Vietnam International Bank (VIB) has launched a groundbreaking suite of international debit cards, setting a new benchmark in the card market by transforming debit cards from simple cash withdrawal tools into smart, benefit-rich spending instruments. This strategic move reflects a shift in consumer spending behaviour, where customers increasingly seek to balance lifestyle and experiences with effective financial management.

Tuong Nguyen, Deputy CEO of VIB, highlighted that this new debit card suite underlines the bank’s commitment to leading card trends in the market. "Beyond basic payment functions, VIB's debit card lines offer outstanding cashback value, a wide range of options tailored to different customer segments, and easy accessibility," he said, emphasising how customers can maximise benefits directly from their current accounts through daily transactions.

Traditionally, debit cards have been overshadowed by credit cards or QR code payments, often limited to basic cash management. VIB’s new offering disrupts this norm by introducing five distinct debit card lines catering to diverse user needs. The Smart Card offers up to 5% cashback on online shopping and unlimited supplementary cards for various payment platforms. The Junior Smart Card is notably the first in the market that allows children as young as six to have their own debit card. For premium users, the Platinum and Signature cards provide up to 5% cashback on international transactions or lifestyle spending categories like dining, travel, and shopping, coupled with multiple complimentary airport lounge visits.

A key innovation lies in VIB’s flexible cashback mechanism. Unlike many debit cards that require minimum spending thresholds, VIB ties cashback rewards directly to the customer’s current account balance — the higher the balance, the greater the cashback benefit, up to 5%, with a ceiling of VND900,000 ($34.1) per month. This approach allows customers to earn rewards on every transaction, regardless of size, delivering tangible daily financial value. Additionally, customers can integrate these cards with other VIB products, such as the Super Account, which generates interest returns of up to 4.3% per annum even on one-day deposits, effectively turning the current account into a dual-benefit financial hub.

On the technology front, all VIB debit cards support advanced payment methods including Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Samsung Pay, Garmin, and fast QR code payments, enhancing convenience and security for users.

Importantly, the new debit card suite is a strategic addition to VIB’s personalised financial ecosystem, providing customers—especially younger users not eligible for credit cards—with a comprehensive entry point into the bank’s array of financial products. Beyond debit cards, VIB supports upgrades to credit cards with flexible features such as interest-free periods of up to 57 days and instalment payment options. VIB also offers Super Cash, an unsecured personal loan of up to VND1 billion ($37,892), enabling customers to manage their finances smartly across products.

The bank has streamlined access by providing fully digital card issuance through its MyVIB and Max Powered by VIB apps, allowing customers to obtain virtual cards within five minutes.

To mark the launch, VIB is offering an attractive promotion: a waiver of the first-year annual fee for new customers who spend at least VND1 million ($37.89), alongside a complimentary VIB Cashback credit card, further amplifying the benefits for users.

This move aligns with VIB’s strong performance in recent periods, having announced profits exceeding $190 million in the first half of 2025, driven by robust credit growth and asset quality focus. The bank also celebrated reaching one million credit cards in circulation, underscoring its leadership and innovation in Vietnam’s payment card market.

Complementing the debit card offerings, VIB provides a broad array of payment cards to meet various customer needs, including Family Link cards designed for family-related expenses like education and healthcare, and premium credit cards with enhanced cashback, points accumulation, and travel privileges. VIB’s payment ecosystem also includes attractive programmes such as ‘Buy now, pay later’ with low fees and zero interest for initial months, as well as benefits like waived fees for a wide range of banking services and free international money transfers for select cardholders.

Moreover, VIB’s credit card portfolio features options like the Super Card, which allows customers to customise cashback and points rewards up to 15%, and the Rewards Unlimited card, offering accelerated points accumulation at duty-free shops, supermarkets, and other retailers, further enhancing the bank’s competitive position in card benefits.

In sum, VIB’s launch of its high-cashback international debit card suite represents a significant advancement in Vietnam’s payment landscape, redefining debit cards as versatile financial tools that seamlessly blend everyday spending with premium rewards and financial management capabilities.

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Source: Noah Wire Services