In recent years, Vietnam has witnessed a rapid digital technology boom, particularly in mobile payments. According to data from the Ministry of Science and Technology (formerly the Ministry of Information and Communications), as of July 2024, out of 120 million mobile subscribers nationwide, 100.7 million were using smartphones. Alongside this, the trend of cashless payments has become increasingly prevalent. Surveys show that 59% of users now prefer electronic payment methods for daily transactions, 62% make online payments via banking apps and websites, while 48% use e-wallets and other payment platforms.

Representatives from the Payment Department (State Bank of Vietnam) and NAPAS presented commemorative plaques to four units implementing NAPAS Tap and Pay, including Agribank, VietinBank, Nam A Bank, and VietCredit Finance Company.

These figures clearly reflect a shift in consumer behavior, with people favoring fast, convenient, and secure payment methods. According to the State Bank of Vietnam, in the first seven months of 2025, cashless payment transactions increased 44.40% in volume and 25.04% in value compared to the same period last year. Notably, transactions via mobile phones rose 38.34% in volume and 21.24% in value, while QR code transactions surged 66.73% in volume and 159.58% in value.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Minh (CEO of NAPAS) speaking at the event

Recognizing the potential of mobile payments, NAPAS has launched NAPAS Tap and Pay, a modern payment solution that allows users to digitize their NAPAS domestic cards on smart devices such as watches and smartphones, enabling tap-to-pay transactions without carrying physical cards.

Tap and Pay payment demonstration on stage

Following the successful launch of NAPAS Apple Pay earlier this year, NAPAS now expands the service to mobile devices running the Android operating system. In addition to Nam A Bank, customers of VietinBank, Agribank, and VietCredit Finance can now use NAPAS Tap and Pay via their banking mobile apps quickly, conveniently, and securely.

A key feature of NAPAS Tap and Pay is the simplicity of payment, which requires just a single tap on an NFC-enabled payment terminal (POS). Customers simply add their digitalized card – applicable to all NAPAS card types, including debit, domestic credit, and prepaid cards – to their mobile banking app and complete transactions seamlessly.

With NAPAS Tap and Pay, users can enjoy fast and secure payments for shopping, public transportation, and more with just one quick "tap".

The rollout of NAPAS Tap and Pay not only allows banks and financial companies to offer a modern payment solution to customers and reduce the cost of physical card issuance but also helps increase domestic card usage frequency, thereby driving revenue for issuing institutions. With over 80 million NAPAS contactless cardholders, this service offers a faster, more secure, and convenient payment experience.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Minh – CEO of NAPAS shared:"NAPAS Tap and Pay marks an important step forward in Vietnam's payment digitization journey. It is a fast and convenient payment solution aligned with modern consumer trends, particularly among the younger generation and tech-savvy users. We are confident that expanding this service will further promote cashless payments while enhancing the user experience for domestic cardholders."

Moving forward, NAPAS will continue to strengthen connections with member institutions to expand the NAPAS Tap and Pay mobile payment service nationwide. Simultaneously, NAPAS will foster the development of a convenient digital payment ecosystem across social sectors such as public transportation, public services, healthcare, and more, to enhance seamless payment benefits and experiences for the public.

For instance, in Ho Chi Minh City – a pioneer in integrating modern payment methods into public transportation networks – NAPAS has successfully implemented contactless NAPAS card payments on the metro and buses. Expanding NAPAS Tap and Pay will provide fast and convenient payment experiences, encouraging city residents to use public transportation more frequently.

Through these solutions, NAPAS reaffirms its pioneering role in promoting comprehensive digital payments, contributing to international integration and the development of a digital economy in Vietnam.