By Naima Sultana
What if your financial life could be as fast, flexible, and seamless as your ride across town or your next food delivery? Pathao, a homegrown tech giant in Bangladesh, is aiming to make that a reality with the launch of Pathao Pay—a new digital wallet service set to transform how Bangladeshis spend, send, and save money.
Founded in 2015, Pathao has been instrumental in building a robust digital infrastructure that fosters opportunity, empowers individuals, and enhances daily life. Today, it stands as the largest digital services platform in the country and the market leader in ride-sharing, food delivery, and e-commerce logistics.
With over 10 million users, 300,000 drivers and delivery agents, 100,000 merchants, and 10,000 partner restaurants, Pathao is connecting communities while actively contributing to Bangladesh’s digital economy. The platform has already generated more than 500,000 job opportunities nationwide.
Launched as part of Pathao’s expanding digital ecosystem, Pathao Pay is far more than just another mobile payment app; it represents a bold leap towards a more integrated, inclusive, and accessible financial future.
At first glance, Pathao Pay may resemble other e-wallets. However, beneath its streamlined interface lies a suite of features that elevate it into a comprehensive digital finance companion. Whether it’s paying for a ride, splitting a dinner bill, or cashing out at an ATM, Pathao Pay offers a lifestyle upgrade at every touchpoint.
With intuitive features such as Split Pay for effortlessly dividing bills, and Atom for real-time top-ups just before transactions, user convenience is deeply embedded in every aspect of the app.
The wallet accepts top-ups via bank transfers, cards, and Nagad. Once funds are loaded, users can make payments online or in-store, transfer money instantly, and even withdraw cash to a bank account or from an ATM particularly through Pathao’s partner, Mutual Trust Bank PLC (MTBL), or any Mastercard-supported ATM.
Security is a cornerstone of the service. With two-factor authentication, a personal wallet PIN, and live ID verification, Pathao Pay ensures users remain firmly in control of their finances.
From scanning a merchant’s QR code and scheduling recurring payments through AutoPay, to topping up mobile balance within seconds, Pathao Pay simplifies routine transactions. Each user receives a unique Pay Tag, enabling swift transfers without the need to recall lengthy account numbers.
The wallet also supports Group Send Money—ideal for splitting costs or sending allowances to multiple recipients—making it a highly practical tool for individuals and small enterprises alike.
Among the most innovative features is the Pathao Pay Card, a physical Mastercard-powered card that mirrors the digital wallet in real time. Accepted locally and globally, it combines style with function, boasting NFC Tap & Pay technology and a sleek, modern design.
In a country where digital financial inclusion is still evolving, Pathao Pay is working to close the gap. With just a mobile number and National Identity Card (NID), users can get started. Even those without immediate NID access can onboard in a dormant state, completing verification later, a move designed to reduce friction and accelerate adoption.
Pathao Pay is reshaping how users transact, access, and manage their money. Whether it’s for daily essentials or spontaneous purchases, it aims to bring simplicity and control to every financial interaction.
At its core, Pathao Pay empowers users with effortless financial management. It blends the adaptability of modern fintech with the reliability long associated with the Pathao brand.
From topping up your mobile in seconds to setting up automated recurring payments, every feature is purpose-built to eliminate friction from your financial life. It’s not just about managing money; it’s about navigating your day with ease.
Getting started is quick and secure. All you need is a phone number and NID. If your NID isn’t immediately available, registration can still proceed, with your account entering a dormant state until verification is complete.
Once registered, identity verification is conducted via OTP (one-time password) and live facial recognition. After setting up a wallet PIN (personal identification number), you’re ready to explore everything Pathao Pay has to offer within minutes.
Your funds remain accessible at all times. You can withdraw money to your bank account, to any MTBL ATM, or any ATM that supports Mastercard. Simply choose your preferred method, enter the amount, verify, and your money is on its way.
In an increasingly cashless economy, Pathao Pay isn’t merely adapting to the trend; it’s actively shaping the future of financial services in Bangladesh. Through intelligent technology, user-centred design, and strong local relevance, it delivers a digital wallet tailored to the modern Bangladeshi lifestyle.
As digital adoption accelerates, Pathao Pay is positioning itself not just as a convenient tool, but as a trusted partner in everyday financial decisions. In Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape, this may well be the digital wallet to watch.
