3 6 Ke·2025-09-12 07:18Core Insights - The trend of young people moving away from credit cards is increasing, with a significant decline in credit card usage and ownership among the younger generation [2][6][11] Group 1: Decline in Credit Card Usage - The number of credit cards and combined lending cards in China decreased by 52 million in the first half of 2025 compared to 2023, marking 11 consecutive quarters of decline [2] - The average number of credit cards held by individuals aged 90s has dropped from 5 to 2.3, while the 00s generation shows a 42% rate of being cardless [2][6] - As of the second quarter of 2023, the total number of credit cards in circulation was 715 million, down 0.83% from the previous quarter and over 11% from the peak of 807 million in 2022 [4] Group 2: Financial Performance of Banks - In the first half of 2025, the credit card loan balance of six major state-owned banks and eight joint-stock banks totaled 7.52 trillion yuan, a decrease of 197.57 billion yuan or 2.56% from the beginning of the year [2][3] - Among 14 listed banks, 11 reported a contraction in credit card loan balances, with China Bank experiencing the largest decline of 13.88% [3] - The total credit card transaction amount across 12 banks shrank by 1.42 trillion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 11.05% [3] Group 3: Changing Consumer Behavior - Young consumers are increasingly favoring alternative payment methods like "Huabei" and digital bank cards, with 45% of 95s believing these options are more convenient [6][7] - The topic of "cancelling credit cards" has gained significant traction on social media, indicating a cultural shift towards "debt-free" living among younger generations [6][7] - Issues such as hidden fees, annual fees, and reduced benefits have discouraged many users from maintaining their credit cards [7] Group 4: Industry Transformation - The credit card industry is transitioning from a phase of rapid expansion to one focused on value extraction from existing customers [4][11] - Over 40 banks have received approval to terminate credit card centers, signaling a shift towards refined operations rather than aggressive growth [8] - Banks are adjusting their credit card offerings, with many reducing benefits and increasing requirements for premium cards [9][10] Group 5: Future Directions - The future of credit cards is expected to focus on meeting the diverse needs of high-end customers and providing essential payment and credit conveniences for basic customers [10][11] - The rise of mobile payment solutions is reshaping the credit landscape, prompting traditional credit card services to reevaluate their value propositions [8][11]