VIB launches installment solution for debit cards – Bringing an international-standard experience in empowering personal financial management

As consumers increasingly prioritize flexibility and autonomy in managing personal finances, Vietnam International Bank (VIB) continues to reaffirm its pioneering leadership by introducing an Installment Solution for international debit cards – a fully online unsecured lending feature integrated directly within debit cards, for the first time in Vietnam.

This solution enables customers to “Buy Now – Pay Later” on completed debit card transactions using available funds in their current account. Installment conversion is approved instantly based on the customer’s transaction history and creditworthiness. By embedding online unsecured lending capabilities into debit cards, VIB is redefining consumer lending – enabling customers to spend, borrow, and repay installments seamlessly on a single digital platform.

Redefining installment – Even without a credit card

Previously, installment purchases were widely familiar to credit card users, but never available to debit cardholders. Instead of applying for a loan or registering for a credit card, VIB International Debit Cardholders can now convert eligible spending into installments with just a few taps on the Max app. With this solution, cardholders can split eligible debit transactions from VND 3 million and above into flexible installment plans with tenors ranging from 3 to 60 months, at interest rates starting from 0.79%/month (equivalent to 9.5%/year). Alternatively, they may enjoy 0% interest installments with zero conversion fees at over 100 VIB’s partners across electronics, technology, education, travel, fashion and more.

This solution empowers users to proactively manage liquidity, optimize cashflow through fixed and transparent repayment schedules, and gradually build stronger credit standing, as installment repayment performance is tracked and assessed within the bank’s internal profiling system. A VIB representative shared: “We recognize the needs of a highly potential customer segment who are not yet ready to access credit cards or traditional consumer loans. This solution enables them to build financial discipline — borrow and repay on time — within a safe, easily controllable framework, while opening up opportunities to build creditworthiness for the future.”

Two flexible options to address diverse spending needs

This installment solution offers two flexible options:

•    For high-value purchases, debit cardholders (without a credit card) may enjoy 0% interest installments at more than 100 VIB’s partners by requesting installment conversion at merchant locations or selecting the installment payment method when shopping online. VIB will send a confirmation request within seven days. No setup or maintenance fees apply, with tenors from 3 to 36 months.

•    For individual spending from VND 3 million using personal funds via a VIB International Debit Card, cardholders may register installments directly on the Max app. Preferential interest from 0.79%/month (9.5%/year), with tenors from 3 to 60 months.

Upon successful conversion, VIB will disburse the equivalent transaction amount back into the customer’s current account. Monthly repayments will follow the chosen tenor. Importantly, installment transactions still participate in reward points or cashback programs according to the card tier owned.

Example for a VND 10,000,000 installment:

(*) Interest rates may vary depending on individual customer profiles.

Next step in VIB’s strategy to expand the consumer lending ecosystem

VIB previously created strong market impact by launching its international debit card portfolio offering up to 5% cashback with no minimum spending requirement — unlocking an attractive rewards ecosystem that returns tangible value to customers across daily spending categories such as shopping, dining, travel and online services.

In the market, cashback and installment have traditionally been considered privileges of credit cards. Bringing these privileges to debit cards demonstrates VIB's pioneering move in transforming debit cards from simple transaction tools into comprehensive personal financial management instruments – where spending, cashback, and installments converge in a single experience for all customers.

With this solution, VIB is expanding the consumer credit spectrum to customer segments who habitually use personal funds for all spending. Now they can access credit safely and conveniently, whenever needed, and can flexibly convert funds after shopping. The entire experience is 100% digitized on the Max app - Powered by VIB. This is a privilege already standard in developed markets such as the US, Europe and Singapore — and now, Vietnamese customers can enjoy it at VIB.

Open your card on the Max app and experience flexible installments today.