Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-12-12 01:24Core Viewpoint - The credit card market is undergoing significant adjustments, with many banks, especially smaller ones, halting the issuance of co-branded credit cards due to rising costs and risks associated with these products [1][5][6]. Group 1: Market Trends - The trend of halting credit card issuance is not isolated, as it has become a common practice among both national and regional banks throughout the year [1][6]. - Major banks, including China Construction Bank and Postal Savings Bank, have collectively stopped issuing over 100 credit card products since the beginning of 2025, with co-branded cards being a significant portion of these [6][11]. - The total number of credit cards in circulation has decreased by 100 million over the past three years, indicating a shift away from the previous era of aggressive expansion [10][11]. Group 2: Bank Strategies - Banks are transitioning from a focus on quantity to quality in their credit card offerings, prompted by regulatory changes and market dynamics [11][12]. - The recent adjustments include the closure of credit card centers and the integration of credit card functionalities into main banking apps, reflecting a strategic shift towards efficiency and cost reduction [14][15]. - The halting of co-branded cards is seen as a necessary step for banks to concentrate resources on more viable products and improve operational efficiency [8][9]. Group 3: Future Directions - The future of credit card business is expected to focus on three main transformation directions: integrating various service scenarios, upgrading technology for better digital experiences, and deepening customer segmentation to enhance value creation [16].