Visa, Hanoi Metro Launch Open-Loop Payments Across Metro Network

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, in partnership with Hanoi Metro Company, announced the launch of a fully interoperable open-loop payment system across Hanoi’s metro network, covering Line 2A (Cat Linh – Ha Dong) and Line 3.1 (Nhon – Hanoi Station). This launch marks an important milestone, enabling all Visa cardholders to tap and go on all metro lines in Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The launch allows commuters to pay for their journeys seamlessly and securely with a simple tap of a contactless card, mobile device, or wearable, removing the need for cash or separate transit cards and making daily travel more seamless across the network.

For passengers, the change means smoother station entry, shorter queues, and a more convenient way to move around the city – particularly during daily peak travel times. The new payment experience also marks a major step forward in modernising public transport in Vietnam’s capital, aligning with Plan 428 issued by the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Construction, and the Hanoi People’s Committee.

“This launch is an important milestone in making everyday transit simpler for commuters in Hanoi. With a quick tap, people can move through the metro quickly and easily, without needing cash or separate tickets. That convenience helps make public transport more accessible to more people, supports digital and financial inclusion, and contributes to a smoother, more connected urban mobility experience across the city,” said Ms. Dung Dang, Visa Country Manager for Vietnam and Laos.

Throughout the collaboration, Visa and its partners also outlined initiatives aimed at further enhancing the passenger experience and preparing Hanoi’s transport network for future growth, including:

An omnichannel acceptance solution powered by the Visa Acceptance Platform (Cybersource): Visa Mass Transit Transactions have been fully deployed across Hanoi’s metro lines, enabling Vietnamese passengers and international visitors to enjoy a seamless tap‑and‑go experience consistent with how they travel in cities around the world, alongside multiple payment options. With VietinBank as the acquiring partner, we are jointly expanding Hanoi Metro’s payment acceptance capabilities to deliver greater convenience for passengers.

A Vietcombank – Visa – Hanoi Metro MeGo cobranded card for public transport users: A co-branded card designed for metro and public transport users, featuring carbon footprint tracking powered by Visa Climate Tech tools to help consumers make more informed and sustainable travel choices.

A pathway toward integrated urban mobility: Plans to extend the same payment experience across additional public transport services in Hanoi, laying the groundwork for one of Vietnam’s first Mobility as a Service (MaaS) ecosystems.

Biometric‑enabled transit payments for frictionless, secure journeys: As part of Plan 428, Visa, in collaboration with Hanoi Metro, has introduced biometric authentication for transit payments across Hanoi Metro’s operating lines. This enables citizens to access metro gates through a seamless tap-and-go experience using government-issued ID cards with biometric credentials or VNeID. The initiative reflects our shared commitment with the Vietnamese government to strengthen security standards while accelerating digital payments, innovation, and smart urban mobility.

Mr. Khuat Viet Hung, Chairman of the Members’ Council of Hanoi Metro Company, said: “The fare collection system, which uses biometric authentication and cashless payments under Plan 428, has the potential to scale an integrated transport model, enhancing the passenger experience and supporting the long-term vision of modernising Hanoi’s public transport system. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Visa and relevant stakeholders to expand integrated digital services across the city’s transport network.”

By Vietnam Business Forum