Glossary

A physical network of small shops and merchants that accept deposits and withdrawals for e-wallet services, crucial for financial inclusion in rural Vietnam.

A short-term financing option allowing consumers to purchase items and pay in installments, often interest-free. Growing rapidly in Vietnam's e-commerce sector.

A payment method where customers pay in cash when receiving their order. Still widely used in Vietnam, especially in rural areas and for first-time online buyers.

Vietnam's centralized credit bureau that maintains consumer and corporate credit histories, operated under the State Bank of Vietnam.

Online shopping that involves purchasing from foreign sellers. Vietnamese consumers actively buy from platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and international sites.

A State Bank of Vietnam circular regulating intermediary payment services, including e-wallets and payment gateways.

The foundational legal framework governing e-commerce activities in Vietnam, including consumer protection, information disclosure, and payment requirements.

Digital payment applications that store funds electronically. Major examples in Vietnam include Momo, ZaloPay, ViettelPay, and ShopeePay.

Generational demographics driving Vietnam's digital economy. Gen Z (born 1997-2012) and Gen Y/Millennials (born 1981-1996) comprise the majority of digital-first consumers.

Southeast Asia's leading super-app, dominant in Vietnam for ride-hailing, food delivery, and financial services through its Moca wallet integration.

The final step of the delivery process where goods reach the end customer. A critical and challenging component of Vietnam's logistics network, especially in rural areas.

Major e-commerce platform in Vietnam, owned by Alibaba Group. Known for LazMall (branded goods) and cross-border shopping features.

Vietnam's largest e-wallet by user base, with approximately 30 million users. Known for its extensive agent network and rewards ecosystem.

E-wallet integrated with Grab's super-app in Vietnam, focused on transportation, food delivery, and lifestyle payments.

National Payment Corporation of Vietnam. The national payment switch that handles interbank transfers, QR standardization, and ATM/POS switching.

Digital-only banks without physical branches. Examples in Vietnam include Timo, Cake by VPBank, and LiveBank, offering mobile-first banking experiences.

A mobile application that integrates multiple services—messaging, payments, ride-hailing, food delivery, and more. Grab and Zalo are leading examples in Vietnam.

The central bank of Vietnam responsible for monetary policy, banking regulation, and payment system oversight.

The leading e-commerce marketplace in Vietnam by traffic and GMV, owned by Sea Group (Singapore). Features integrated payment system ShopeePay.

Vietnam-born e-commerce platform, originally focused on books, now expanded to general merchandise. Known for TikiNow fast delivery service.

A standardized QR code system for payments in Vietnam, enabling interoperability between banks and e-wallets for instant bank transfers.

A major payment service provider in Vietnam offering QR code solutions, payment gateways, and banking app integrations.

E-wallet backed by state-owned Viettel Group (Vietnam's largest telecom), with strong presence in rural and remote areas leveraging Viettel's network.

An e-wallet integrated with Zalo, Vietnam's most popular messaging app, enabling social payments and transfers.