Visa celebrates 30 years in Vietnam: connecting communities, powering progress

10/17/2025

● Marking three decades of innovation, inclusion, and partnership, Visa reaffirms its commitment to Vietnam through infrastructure investment, digital transformation, and collaboration with government and industry to build a secure, cashless future.

 

Visa (NYSE: V), the world’s leader in digital payments, marks 30 years in Vietnam, celebrating a legacy of innovation, inclusion, and impact.

To commemorate this milestone, Visa hosted a series of events across Vietnam. In Hanoi, Visa convened government stakeholders for the Visa Vietnam Government Forum 2025, a dedicated session focused on security in digital payments and innovation in government payments. In Phu Quoc, Visa brought together clients – including issuers, acquirers, fintechs, and strategic partners – at the Visa Vietnam Client Forum 2025 to celebrate shared achievements and explore the future of payments innovation. These events underscored Visa’s commitment to Vietnam and its collaborative approach to building a digitally empowered economy.

“It is my honor to represent the leadership of the State Bank of Vietnam at this ceremony marking Visa’s 30 years of presence in Vietnam. As one of the first American companies in this space, Visa helped lay the groundwork for international card payments in Vietnam – supporting Vietnamese consumers in the gradual shift away from cash and accelerating our integration with modern, secure, and efficient payment practices worldwide. The State Bank of Vietnam warmly recognizes and deeply appreciates Visa’s contributions over the past three decades. Looking ahead, we are confident that Visa will continue to lead in innovation. May the partnership between Visa and Vietnam’s banking sector grow ever stronger and more vibrant,” said Mr. Pham Tien Dung, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

“Visa’s 30-year journey in Vietnam reflects our deep alignment with the country’s vision for digital transformation and inclusive growth. We’re proud to have partnered with government agencies, financial institutions, and businesses to build a secure, connected payments ecosystem that empowers everyone. In line with Vietnam’s digital transformation journey, Visa remains committed to investing in intelligent infrastructure, expanding access, and supporting the next chapter of Vietnam’s cashless journey,” said Ms. Dung Dang, Country Manager for Visa Vietnam and Laos.

“Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets, and its progress over the past three decades is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation,” added Mr. Stephen Karpin, Regional President, Visa Asia Pacific. “Visa’s role as a connector, linking local payment systems to our trusted global network, helps unlock opportunity for individuals, businesses, and entire economies. Looking ahead, we’re committed to enabling shared prosperity by combining global-grade security with locally tailored solutions, helping Vietnam thrive in the digital economy of tomorrow.”

Ambassador Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, shared: “Congratulations to Visa on this remarkable milestone. As we celebrate Visa’s 30th anniversary in Vietnam, we also mark 30 years of United States–Vietnam relations. In many ways, Visa’s journey here reflects the extraordinary transformation of our bilateral partnership. More than a payments company, Visa has been a committed partner in Vietnam’s digital transformation. As Vietnam’s economy continues to grow and digitize, I am confident Visa will remain at the forefront, helping to build the financial infrastructure that powers the nation’s future prosperity.”

 

 

Three decades of innovation and infrastructure investment

Visa’s journey in Vietnam began in 1995 with the country’s first international card transaction. Over the years, Visa introduced credit and debit cards, EMV chip technology, and financial literacy programs that helped lay the foundation for a secure and inclusive payments ecosystem. These efforts enabled Vietnam’s transition toward a cashless economy and connected its financial system to the global digital network.

Visa continues to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life for Vietnamese consumers and businesses. In 2025, Visa supported the launch of Ho Chi Minh City’s first tap-to-pay transit system, making commuting faster, safer, and more convenient. This milestone reflects Visa’s commitment to smart mobility and digitized public services – key pillars of Vietnam’s digital transformation.

Recent innovations also include Tap to Phone for small businesses, integration with global digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, and the launch of Flex Credential – a first-in-Southeast Asia solution that redefines payment flexibility. Visa’s infrastructure now connects domestic systems, mobile wallets, and QR platforms to its global network, enabling seamless and secure transactions across borders.

Driving impact through public–private collaboration

Visa’s commitment to Vietnam was further reinforced at the Digital Government Forums, where leaders from across sectors gathered to celebrate shared milestones and discuss the future of digital commerce. These sessions highlighted Visa’s support for the State Bank of Vietnam’s payment security roadmap and sustainability goals, its partnership with The Asia Foundation to train 25,000 women-led businesses, and its work with local organizations to expand financial literacy in underserved communities.

Visa also supports the SBV’s annual Cashless Day, a nationwide movement encouraging digital payments through innovations like tap-to-pay transit and mobile wallet integrations that make digital commerce more accessible and secure.

Empowering communities and building trust

Visa’s impact goes beyond technology. Through initiatives like She’s Next, Accelerate My Business, and Practical Money Skills, Visa has helped unlock opportunity for women entrepreneurs, SMEs, and youth. Visa Foundation has supported over 250,000 small businesses in Vietnam with access to capital and education through partners such as WISE, Beacon Fund, and SAFEEM.

Visa’s AI-powered fraud protection, tokenisation, and global-grade security ensure every transaction is safe and seamless. In 2023 alone, Visa blocked $40 billion in suspected fraud globally, keeping fraud rates at historic lows. These efforts reinforce Visa’s position as the safest way to pay and be paid – trusted globally and locally.

At the Visa Vietnam Client Forum 2025, Visa presented its highest number of Visa Awards to date, honoring excellence across Financial Institutions, Non‑Financial Institutions, Emerging Growing Clients, and Public Sector Partners. The Non‑Financial Institutions category highlights collaborations delivering innovative, fully integrated digital solutions tailored to diverse market needs, while Public Sector Partners recognizes initiatives advancing financial inclusion, modernizing public services, and driving national transformation through Visa Government Solutions.

As Vietnam continues its journey toward a smart, inclusive, and cashless future, Visa remains committed to working alongside its partners to build the infrastructure, trust, and innovation needed to power the next phase of growth – improving lives, expanding opportunity, and helping Vietnam thrive in the digital age.

 

 

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.