With just two weeks left until the December 31, 2024 deadline, bank account holders are hurrying to update their biometric data to avoid interruptions to online transactions starting January 1, 2025.

Customers who fail to update their biometric data or renew expired identification documents such as ID cards, passports, or visas will face suspension of transactions across all channels, including in-branch, online, and ATMs.

These requirements are outlined in Circulars 17/2024/TT-NHNN and 18/2024/TT-NHNN, which regulate the use of payment accounts and bank cards in Vietnam.

The rush to meet the deadline

According to reports from Hanoi on December 16, banks across the city experienced overwhelming crowds as customers flocked to update their biometric data.

At Techcombank’s Linh Dam branch, the customer waiting area was packed by 9:00 a.m., with more than half of those present seeking to update their biometric data or change their ID information.

Nguyen Thi Dien, a transaction officer at Techcombank Linh Dam, explained:

“The number of customers requesting biometric authentication or ID updates has surged since December 10. Customers have to wait longer for service these days.”

Delays and waiting times

Updating biometric data typically takes 3–5 minutes per customer, although those with online accounts may require longer processing times to verify personal information. However, wait times are significantly longer.

At Techcombank Linh Dam, customers waited over 40 minutes on average to be served. Nguyen Thi Dien noted:

“The busiest times are early in the morning or early afternoon. Customers who want to avoid long waits should come mid-morning or late afternoon.”

The situation was even more congested at Vietcombank Linh Dam. On the morning of December 16, over 30 customers were seen waiting for biometric authentication, with some reporting wait times exceeding 40 minutes.

Overcrowding was also observed at larger branches of VPBank, BIDV, ACB, and TPBank. In contrast, smaller branches such as Agribank Thanh Tri and VietinBank Kim Lien reported only 5–6 customers at a time, with services being provided quickly.

A transaction officer at Agribank shared: “All Agribank branches support biometric updates. However, customers tend to prefer larger branches, leading to overcrowding, while smaller branches are less busy and more efficient.”

What happens after January 1, 2025?

Under Decision 2345/QĐ-NHNN, starting July 1, 2024, certain online transactions above specific limits require biometric authentication. From January 1, 2025, account holders who have not updated their documents or biometric data will face restrictions on online and ATM transactions.

Additionally, under the 2023 Identity Law, all 9-digit and 12-digit ID cards will expire on December 31, 2024, necessitating an update to chip-based ID cards for uninterrupted banking services.

These regulations aim to enhance online payment security, foster sustainable cashless transactions, and safeguard customer interests.

Tuan Nguyen