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Commercial banks in Vietnam will require real names for payment account transfers starting April 1, following Circular 30/2025 issued by the State Bank of Vietnam (amending Circular 15/2024). The rule requires that the payment account name at commercial banks match the name recorded on the citizen identity card or identity card, meaning banks will end services that allow customers to use nicknames (including iNick) to replace real names on personal documents.
From April 1, banks will close nickname-based account naming services. Previously, some banks offered nickname features to make it easier for customers to remember and conduct transactions.
For example, Vietcombank allowed customers to set short nicknames. In one case described by the bank, a customer whose full name on the ID card is “Nguyễn Thành Đạt” could set a nickname such as “TĐ.” When making a transfer using that nickname, the system would automatically display the corresponding account number to complete the transfer.
Vietcombank said nicknames are only a convenient label, while the bank system still authenticates identity based on the ID card number and other identifiers.
Similarly, a leader from Sacombank stated that a nickname is a supporting tool that helps transactions move faster. The bank said that when opening an account, banks enter full legal information (name per ID card, ID number, etc.) into the system. Therefore, even when using a nickname, the recipient’s official identity is determined through matching data.
The circular was issued to address limitations created by having multiple ways to display the account name (real name and nickname), which can lead to confusion and potential transfer risks. Circular 30/2025 requires banks to “close” nickname-based account naming services.
Customers using nicknames are advised to contact their banks to cancel and switch to using the real name according to the information on their ID card. They should also update their receiving name information on e-commerce platforms, payment applications, or with partners to avoid disruption after the deadline.
Banks also stated that these changes do not affect account numbers or customers’ rights. From April 1, when performing a transfer, the sender must enter the exact account number, and the account holder’s name must exactly match the registered data. If a nickname is used, the transaction may fail.
In recent days, several commercial banks notified users about Circular 30/2025 taking effect from April 1. VPBank announced it will officially stop the iNick account service from April 1.
VPBank advised customers not to perform transfers or receipts via iNick to avoid errors, and instead use the registered payment account number. The bank also recommended that customers proactively update their account numbers with partners and relatives to prevent disruptions during transactions.
Banks said all customer rights remain protected, including balances, account numbers, and related banking services. The closure of iNick will be automatic and free of charge.
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