Heavy rain fell on Hanoi today (July 3rd), but many people still visited bank branches to update their biometric information. However, the overcrowding and long waiting times previously experienced have now subsided.
According to our reporters, the main issue encountered was with the NFC scanning step (short-range wireless connection), which some customers had repeatedly attempted to perform at home to no avail, forcing them to visit a bank branch.
The transaction points of BIDV, MB, Techcombank, and TPBank on Lang Ha Street (Dong Da district) experienced reduced crowds compared to the first two days of the week. Within just 5-15 minutes, most individuals could complete their biometric authentication with the guidance of bank staff.
Many empty seats at banks as customers complete biometric authentication within 5-15 minutes.
Several bank branches in Thanh Xuan and Cau Giay districts also witnessed a decrease in customers updating their biometric data. For customers using incompatible devices or those unable to perform the process themselves, banks continued to offer special assistance at their transaction counters.
An employee at the Techcombank branch in Thanh Xuan shared that the number of customers coming in for biometric authentication had significantly decreased compared to recent days. Previously, the transaction area was consistently packed with people lining up, and staff often had to work through lunch breaks. The peak period occurred during the last two weeks of June and the beginning of July, as people became aware of the new regulations, with most customers requiring assistance with NFC scanning, including many elderly individuals.
The elderly update their biometric data with the assistance of bank staff.
Ms. Dang Thi Nhu (68 years old, retired official) shared that she needed to update her biometric information and receive her pension from July 1st, but could only do so today due to the previous overcrowding at her local bank branch. Being unfamiliar with technology, Ms. Nhu decided to go to the bank in person to update her information, as she was concerned about the increasingly sophisticated scams and frauds.
The decrease in the number of people requiring in-person updates can be attributed to banks offering multiple support options, including biometric authentication at 24/7 automated branches and through the VNeID app, which has been level-2 certified.
The system is more stable, allowing customers to perform biometric authentication on their phones.
Money transfers and transactions through bank apps have also stabilized and become more seamless. Previously, many individuals experienced difficulties even after completing biometric authentication.
Ms. Thu Huong (Hanoi) shared that she had updated her biometric data at the end of June and successfully authenticated her face, but was still unable to transfer amounts exceeding VND 10 million. “I encountered this issue throughout July 1st. On July 2nd, the app was occasionally inaccessible, but it has become more stable since then, and money transfers are now faster,” she said.
According to the State Bank of Vietnam, the essence of biometric authentication for money transfers is to verify that the account holder’s information matches the information on their ID card issued by the Ministry of Public Security or the National Database on Population. This helps eliminate fake, non-owner, and illegal accounts. As a result, financial institutions can accurately identify and verify customers during payment transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and scams.
Each customer only needs to update their biometric information once at the bank to ensure the safety of their account. If any changes are required, customers can proactively update their information without any restrictions on the number of times they can do so.
To protect personal information and accounts, banks advise individuals to update their biometric data only through official apps or directly at bank branches. Customers should refrain from using any other websites or applications to prevent the risk of fraud and identity theft.
The Great Biometric Data Rush: A Surge in Enrollment, a Strain on Systems?
As of July 1st, banks, e-wallets, and users are rushing to update their biometric data in compliance with Decision 2345/QĐ-NHNN. This race to meet the deadline has created a flurry of activity as individuals and businesses alike strive to stay ahead of the curve. With the new regulation looming, it’s every entity for itself to ensure a smooth transition and maintain uninterrupted access to financial services.
