The use of payment cards has become quite common in Bangladesh. Most banks and financial institutions issue Visa and Mastercard. However, the scenario is slightly different for American Express (Amex) cards. In Bangladesh, only City Bank issues American Express cards, and there are certain unique benefits and limitations associated with using them.
Acceptance of American Express in Bangladesh
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Bangladesh. Various banks and financial institutions issue these cards, and multiple organizations operate POS acquiring and e-commerce payment gateways. However, American Express operates under a different business model. In Bangladesh, all activities related to American Express cards are exclusively managed by City Bank. This means:
* City Bank is the sole issuer of Amex cards.
* City Bank operates the POS acquiring network.
* City Bank provides the online payment gateway.
As of February 2025, City Bank has deployed 34,054 POS machines across 20,117 merchants nationwide, maintaining a leading position in the POS acquiring industry. Additionally, SSLCommerz, Bangladesh’s largest online payment gateway, has integrated American Express into its system. As a result, almost all merchants connected to SSLCommerz can now accept payments via Amex cards, significantly expanding the use of American Express for online transactions.
Limitations of Using American Express
Despite its growing acceptance, there are still some limitations to using American Express in Bangladesh:
❌ Some physical stores and online platforms still do not accept Amex.
❌ Certain government fees, taxes, and payments for public services do not support American Express.
❌ Some local e-commerce platforms and POS machines only accept Visa or Mastercard.
Considering all factors, using City Bank’s American Express card in Bangladesh is generally smooth, particularly for POS and online transactions. The integration with SSLCommerz has further simplified online payments, making Amex increasingly popular. However, some limitations still exist, which may improve in the future.
To learn more about American Express and share your opinions and experiences, join the AMEX User of Bangladesh Facebook group today! Click here to join..
SM SHAMIM HASAN
Head of Public Relations
Card Expert Hub
Source: City Bank PLC
Disclaimer: The mentioned charges, fees, service types, and terms & conditions are subject to change, modification, or addition by the respective bank/financial institution at any time. We hold no responsibility for such changes. For the latest information, please contact the respective bank’s call center.