Jin Rong Shi Bao·2025-05-23 12:50Core Viewpoint - The competition in the credit card cash installment business has intensified, with banks offering significant interest rate discounts, leading to annualized rates dropping below 3% for some products [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Following the regulatory crackdown on consumer loans, which set a minimum annualized interest rate of 3%, banks have turned to credit card cash installment services, which are not yet subject to the same restrictions [2]. - Major banks such as China Merchants Bank, Bank of China, and others have launched promotional activities, with some rates as low as 2.76% for 12-month installments [3][4]. - The cash installment service allows cardholders to convert their credit limits into cash, which can be repaid in installments along with fees [3]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The current interest rate discounts are seen as a strategy to attract customers and expand retail loan volumes while managing credit risk through strict customer eligibility criteria [5]. - The credit card business is undergoing a strategic transformation, focusing on enhancing the value of existing customers and increasing the penetration of installment services [5]. - The low-interest strategy may stimulate short-term growth, but there are concerns about the potential accumulation of risks due to aggressive pricing [5][6]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - The credit card industry is moving away from rapid expansion, with several banks closing credit card branches and adjusting their operational strategies [7]. - The industry faces challenges such as difficulty in acquiring new users and pressure on product offerings, which test the strategic resilience of banks [7]. - Data indicates that among 14 listed banks reporting credit card non-performing loan rates for 2024, most have seen an increase, highlighting the pressure on retail banking [7].