Vietnam’s Lucky Money QR Code: Viral Digital Money-Gifting
Vietnam’s lucky money QR code is modernizing the custom of presenting lucky money—transforming children’s accessories into digital collectors of red envelopes.
With the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) festivities, Vietnamese parents are welcoming a new method for their children to obtain lucky money.
Rather than filling red envelopes with money, they're creating QR codes on hairpins, keyrings, and phone covers—enabling family members to transfer funds directly to a bank account with a simple scan.
The trend has gone viral on social media, with parents ordering custom accessories to make digital transactions easier. Some have even relied on a QR code generator with logo integration to create personalized codes for a seamless experience.
But while some see it as a fun and practical upgrade, others argue that it strips away the sentiment behind the tradition.
So, is this a clever innovation or a step too far from tradition?
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From red envelopes to QR codes: A digital twist on tradition
Giving luck money in red envelopes has been a cherished custom during Tet for generations. It’s a way for elders to pass blessings and good fortune to the younger generation.
Preparing red envelopes for Tet means trips to the bank, exchanging new bills, and carefully planning how much cash to carry.
But last year, many parents swapped out the physical red envelopes for something more high-tech: custom accessories with QR codes.
Many families looking to personalize their digital red envelopes turn to a free QR code generator to create unique designs that link directly to their bank accounts.
Anh Hang, a 27-year-old office worker from Hanoi, was curious about the trend and decided to try it. “For the past three years, I’ve rarely used cash. Every Tet holiday, having to exchange money is a waste of time,” she shared.
Carrying multiple envelopes while visiting relatives also became an inconvenience, as she had to calculate exactly how much to bring.
Viral today: Vietnamese parents style children with lucky money QR code hairclips for Lunar New Year
The trend has caught on quickly, with social media buzzing about these digital red envelopes in Vietnam.
For many, it’s all about convenience. But for Hang, who bought QR code hairclips for her kids, there was another reason. “My kids don’t know how to keep their money, so there are times when they don’t know where they dropped it,” she explained.
For Minh Nhat, a 31-year-old father from Ho Chi Minh City, lucky money comes with a sense of responsibility. He believes it’s a “debt that needs to be paid immediately.”
In previous years, his kids sometimes received lucky money while visiting relatives without him there to return the favor.
With everyone's busy schedules, he never got the chance to give back—leaving him feeling guilty for the rest of the year.
To keep up with the trend, he and his wife customized QR code phone cases. “It’s been a tough year for the economy. This Tet, I’ll have to rely on my kids,” he joked.
"If lucky money via QR code were more popular, I think I wouldn’t fall into such a situation," he said, hoping this modern approach would help balance the tradition of giving and receiving.
According to sellers like Trang Nhung, QR code lucky money accessories actually started in China and made their way to Vietnam in 2023. But the trend has exploded in popularity last year, with orders pouring in months ahead of Tet.
For those who won’t be able to celebrate Tet in person, the digital approach makes it easy to send lucky money remotely.
Some people even share festive images online that incorporate unique QR codes, allowing friends and family to transfer money with a quick scan.
The debate: Convenience vs. tradition
While many appreciate QR codes' convenience, others worry that this digital transformation will diminish the heart of the tradition.
Cultural expert Associate Professor Bui Xuan Dinh believes QR code transfers should be seen as a modern adaptation, not a replacement. “We still need to maintain the practice of visiting each other during Tet and giving lucky money in person,” he said.
Psychologist La Linh Nga also commented that handing over a red envelope carries emotional value.
“Scanning a QR code removes the beauty of the tradition—there’s no physical envelope, no heartfelt wishes, just a quick transaction,” she explained.
However, some argue that QR code accessories, like QR code hairclips, serve as a compromise, keeping the tradition alive while embracing modern convenience.
Mixed reactions online
The trend has sparked a heated discussion online. Some see it as a smart and efficient upgrade, while others feel it’s too far from tradition.
Opinions online are divided. Some feel that QR codes take away the excitement of opening a red envelope, while others believe parents might be taking advantage of the trend.
There are also concerns about delayed transactions due to bank closures during Tet.
Despite the divided opinions, one thing is clear—whether physical or digital, the spirit of giving remains at the heart of Tet celebrations.
What’s next for lucky money
The lucky money QR code trend in Vietnam is redefining gifting, with QR code hairclips offering a modern twist on the tradition of giving lucky money.
As cashless payments become more common, it’s no surprise that even age-old customs like lucky money are evolving. Whether QR code transfers will become the new norm or just a passing trend remains to be seen.
For now, though, it seems like many parents in Vietnam are embracing this high-tech approach. With tools like a free QR code generator, anyone can create their own digital lucky money solution with just a few clicks.
Would you give out lucky money via QR code, or do you prefer the traditional red envelopes? Share your thoughts with us through our social media pages and communities!
