Zalo Introduces Fee for New Account Registrations

Zalo, a leading messaging application in Vietnam, has recently

a fee for users creating new accounts. Previously, users could register by entering their phone number and receiving a free OTP (One-Time Password) for . However, as of mid-February 2025, users are now required to send an SMS to the service number 7539, of 5,000 VND per message, to receive the .

This change has surprised many users. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with this approach, especially since Zalo continues to advertise itself as a "free messaging and calling application on mobile and computer" in its

. As of now, Zalo has not provided an official response to these concerns.

According to the platform's data, Zalo currently

77.7 million active monthly users, with 2 billion messages exchanged daily. in August 2012, Zalo has expanded its reach to all 63 provinces and cities in Vietnam, including remote and island areas.