3 6 Ke·2025-05-15 03:21Core Viewpoint - The recent competition among banks in credit card cash installment services has intensified, following a previous price war in consumer loans, with banks offering significant discounts to attract high-quality customers [1][4][6]. Group 1: Credit Card Cash Installment Promotions - Several banks, including China Merchants Bank and CITIC Bank, have launched promotional activities for credit card cash installments, offering discounts such as 1.7-fold and 1.9-fold for 12-month installments, with annualized rates as low as 2.76% and 3.09% respectively [1][4]. - The discounts are primarily targeted at high-quality customers, as the eligibility criteria are stringent, indicating a shift towards prioritizing customer quality over quantity [1][6]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Regulatory Environment - The shift to credit card cash installments is a strategic response to tightened regulations on consumer loans, with banks aiming to attract customers from the consumer loan segment by offering lower rates [4][5]. - The People's Bank of China has emphasized the importance of supporting consumer finance, which aligns with banks' current strategies to enhance their retail loan portfolios [5][6]. Group 3: Customer Experience and Limitations - Customers have reported that the promotional offers are not universally available, with many being limited to existing users or those with a history of cash installments, reflecting a more selective approach by banks [8][9]. - The overall credit card issuance has seen a decline, with a reduction of 40 million cards in 2024 compared to the previous year, indicating a challenging environment for credit card businesses [9].