Astha, the digital banking app of BRAC Bank PLC, now serves over nine lakh customers, an achievement that underscores the growing confidence of a digitally empowered clientele.
Launched in 2021, the app was developed to cater to the evolving lifestyles and diverse financial needs of Bangladeshis.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. As the fastest-growing digital banking platform in the country, Astha processed over Tk 19,600 crore in transactions in March 2025 alone, setting a new industry benchmark for monthly app-based banking, according to a press release.
Astha is popular among the young population, with approximately 53 percent of its users aged between 21 and 35, a demographic that prioritises autonomy, convenience, and technological integration.
Among users engaging with Astha’s lifestyle features, 61 percent fall within the same age bracket, indicating the app’s growing role in both financial and everyday life.
Currently, 71 percent of customer transactions are conducted via the app, demonstrating widespread adoption of this mobile-first solution. Astha provides seamless access to essential banking services, empowering users to manage their finances anytime, anywhere.
From real-time fund transfers to bill payments and mobile wallet top-ups, every service within the app is designed for maximum convenience—eliminating the need for transaction fees, branch visits, or waiting in queues.
Astha also simplifies long-term financial planning. Users can open or encash Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) and Deposit Pension Scheme (DPS) accounts, generate or reset card PINs, temporarily block cards, and update nominee information—all from their smartphones. These features are tailored for customers who value accessibility, autonomy, and financial discipline.
“Astha is not just an app; it is a gateway to a smarter financial future for millions of Bangladeshis,” said Selim RF Hussain, managing director and CEO of BRAC Bank PLC.
“Its growth reflects our deep commitment to innovation, customer centricity, and making banking effortless. We believe Astha will continue to shape how people experience banking in Bangladesh—securely, seamlessly, and smartly.”
Among its standout features is ATM cash-out by code, which enables cardless withdrawals—a secure and flexible alternative to conventional ATM use. Customers can automate recurring payments, such as bKash, Rocket, and insurance premiums, through the Standing Instruction facility.
Account sign-up is accessible through various options, including account number, debit or credit card, or DPS number, catering to a wide range of digital literacy levels. The app also offers eKYC-based account opening, card and loan applications, and locators for ATMs, branches, and merchants, raising the bar for digital banking convenience.
Through Astha Lifestyle, users can book bus tickets, access Prothom Alo’s e-paper, stream content via Astha Play, enjoy music, and enrol in upskilling courses on Astha Learning. For those seeking spiritual content, Astha Islamic offers resources aligned with their faith.
Astha also supports informed financial decision-making by offering instant access to account statements, tax certificates, and chequebook confirmations, including Positive Pay, essential tools for SMEs, salaried individuals, and self-employed professionals.
