Jin Rong Shi Bao·2025-10-30 02:12Core Insights - Recent adjustments in credit card installment business rules by several banks, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and China Everbright Bank, have raised significant market attention regarding the implications for the industry [1][4][7] Group 1: Changes in Credit Card Installment Services - China Everbright Bank announced the discontinuation of its "self-selected installment" feature effective December 9, 2025, which previously allowed automatic installment for all transactions over 100 RMB or 20 USD/EUR into 12 monthly payments with fees ranging from 0.5% to 0.8% [1][4] - ICBC will stop offering installment options longer than 36 months starting December 5, 2023, eliminating the previous 48 and 60-month options while retaining 1-36 month choices for new transactions [4][5] - Longjiang Bank had already ceased its credit card flexible installment service earlier in June 2023, indicating a broader trend across various types of banks [7] Group 2: Industry Implications and Consumer Impact - The adjustments are driven by the need to adapt to current market conditions, as long-term installment options have contributed to credit card risk, and the shift aligns with deepening financial consumer protection principles [7][8] - Analysts suggest that these changes may lead to a short-term loss of credit card installment business and a slowdown in installment fee growth, but they are expected to promote a transformation in credit card services towards higher quality [7][8] - The reduction in long-term installment options encourages consumers to reassess their spending habits and manage their debt more responsibly, fostering a healthier credit culture [7][8] Group 3: Rising Credit Card Delinquency Rates - The People's Bank of China reported that the total amount of credit card loans overdue for more than six months reached 123.964 billion RMB by the end of 2024, marking a 26.31% year-on-year increase [8] - The market has seen a significant rise in the transfer of non-performing loans, with a 190.46% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2023, particularly in credit card non-performing loans, which surged by 879.25% [8] - Major banks, including China Construction Bank and China Everbright Bank, have been actively transferring non-performing credit card loans, indicating a critical need for banks to manage their credit risk more effectively [8]