepts NFC card payments in Bangladesh can also accept Google Pay. There’s no need for special registration, which makes the system scalable and business-friendly.
There are some challenges, however. Many small businesses and rural merchants still lack NFC-enabled POS terminals, and awareness of contactless payments remains low outside major cities. Furthermore, Google Pay typically requires an internet connection, which could be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity. Despite these hurdles, the platform’s global reputation and Google’s commitment to user privacy are likely to help increase adoption rates over time.
Google Pay’s rollout aligns with Bangladesh’s strategy to increase financial inclusion, modernize digital banking, and integrate more citizens into the formal economy. It complements existing services, rather than replacing them, by offering an alternative payment option that is both international and technologically robust.
City Bank officials noted that the launch is just the first step. Plans are already in place to expand Google Pay’s services to more cardholders and eventually integrate with loyalty programs and government services. This also opens the door for future collaborations involving transit payments, bill payments, and e-commerce checkout options, helping to further digitize the financial system.
The introduction of Google Pay marks a major shift in Bangladesh’s digital finance ecosystem. As the country’s fintech infrastructure grows and regulatory bodies encourage innovation, platforms like Google Pay will likely play a central role in building a more modern, secure, and inclusive economy.
This development not only boosts user convenience but also strengthens Bangladesh’s position in global fintech networks. The success of this initiative will depend on continued collaboration between banks, government, and technology providers to ensure accessibility, reliability, and widespread adoption.
source : thedailystar
