The "Tap and Go" solution is currently implemented on the Cat Linh - Ha Dong and Nhon - Ha Noi Station metro lines. This innovation allows passengers to use their bank cards directly for payment at control gates, eliminating the need for traditional tickets. Users simply tap their card on the reader device at the station to complete a transaction and begin their journey.

Nguyen Vu Cong, Deputy Director of the Card Center, representing VietinBank, received the Sao Khue 2026 award. Photo: VietinBank

Powering this smart payment model is a unified payment processing and coordination center built by VietinBank. This center connects the bank, transport operators, and digital payment platforms. The system facilitates real-time transaction processing, synchronizes payment data, and ensures the stable operation of the metro network.

To meet the high transaction demand at stations, especially during peak hours, VietinBank invested in technology infrastructure capable of high-speed transaction processing. The bank also implemented security layers, including data encryption, transaction authentication, and real-time monitoring, to enhance customer safety.

The platform is designed for flexible scalability, ready to integrate additional services in the future. This supports the goal of developing smart cities by connecting transportation, payments, and other digital utilities.

In Vietnam, VietinBank is among the pioneering banks collaborating with Visa and Ha Noi Railway One Member Limited Company to implement the contactless card payment model on metro lines. According to these parties, the solution was developed to promote cashless payments, enhance the public transport experience, and support digital transformation in the transportation sector.

In the coming period, VietinBank expects to expand this model to buses, smart parking lots, and other urban mobility services.

People tap their cards to pay at the control gate at a metro station. Photo: VietinBank

According to experts, public transportation is a sector with high transaction frequency, closely linked to people's daily lives. Integrating digital payments into these services can help change cash usage habits and accelerate digital transformation in daily life.

Furthermore, reducing paper ticket usage helps save operational costs, limits waste, and moves towards an environmentally friendly transportation model. The quick payment experience is also expected to encourage more people to use public transport, helping major cities reduce traffic and environmental pressure.

A VietinBank representative stated that the Sao Khue 2026 award acknowledges the bank's efforts in developing technology solutions for digital life. It also serves as motivation for the bank to continue expanding payment applications in transportation and smart city domains.

Minh Ngoc