Vietnam vs Japan · Real-time payment systems compared
| Capability | NAPAS 247 | Zengin |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code Payments | ✓ | — |
| Wallet Support | — | — |
| 24/7 Availability | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cross-Border | — | — |
| ISO 20022 | — | — |
| Request to Pay | — | — |
| Open API | ◐ | — |
| Alias/Proxy | ✓ | — |
Vietnam's 24/7 instant interbank transfer system operated by the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) under State Bank of Vietnam oversight. NAPAS 247 connects all major domestic banks for real-time transfers via account number, card number, or phone number. The system has been a cornerstone of Vietnam's rapid cashless payment adoption, with the government targeting 80% of adults with bank accounts by 2025. It also supports QR payments through VietQR, an interoperable QR standard similar to Thailand's PromptPay QR.
Japan's domestic interbank clearing network, one of the oldest electronic payment systems in the world, connecting over 1,000 banks and financial institutions. Originally a batch-processing system, Zengin was upgraded to 24/7 real-time operations in 2018 via the "More Time System" extension. Operated by the Japanese Bankers Association with settlement through the BOJ, it handles the vast majority of Japan's domestic credit transfers. Note: data includes all Zengin transactions (both real-time and batch-processed), as the system does not separately report its 24/7 instant component.