5 Proven Ways to Save Money on Cash Out Charges

•4 min read

If you frequently use mobile financial services like bKash or Nagad, you know the pain of the "Cash Out" fee. Paying 18.50 Tk for every 1,000 Tk withdrawal adds up quickly. If you withdraw 20,000 Tk a month, that's nearly 4,500 Tk per year just in fees!

The good news? You don't have to pay the full price. Here are 5 proven strategies to cut your cash out costs in 2026.

1. Always Use the App (Avoid USSD)

Providers want you to use their smartphones apps, and they incentivize it with lower fees.

  • Nagad: Using the App costs ~13 Tk per 1,000. Using USSD (*167#) costs 15 Tk.
  • Upay: App charge is often lower than USSD depending on the agent.

Tip: Even if you have a button phone, try to log in to the app on a family member's smartphone for large withdrawals.

2. Maximize the "Priyo Agent" Feature

bKash's "Priyo Agent" is the single best way to save for regular users. By adding your local agent's number as a "Priyo" number in the bKash app:

  • The fee drops from 18.50 Tk to 14.90 Tk.
  • This applies to withdrawals up to 50,000 Tk per month.

Strategy: Add the agent near your home or office as your Priyo Agent. You can change this number once every month.

3. Switch to ATMs for Large Amounts

Agents have high overhead costs (shop rent, staff), so their fees are higher. ATMs are automated and much cheaper.

  • Rocket (DBBL ATMs): Only 0.9% (9 Tk per 1,000).
  • Upay (UCB ATMs): Only 0.8% (8 Tk per 1,000).
  • bKash (BRAC/Q-Cash ATMs): 1.49% (14.90 Tk per 1,000).

Comparison: Withdrawing 10,000 Tk via a Rocket agent costs 180 Tk. Via a DBBL ATM, it costs only 90 Tk. You save 90 Tk instantly!

4. Use "Send Money" Instead

Do you really need cash? In 2026, almost every shop, pharmacy, and grocery store accepts bKash or Nagad payments ("Merchant Pay").

Merchant payments are usually free for the customer. Instead of cashing out money to buy groceries, pay the merchant directly. You save the entire 1.85% fee.

5. Plan Your Withdrawals

Avoid cashing out small amounts frequently. While the percentage fee is the same, frequent small withdrawals make it harder to track your monthly limits (like the 50,000 Tk Priyo limit).

Calculate exactly how much cash you need for the week using our Cash Out Calculator, and withdraw it all at once from a cheaper source (like an ATM or Priyo Agent).