E-Commerce Growth with Digital Payments

Vietnam’s e-commerce industry is experiencing immense growth, fueled by a rapid shift towards digital payments. With millions of new consumers transacting online and businesses competing to capture market share, one key question stands out: Is your payment strategy ready to keep up with Vietnam’s digital-first shoppers? 

Today, having a strong digital payment strategy is no longer optional. It builds customers’ trust, improves conversion rates, and secures long-term loyalty. From the rise of digital wallets in Vietnam to seamless checkout systems, these changes are reshaping Vietnam’s digital economy. 

For entrepreneurs and SMEs, understanding these shifts is crucial. This guide highlights the rise of cashless payments, explores the top solutions available, and shows how partnering with DHL Express Vietnam ensures that smooth payments are matched with fast, reliable delivery.

Understanding the rise of digital payments in Vietnam

Vietnam is fast becoming a regional leader in cashless payment adoption. The country’s digital economy is projected to reach approximately $45 billion by 2025, with projections to reach between $90 billion to $200 billion by 2030.¹ Government initiatives, such as the national target to ensure 80% of adults have bank accounts by 2030 and annual campaigns are accelerating this shift.²

Consumer behavior is also changing rapidly. Vietnam’s pace of adopting cashless transactions is remarkable, surpassing some of the world’s most developed markets, including South Korea, the U.K., and Germany, in terms of mobile payment penetration.³ In major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, cashless payment in Vietnam is becoming the default for everyday transactions, from online shopping to food delivery. 

Mobile wallets are a favored payment method by 80% of consumers surveyed, while 68% frequently use tap-to-pay solutions. Additionally, 39% of consumers feel confident using their smartphones for high-value transactions, reflecting both trust in mobile payment security and a comfort with mobile-first solutions.⁴

Identifying trends shaping Vietnam's digital payment landscape

Vietnam’s digital payment ecosystem is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, shifting consumer behaviour, and innovative financial solutions. To thrive in this market, businesses must understand the key trends shaping digital payments in 2025:

• Mobile & social shopping: Smartphones and social media platforms, such as TikTok Shop, are driving a mobile-first shopping experience. Consumers increasingly complete purchases and payments directly within apps, making seamless mobile transactions a core expectation.
• QR codes & e-wallets boom: QR-based payments, including VietQR, are seeing exponential adoption, particularly among SMEs. Similarly, e-wallet platforms in Vietnam like MoMo (over 30 million users)⁵, ZaloPay, and VNPAY allow instant payments, loyalty rewards, and cashback, making them top choices for everyday transactions.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) adoption: BNPL solutions continue to grow in popularity, especially with younger consumers seeking flexible payment options. These solutions help increase average order values and improve conversion rates for e-commerce businesses.
• Real-time and account-to-account payments: Consumers and businesses are demanding faster, more efficient transactions. Real-time and account-to-account payment solutions facilitate instant domestic and cross-border transfers, catering to both B2B and P2P payments.
• Personalized experiences: Gen Z and Millennial shoppers increasingly expect tailored offers and recommendations. Leveraging data and AI-driven insights helps businesses provide customized experiences, driving loyalty and repeat purchases.
• Enhanced security: With the rise of digital payments, robust security measures are critical. Fraud detection systems, tokenization, and other secure payment technologies help protect consumers and businesses, building trust in mobile and online transactions.

Selecting the top digital payment solutions for your store

To stay competitive in Vietnam’s e-commerce market, offering multiple cashless payment options is crucial. Leading digital payment solutions include:

• E-wallets: Digital wallet platforms in Vietnam like MoMo, ZaloPay, and VNPAY enable instant payments, loyalty rewards, and cashback incentives.
• QR codes (VietQR): Easy-to-set-up QR payments are widely recognized and rapidly adopted, especially by SMEs.
• Bank transfers: Trusted for high-value purchases, mobile banking apps remain a reliable cashless payment method.
• BNPL solutions: Integrating BNPL providers appeals to younger consumers and encourages higher order values.
• Global bank cards: Visa, Mastercard, and Click to Pay cater to international shoppers and higher-income segments.

By aligning with these trends and offering versatile payment options, businesses can enhance customer experience, boost conversion, and build loyalty in Vietnam’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Choosing the right digital payment gateway for your business

Picking the right digital payment gateway is critical to keeping transactions smooth and secure. When evaluating options, consider:

• Security: Fraud protection, PCI DSS compliance, and strong authentication measures.
• Integration: Easy setup with your e-commerce platform and compatibility with popular payment methods.
• Reporting: Clear dashboards and data insights to track sales and customer behavior.
• Pricing: Transparent fees that match your transaction volume and business size.

Local players in Vietnam such as Transfi, 9Pay, and NganLuong offer tailored solutions with strong local bank integrations. For businesses selling internationally, platforms like Stripe and Adyen provide advanced features and multi-currency support.

Ensuring a seamless post-payment delivery experience

A strong digital payment strategy is only the beginning. To complete the customer journey, your delivery process must be equally seamless, with optimized shipping for repeat business and loyal customers. Shoppers today expect instant order confirmations and continuous updates via email, SMS, or chat apps. This reassurance builds trust and reduces cart abandonment.

With DHL Express Vietnam, businesses can meet these expectations through:

• Extensive overseas network: Reach over 220 countries and regions reliably and efficiently.
• Effortless door-to-door solutions: Focus on growing your business while DHL manages shipments end-to-end.
• Advanced tools and platforms: Manage shipments easily with MyDHL+, MyBill, and On-Demand Delivery (ODD).
• Flexible delivery options: Select the time and place of arrival to suit your business and customers.
• Real-time tracking and updates: Track your parcels’ clearance and transit status, providing transparency and peace of mind.

As digital payments accelerate shopping, customers also expect deliveries to keep pace. DHL ensures your products arrive reliably, efficiently, and on time, bridging the gap between payment and fulfillment.

Thriving in Vietnam's e-commerce future with DHL Express

The combination of a strong digital payment strategy and reliable logistics forms a powerful growth engine for businesses in the e-commerce market in Vietnam. While diverse payment options drive conversions, fast and dependable international delivery fosters customer loyalty and encourages repeat purchases.

As Vietnam’s digital economy continues to expand, businesses that align operations with both payment and logistics expectations will stay ahead. With DHL Express Vietnam’s global logistics network, e-commerce shipping expertise, and innovative delivery solutions, your e-commerce business can improve operational efficiency and scale confidently, both locally and internationally.

Open a DHL Express business account today and transform seamless payments into seamless growth.