How to Pay with VietQR in Vietnam Using BIDV

What VietQR is and where it works

VietQR is NAPAS infrastructure for QR payments between participating banks and payment organisations. A merchant displays a code, and the customer scans it in a supported app, checks the details and confirms. NAPAS describes acceptance at connected shops and online merchants. A QR sticker alone does not mean every banking app can process it.

Paying with BIDV SmartBanking

You need a BIDV account, access to SmartBanking and QR Pay enabled. BIDV says QR Pay works at participating shops and websites. Acceptance depends on the code type and the merchant’s payment network. If the app cannot read the code or show payment details, do not manually transfer to account details on the sticker without checking with the merchant.

Scan a QR code and pay

1. Open the official BIDV SmartBanking app and sign in.
2. On the home screen, tap “Scan QR” or “QR Pay”. The label may vary by app version.
3. Allow camera access if prompted, then point the camera at the merchant’s QR code.
4. Wait for the confirmation screen. Check the recipient name and bank. If the amount is blank, enter the amount shown on the bill or quoted by the merchant.
5. Check the VND amount and the account to be charged. Do not confirm if the recipient, amount or payment purpose does not match the purchase.
6. Confirm with your PIN, biometrics or the available OTP method.
7. Wait for a successful result and an entry in BIDV SmartBanking history. Show the merchant the result only after the app marks it successful.

Check the recipient and payment status

Before confirming, match the displayed name or merchant name to the seller, compare the amount with your bill and check which account will be charged. Afterwards, check the transaction status and app history. If it is pending or the app shows an error, check history and balance before trying again. If money was debited but the merchant cannot confirm payment, save the receipt and contact BIDV through the app or its official support channel.

Fees and BIDV limits

BIDV’s published retail tariff lists domestic transfers through SmartBanking as free, both within BIDV and to other Vietnamese banks. That does not guarantee identical terms for every QR flow: the merchant tariff, QR type and account may differ. Read the fee shown before confirming. For foreign individual customers, BIDV publishes a QR payment maximum of VND 300 million per transaction and VND 1 billion per day. Your account’s actual limit may be lower; check it in the app.

Security and common errors

1. If the recipient name does not match the shop or seller, stop and confirm the details.
2. Inspect the QR code. Do not scan a sticker placed over the original unless the merchant confirms it is theirs.
3. Check the amount. A static QR may not include a price, so you may need to enter it yourself.
4. If the camera cannot read the code, increase screen brightness, clean the camera lens or ask for another code.
5. If the app reports failure, check your balance and transaction history before paying again.
6. Never share your PIN or OTP with a merchant. Confirm only in your own app.

Travellers without a local bank account

You cannot pay a standard bank QR by using the phone camera alone. You need a supported payment account and app. Use cash in VND or an international card where accepted. You may be able to withdraw cash at an ATM if your card and bank support it; check both banks’ fees first. Do not assume a foreign banking app can pay every Vietnamese QR code.

Payment options in Vietnam

Opening a BIDV account as a traveller

Our BIDV account guide describes a first-hand experience opening an account with a 90-day e-visa. Requirements and enabled features can vary by branch and account, so ask whether SmartBanking and QR payments are active when you open yours.