BOC Cards Leading the Way in Sri Lanka’s Cashless Banking Future

In a world where convenience often defines customer satisfaction, the way people handle money is rapidly evolving. For Sri Lankans, the Bank of Ceylon has been at the forefront of this transformation, giving millions access to smarter, safer, and more flexible ways to pay, whether it’s at the corner grocery, across the world, or online from the comfort of home.

For over three decades, BOC has been setting the pace. It introduced Sri Lanka’s first Visa credit card and ATM card in 1989, and today, its credit, debit, travel, and fuel cards continue to serve the changing needs of individuals, professionals, and businesses alike. At the heart of this success is a simple idea: banking should empower people.

Redefining Card Convenience and Reach

“BOC credit and debit cards are gateways to financial empowerment. They embody our commitment to enhancing lifestyles and enabling seamless financial management,” said Y. A. Jayathilaka, Deputy General Manager – Products and Banking Development. The numbers tell their own story.  Over five million active debit cardholders of BOC conduct more than Rs. 300 billion in ATM transactions every month and over Rs. 20 billion in POS and e-commerce transactions.

Credit Cards with Purpose

BOC offers a wide range of Visa and Mastercard credit cards tailored for different lifestyles and financial goals. From Classic to Platinum, and Titanium to World, these cards are accepted at over 30 million merchant outlets and 3 million ATMs globally.

Some cards are designed specifically for professionals, medical officers, accountants, and government employees, with added benefits to suit their lifestyles. State sector credit cards, for example, come with no joining fee, a waived annual fee in the first year, and credit limits based on employee categories. Users enjoy interest-free periods, Travel Insurance, Reward System and exclusive partner offers all year round.

BOC Rewards is a loyalty program by the Bank of Ceylon offering customers exclusive benefits. Members can earn and redeem points for various services, enhancing their overall banking experience.

BOC’s Dominance in Debit Cards

Holding the largest debit card base in the country, BOC accounts for over 30% of Sri Lanka’s ATM transactions. Its wide range of cards includes Mastercard NFC, Visa Classic, Platinum Black, and youth-friendly 14+ and 18+ cards. All are equipped with EMV chip and NFC technology and supported by OTP authentication for added security.

With an extensive ATM and POS network, customers can access cash, transfer funds, check balances, and make payments easily. These cards are also fully enabled for e-commerce, offering users a hassle-free online shopping experience.

For the Frequent Flyer

Travelers looking for convenience abroad turn to BOC’s multi-currency travel card, which allows users to load and carry multiple currencies on a single card . It includes benefits such as backup card and travel insurance. These are accepted worldwide, come with chip and PIN security, and are backed by 24/7 global customer support. Travelers can also reload them online whenever needed, eliminating the hassle of carrying cash.

Fuel Cards for Smarter Spending

Businesses managing vehicle fleets and individuals monitoring fuel expenses can take advantage of BOC’s prepaid fuel cards. These are accepted at fuel stations across the country and help users control spending while streamlining payments.

Looking Ahead

BOC’s digital platforms and growing card portfolio support Sri Lanka’s move toward a cashless society. “Our goal is not only to provide financial products but to offer tools that help customers manage their money efficiently and securely,” Jayathilaka said.

With every tap, swipe, and online transaction, BOC is helping redefine what banking can be. From everyday essentials to international travel, the bank’s card solutions continue to offer reliability, security, and freedom, key ingredients for anyone looking to thrive in a fast-changing financial world.