[A - Z Guide] How to use credit cards in 2025

1. 3+ ways to use credit card main functions

To activate the main functions, please immediately apply the 3 ways to use your credit card below:

1.1. Spend now, pay later

Credit cards are used to pay both online and directly at points of sale through POS machines. When paying directly at the store, you just need to touch or swipe your card into the POS machine without needing to enter a PIN or password. 

For online payment, users must enter the CVV security code on the back of the card and the OTP code sent to the phone number registered with the bank. The payment process may vary depending on the bank and transaction type, but will usually include the following basic steps:

• Step 1: Go to the payment page when purchasing online and select credit card payment method. 
• Step 2: Enter required information on the screen such as CVC/CVV code, card number, cardholder name. 
• Step 3: Confirm payment to complete the transaction.

1.2. Withdraw cash 

In addition to being used to pay shopping bills, credit cards are also used to withdraw cash. Below are the steps to use a credit card to withdraw money at an ATM:

• Step 1: Take the credit card and put it in the card reader slot of the ATM.
• Step 2: Select the appropriate display language on the screen. 
• Step 3: Enter the card's PIN and confirm. 
• Step 4: Select the amount to withdraw according to the available milestones or select "other number" to enter the amount yourself. 
• Step 5: Receive cash and credit cards from ATMs to complete transactions. 

Note: Cash withdrawal fees from credit cards are usually quite high, about 4% depending on the bank. Therefore, you should consider carefully before making this transaction. 

1.3. Installment

Installment payments via credit card can be made both offline and online. To register for installment payments, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: You pay for purchases with a credit card at the store or on online shopping sites. 

• If buying directly at the store: You register for installment payment right at the point of sale. 
• If buying online: You choose the method "Pay in installments by credit card" and confirm information about the amount and installment term online. 

Step 2: You fill in all information about the purchase transaction and details related to installment payments according to the bank's request form, according to instructions from the sales unit, to complete registration if you are shopping directly at the store. 

2. 3 Ways to operate credit cards directly on the phone

Below are 3 ways to manipulate credit cards directly on the phone application that you can refer to:

2.1. How to transfer money to another card using credit card number

Credit cards do not support outgoing transfers but only receive transfers from other debit cards. You can use this feature to pay your statement without having to go to the bank to surrender cash. 

• Step 1: Log in to the Mobile Banking electronic banking application or use Internet Banking.
• Step 2: Select “Transfer” and then select “To card number”. 
• Step 3: Select the bank that issues the credit card, fill in all information such as credit card number, amount and transfer content. 
• Step 4: Check the transfer information again, if it is correct, click continue. 
• Step 5: Enter the OTP code sent to your phone to confirm the transaction. 

2.2. How to look up credit card balance

Credit card balance is the amount of money available on the card that you can use, as of the time of checking. Each credit card has a different credit limit, depending on your ability to repay the debt. 

Therefore, each period, you can only spend within the allowed limit. Regularly checking your balance helps you understand how much you can spend and plan your finances properly. 

Here are ways to check your credit card balance: 

• Method 1 - Check at the transaction counter: You can go directly to the nearest transaction counter and bring your ID card/CCCD to receive support in checking your credit card balance during business hours. 
• Method 2 - Using SMS Banking: For those who register for SMS Banking service, you can do so according to the syntax provided by the bank.
• Method 3: - Use Mobile Banking application: With the application on your phone, you can check your credit card balance simply as follows:
  • Step 1: Log in to your bank's app.
  • Step 2: Select “Account”, then select “Account Balance”. The balance will be displayed immediately on the screen. 

2.3. How to pay bills 

Credit cards are a convenient means of payment for many different types of bills, from dining, shopping, entertainment such as watching movies to essential services such as electricity, internet, water, healthcare, education or insurance. 

The credit card payment process is carried out through the following 4 steps:

• Step 1 - Log in to your account: Access the electronic banking or internet banking application of the credit card issuing bank and log in. 
• Step 2 - Select payment: Find and tap “Billing,” then select the type of service or invoice you want to pay. 
• Step 3 - Select source account: Select your credit card as the source account. Make sure to check the card number to select the correct account to use. 
• Step 4 - Complete the transaction: Confirm information and complete payment.

3. Answers to 3+ frequently asked questions about using credit cards

Below is a summary of the 3 most common questions about using credit cards: 

3.1. How to use credit card to pay credit balance?

Credit balance is the amount of money you need to pay to the bank at each monthly statement. You can choose to pay the entire balance or just pay a minimum amount. Here are 7 popular ways to pay off credit balances:

• Method 1 - Pay outstanding debt at the bank counter: You bring your credit card and identification to the nearest transaction counter. Bank staff will assist in making transactions. However, this method is time-consuming, so it is not a priority. 
• Method 2 - Pay via automatic credit card feature: BYou can register for automatic payment service at the bank. Every month, the bank will automatically deduct money from the linked account to pay the outstanding debt without you needing to do it manually.
• Method 3 - Payment via Internet Banking: This is the payment method chosen by many customers thanks to its convenience, without needing to go to the bank or waste time waiting. 
• Method 4 - Pay via ATM: You make payment at the ATM, but need to do it 2-3 days before the due date to avoid system problems affecting the transaction.
• Method 5 - Pay via Electronic Banking on the website: By logging into the bank's website, you can use online banking services to easily pay your outstanding balance. 

3.2. How to withdraw money from credit card? Where to swipe credit card?

Credit cards allow you to withdraw cash at ATMs that have the logo of the card network to which your card belongs, such as Visa, Mastercard or JCB. However, this often comes with withdrawal fees and interest rates that are much higher than when using a debit card. 

3.3. How to use a credit card without losing interest

To avoid paying interest when using a credit card, you can apply the following methods:

• Pay the entire outstanding balance on time: Make sure you pay the full amount by the due date. If you only pay the minimum amount, the remaining amount will be subject to interest. 
• Restrictions on withdrawing cash from credit cards: Withdrawing cash from a card often incurs high fees and interest rates from the transaction date. 
• Manage spending and credit limits: Monitor transactions regularly and avoid spending over the limit to effectively control your finances. 
• Take advantage of promotional programs: Participate in cashback programs or promotions from your bank to reduce card usage costs. 
• Plan your spending: Build a reasonable budget and only use credit cards for necessary expenses within the plan. 

4. Top 5+ most popular SeABank credit cards

SeABank is proud to be one of the leading banks in Vietnam, always striving to provide convenient and modern financial services. The bank has a competitive interest rate policy and simple and quick card opening process and procedures. 

SeABank is currently providing a variety of credit cards to meet customer needs, with outstanding incentives such as:

• SeALady card: Refund for all transactions and multiply accumulated points 5 times on special days such as March 8, October 20 or transactions related to health care and beauty.
• SeABank Visa Platinum Card: Unlimited cash back, free card issuance fee, lifetime annual fee. 
• SeA-Easy Card: Cashback up to 8% for online transactions, free issuance fee and annual fee, discount up to 70%. 
• BRG Elite Card: Refund on all spending, free annual fee from the 2nd year (if eligible), up to 70% discount at BRG Group and partners.
• SeATTravel card: Earn Golden Lotus miles, free golf or resort e-vouchers, bonus miles for all payment transactions.

Understanding how to use a credit card not only helps you manage your finances smartly but also take advantage of the benefits that the card brings. If you like SeABank's credit card products, please contact us Hotline 1900599952 or visit the official website sme.seabank.com.vn for guidance and support in registering to open a card today!