信用卡半年再减1200万张：一场年轻人的“无声告别”

Core Viewpoint - The credit card market in China is experiencing a significant decline, with a reduction in total credit card numbers and usage among younger generations, driven by the rise of mobile payment alternatives and banks' tightening credit policies [1][2][5]. Market Shrinkage - From 2022 to 2025, the total number of credit cards in China is expected to decrease from 807 million to 715 million, a loss of nearly 100 million cards [1][2]. - In 2025, the first half of the year saw a reduction of 12 million credit cards, with the per capita cardholding dropping from 0.54 to 0.52 [2]. - The total credit card loan balance of 14 listed banks shrank by 197.8 billion yuan in the first half of the year, equivalent to the total assets of a medium-sized city commercial bank [2]. Declining Usage Among Young Consumers - The usage rate of credit cards among individuals born in the 1990s has dropped by 29 percentage points over five years [2]. - Young consumers express dissatisfaction with credit card penalties, citing high late fees and preferring direct payment methods linked to savings accounts [1][2]. Impact of Mobile Payments - Mobile payment solutions like Alipay's Huabei and JD's Baitiao have diverted 35% of credit card usage scenarios, contributing to the decline in credit card transactions [1][2]. Rising Non-Performing Loans - Several major banks have reported an increase in credit card non-performing loan ratios, with notable increases at Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Agricultural Bank of China [3]. - The balance of non-performing credit card loans at China Communications Bank grew by 25.73%, the highest increase among peers [3]. Banks' Strategic Responses - Banks are adjusting their strategies to focus on high-end customer segments and localized operations to enhance service quality [4]. - China Construction Bank is promoting consumer finance initiatives to stimulate demand in sectors like automotive and home improvement [4]. - Citic Bank reported that 55.48% of new credit card customers in the first half of the year were from high-quality segments, reflecting a shift towards targeted customer acquisition [4]. Industry Trends - The credit card business is undergoing a transformation characterized by differentiation and a focus on sustainable practices, with banks emphasizing risk management and cost control [5].