Vietnam banks freeze accounts lacking biometric data

Effective 1 January 2025, Vietnam’s central bank regulations require all payment accounts to have biometric data that matches the national population database. Accounts without such data, or with mismatched data, will have all electronic withdrawals and transfers blocked.

The rules also mandate that banks suspend transactions for accounts using expired identification. The nine‑digit identity card lost legal validity after 31 December 2024, and customers must present a new chip‑embedded citizen ID to keep their accounts active. From 1 January 2026, passports will no longer be accepted for banking transactions.

Vietcombank, VietinBank, Agribank and BIDV have announced compliance with these measures, which also incorporate anti‑money‑laundering provisions allowing authorities to order account freezes in civil or criminal cases.