Breaking News: Major Vietnamese Banks to Discontinue Acceptance of Certain Documents from January 1, 2026 – Unupdated Accounts Face Transaction Restrictions

Recently, numerous banks have issued urgent notices regarding the adjustment of valid identification documents to comply with Circulars 17 and 18/2024 of the State Bank of Vietnam. Effective January 1, 2026, Vietnamese citizens will no longer be able to use their passports for identity verification or banking transactions as previously allowed.

Instead, the system will only accept three valid forms of identification: Chip-embedded Citizen Identity Cards (CCCD), new Identity Cards, or Electronic Identity Cards (via VNeID).

This regulation impacts all personal financial activities. If data is not standardized, customers will be unable to perform basic transactions such as withdrawals, transfers, counter payments, or card issuance and management.

To prevent account suspension or last-minute transaction rejections, customers who previously opened accounts using passports must promptly bring their original chip-embedded CCCD or Identity Card to bank branches or transaction offices to update their information before the January 1, 2026 deadline. Major banks like Vietcombank, VietinBank, Agribank, and BIDV have collectively issued urgent notices tightening this regulation.

In addition to phasing out passports, banks are also tightening regulations on the validity of CCCDs. Accounts will have payment, withdrawal, and online transaction features temporarily suspended if the identification documents stored in the system have expired.

According to the 2023 Identity Card Law, citizens must note the mandatory card renewal ages of 14, 25, 40, and 60. Those approaching these ages in 2026 should proactively obtain new cards and update their bank systems (via apps or in-person) to ensure uninterrupted cash flow.