HCM City (VNS/VNA) - Mastercard presented an overview of Vietnam’s remarkable transition toward digital payments, while highlighting a series of innovative initiatives that promote more modern, safe, and seamless cashless spending behaviours at the recent '“Cashless Day 2025' conference.
According to Mastercard data, Vietnam has recorded a remarkable 92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in contactless transaction volume from Q4 2022 to Q4 2024.
Sapan Shah, Executive Vice President, Acceptance – Asia Pacific, Mastercard, said that this strong momentum is fueled by an increasingly advanced and secure payment ecosystem, driven by technologies such as Tap to Pay and tokenisation, alongside collaboration among banks, fintech firms, and merchants.
Shah also emphasised the pivotal role of the State Bank of Vietnam in leading the digital transformation of the country’s financial system.
During the event, Mastercard introduced three key initiatives launched in the past year:
In partnership with VPBank, Mastercard rolled out the Pay by Account solution, allowing users to make secure digital payments directly from their bank accounts via mobile apps – without the need for a physical card.
Collaborated with HCM City Urban Railways No.1 (HURC1) to integrate contactless payments on Metro Line 1, enabling commuters to simply 'tap and ride' while offering international travellers a seamless way to pay using their global cards.
Partnered with NAPAS and leading banks to launch Vietnam’s first co-badged card, enabling flexible and seamless domestic and international transactions.
Drawing from regional insights, Shah also introduced Mastercard Pay Local – a solution that enables international travelers to use their familiar digital wallets for card-based payments abroad, eliminating the need for cash or currency exchange.
By participating in Cashless Day 2025, Mastercard reaffirms its long-term commitment to partnering with the Government of Vietnam and financial ecosystem to build a sustainable, inclusive, and globally connected cashless future./.

See more

Hanoi’s key industries given priority to drive growth
Hanoi is implementing a series of breakthrough plans, ranging from attracting investment and developing high-tech products to facilitating businesses’ global expansion, with a goal of transforming it into the country’s leading hub for key industries and supporting industries.

More than 86 million bank accounts to be terminated from September 1
The SBV stated that the deletion of over 86 million bank accounts was considered a system cleanup measure.

HCM City apartment prices hit record highs, raising affordability alarm
Apartment prices in central HCM City have hit a record 600 million VND (23,500 USD) per sq.m, raising concerns over affordability and income disparity.

Public corporate bond offerings expected to rebound rapidly in H2 2025
Corporate bonds — especially those issued via public offerings — are expected to regain momentum in the second half of 2025, buoyed by a mix of policy support and rising market demand.

Swiss delegation explores business, investment opportunities in Vinh Long
Vinh Long province is home to 188 active foreign direct investment (FDI) projects from 24 countries, with a total registered capital of 5.74 billion USD, but none yet from Switzerland.

PM calls for swift, humane settlement of stalled projects
Progress demands strong determination, great effort, and decisive action, PM Pham Minh Chinh said, pressing for clearly defined roles, tasks, responsibilities, timelines, and authority to drive effective outcomes.

Becamex, IFC advance green industrial park model in Vietnam
Under the cooperation agreement signed on July 16, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will support Becamex IDC in conducting preliminary assessments for up to five industrial parks using the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP) certification framework.

FTSE Russell backs Vietnam’s push for transparent capital market
An official of FTSE Russell has expressed confidence in a long-term partnership with Vietnam through 2045, when the country aims to emerge as a modern industrialised nation with a transparent, advanced and globally integrated financial market.

Central bank to assess compliance of banks in risk management
The SBV has so far issued a system of documents guiding the implementation of Basel, such as Circular 41/2016/TT-NHNN regulating the capital adequacy ratio for banks and foreign bank branches and Circular 13/2018/TT-NHNN regulating the internal control system of commercial banks and foreign bank branches. MB highly appreciates the SBV’s system of legal documents.

E10 fuel rollout marks key step in Vietnam’s green energy transition
The nationwide adoption of E10 fuel aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and accelerating its transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy model.

Fuel prices fall slightly from July 17
Retail fuel prices in Vietnam have seen a slight decrease as of 15:00 of July 17, following a decision by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance.

Vietnam fosters comprehensive cooperation with France's Normandy region
This diverse cooperation, spanning from sports to nuclear energy and high-tech, reflects the immense potential of the Vietnam-France comprehensive strategic partnership. Normandy's strengths align well with Vietnam's goal of becoming a modern industrial nation by 2045, solidifying its role as a strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region.

Remittances to former HCM City surge in Q2
The rise was driven by contributions from multiple regions, with Africa leading the charge at 130.8% increase compared to the same quarter last year. Europe contributed a solid 16% growth, while the Americas added 11.9% and Oceania contributed 8.9% to the overall increase.

HCM City–Long Thanh Expressway faces partial closures for repairs until mid-August
According to the Vietnam Expressway Services Engineering Joint Stock Company (VECE), which operates the 55-km expressway, repairs began on July 15 and include replacement of expansion joints on the Long Thanh Bridge and maintenance of the expressway’s ITS.

Circular economy seen as key to sustainable agriculture
Adopting circular practices is no longer optional but essential. This model, which reduces waste and reuses resources, is seen as vital to boosting productivity, protecting the environment, and improving farmers’ incomes.

Strategic investors key to Vietnam’s international financial centre ambitions: Insiders
Vietnam’s roadmap to establishing international financial centres (IFCs) hinges not only on planning, infrastructure and human capital, but above all, on attracting strategic investors, according to experts.

Vietnam, Azerbaijan strengthen startup connections, expand digital investment cooperation
The event focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in logistics, energy, technology, e-commerce, healthcare, and education. It also aimed to formalise strategic partnerships, improve legal frameworks, and connect resources among government agencies, enterprises, and startup support organisations from both countries.

Reference exchange rate going up on July 17
The State Bank of Vietnam set the daily reference exchange at 25,176 VND/USD on July 17, up 8 VND from the previous day.

Vietnam plant is a strategic export hub for Kumho Tire
Kumho Tire’s manufacturing facility in Vietnam has emerged as a strategic export hub for the Korean tire giant, driving growth in key international markets while showcasing remarkable progress in financial health.

Thai group opens 43rd shopping mall in Vietnam
With a total investment of 429 billion VND (about 16.4 million USD) and spanning 16,000 square meters, Go! Hung Yen is designed as a multi-functional commercial centre, aiming to meet the diverse needs of local consumers.