The global payments brand of Discover Financial Services (DFS) cardholders will have more options to make payments at merchants throughout Vietnam from December 22.

Implementation is being conducted under the Network Alliance agreement between the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) and Discover Global Network (DGN). The Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) is the first member of NAPAS to enable DGN acceptance at merchants around the country.

With a market expansion strategy through network alliances with domestic payment / card schemes, DGN is now partnering with over 20 such network alliances in markets like Turkey, Brazil, India, and South Korea. In Vietnam, DGN and NAPAS have an alliance partnership that allows cardholders from Discover, Diners Club International, and other affiliate networks of DGN to access the ATM and POS systems of NAPAS members, which include Vietnamese Acquirers in Vietnam.

With the successful cooperation between NAPAS and BIDV, from December 22, DFS cardholders can enjoy a hassle-free and convenient cashless payment method when travelling to Vietnam. The launch of the service is a step towards welcoming foreign tourists in Vietnam once again as the border reopens within the “new normal”.

BIDV is the first member of NAPAS to accept cards on DGN. It is now operating a wide acceptance network in Vietnam, with 2,000 ATMs and over 37,800 POS at numerous tourist attractions, shopping areas, and retailers. The successful launch is the result of fruitful and mutual collaboration between NAPAS and BIDV with the purpose of providing the best possible benefits to Vietnamese clients and corporations.

NAPAS is processing domestic transactions for International Card Schemes in Vietnam to comply with Circular No. 19/2016/NHNN-TT and its revisions. The partnership between NAPAS and DGN with the participation of BIDV is key to enabling this important acceptance footprint in Vietnam, local law compliance, and cooperation for development with local enterprises. NAPAS will liaise continuously with DGN to extend the network acceptance in Vietnam, according to Mr. Nguyen Dang Hung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer.