bKash vs Nagad vs Rocket vs Upay: Which is Best in 2026?

Choosing the right Mobile Financial Service (MFS) in Bangladesh used to be simple: everyone used bKash. But in 2026, the landscape has changed. Nagad has captured millions of users with lower fees, Rocket remains the king of ATM withdrawals, and Upay is offering the lowest rates in the market.

So, which one should you use? The answer depends entirely on how you cash out. Let's break down the pros and cons of each major provider.

1. bKash: The Reliable Giant

bKash is still the market leader for a reason: reliability and network. You can find a bKash agent in the remotest corners of Bangladesh. However, this convenience comes at a price.

• Standard Charge: 1.85% (18.50 Tk per 1,000)
• Best Feature: Priyo Agent. By setting a favorite agent number, you can cash out up to 50,000 Tk per month at a reduced rate of 1.49%.
• ATM Rate: 1.49% (via BRAC Bank or Q-Cash ATMs).

Verdict: Best for general use. If you use the Priyo Agent feature correctly, the fees are manageable.

2. Nagad: The Cost Cutter

Nagad disrupted the market by offering the lowest standard rates. Being a government-backed service (Bangladesh Post Office), it has gained massive trust.

• App Charge: ~1.30% (12.99 Tk + VAT). This is significantly lower than bKash's standard rate.
• USSD Charge: 1.50% (15 Tk per 1,000).
• Best Feature: No complex tiers. The low rate applies to everyone using the App.

Verdict: The winner for smartphone users. If you always cash out using the App, Nagad is cheaper than bKash's standard rate.

3. Rocket: The ATM King

Rocket, by Dutch-Bangla Bank (DBBL), plays a different game. While their agent network is smaller than bKash, they own the largest network of ATMs in the country.

• Agent Charge: 1.80% (18 Tk per 1,000).
• ATM Charge: 0.9% (9 Tk per 1,000).
• Best Feature: Withdrawing from a DBBL ATM is half the cost of a regular agent cash out.

Verdict: Unbeatable if you live or work near a DBBL ATM.

4. Upay: The Lowest Rate Challenger

Upay, backed by UCB (United Commercial Bank), is the newest major player. They are aggressively competing on price, offering the absolute lowest ATM withdrawal fee in the industry.

• Agent Charge: 1.40% (14 Tk per 1,000) via App.
• ATM Charge: 0.8% (8 Tk per 1,000) at UCB ATMs.
• Best Feature: No hidden conditions. Their standard rates are simply lower than the competition.

Verdict: The absolute cheapest option if you have access to UCB ATMs. 8 Tk per thousand is unbeatable.

Comparison Summary

Final Recommendation

There is no single "best" provider. The smart strategy in 2026 is to use a combination:

• Keep bKash for its wide network and use the Priyo Agent for your first 50,000 Tk withdrawals.
• Use Nagad for general transactions if you prefer using an App.
• Keep Rocket or Upay specifically for large withdrawals if you have access to their ATMs, as this will save you the most money.