Digital payments are becoming widespread, from traditional markets to modern supermarkets.

Digital payments have expanded beyond shopping malls to reach local markets, grocery stores, and small eateries. While previously, QR code scanning, quick transfers, and contactless payments were typically only seen at modern retail outlets, they are now commonplace in everyday transactions. This shift reflects the rapid spread of digital transformation in the banking sector and demonstrates the high readiness of the public, especially in major cities like Hanoi, to access civilized, safe, and convenient payment methods.

According to the State Bank of Vietnam Region 1, the provision of payment services by credit institutions in the area has continued to grow impressively. Modern methods such as Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, e-wallets, QR Code, and domestic chip cards have been widely deployed, creating a foundation for Hanoi to expand new payment models. In many residential areas, the percentage of businesses using cashless payment methods has reached 96-100%. Notably, 100% of supermarkets, shopping malls, and convenience stores in the city now accept digital payments, making this method almost the default choice in retail transactions. Significantly, in densely populated areas, the application of digital payments has shown very clear effectiveness. For example, after the "Smart Market 4.0 - Cashless" model was implemented at Dong Xa Market and Trung Hoa Street, the authorities continued to expand it to Nghia Tan Market. In just three months, over 80% of small traders here have stopped using cash; 70% of shoppers have also switched to scanning QR codes. This change isn't a fad but stems from practical benefits: reducing the risk of loss, shortening payment times, avoiding confusion with change, and creating transparency in transactions. Ms. Nguyen Thu Huong, a vegetable stall owner at Nghia Tan market, shared that the demand for QR code scanning and bank transfers has increased sharply since banks started supporting account opening and providing personal QR codes. "Customers just need to hold up their phones to complete the payment, and I don't have to worry about small change anymore. Everything is much faster and easier," Ms. Huong shared. Similarly, at Dai Tu and Quang Minh markets, the People's Committee of the ward, in coordination with banks and technology companies, organized digital skills training for small traders. As a result, even the elderly – a group often struggling with technology – have become familiar with scanning QR codes and making bank transfers.

Customers simply need to hold up their phone to complete the payment.

The modern retail system in Hanoi is also a crucial driving force. Chains such as WinMart, BRG, Aeon Mall, Co.opmart, Circle K… have simultaneously adopted diverse forms of digital payment. Retail businesses are also actively cooperating with banks and payment intermediaries to implement cashback and discount programs when customers pay using QR codes or mobile banking. These campaigns create a "boost" to encourage consumers to change their habits, while also creating a healthy competitive environment among payment channels.

The spread of digital payments in Hanoi also reflects the general trend nationwide. According to the Payment Department of the State Bank of Vietnam, cashless transactions across the system increased by 43.32% in volume and 24.23% in value compared to the same period last year; transactions via QR code increased by 150.67% in value. VietQR alone reached nearly 90 million active accounts, with 3.6 billion transactions and a value of 9.2 trillion VND. These figures show that QR code payments are becoming the most popular method, creating a solid foundation for localities like Hanoi to promote the popularization of digital payments to individual businesses and residential areas.

Building on the comprehensive digitalization of the banking sector and the positive response from the people, Hanoi is gradually realizing its goal of becoming a smart, civilized, and modern city. The city government will continue to expand the smart market model and the 4.0 commercial street model; strengthen digital skills training for small traders; and coordinate with the banking sector to strongly apply eKYC, open QR codes, artificial intelligence, and next-generation security technologies to enhance transaction security.

Digital payments not only bring convenience to daily life but also serve as a crucial driving force for Hanoi's development of digital commerce, promoting modern consumption and creating a more dynamic economic environment. With its rapid transformation and widespread societal support, digital payments are gradually "covering" the capital city, paving the way for a sustainable and comprehensive digital economy.

Source: https://thoibaonganhang.vn/thanh-toan-so-phu-song-tu-cho-dan-sinh-den-sieu-thi-hien-dai-175045.html