Xin Hua Cai Jing·2026-01-29 02:59Core Insights - The credit card industry in China is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from a growth model reliant on scale expansion due to declining card issuance and rising delinquency rates [1][2][3] Industry Adjustment Period - As of Q3 2025, the total number of credit cards and combined lending cards in China has decreased to 707 million, down 8 million from Q2 2025 and a total reduction of approximately 100 million from the peak of 807 million in 2022, marking 12 consecutive quarters of decline [2] - The loan balance in the credit card sector is also contracting, with 18 out of 34 A-share listed banks reporting a year-on-year decline in credit card loan balances as of Q2 2025 [2] - The total overdue credit card loans reached 123.96 billion yuan by the end of 2024, accounting for 1.43% of the total credit card receivables, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.3 percentage points [2] Strategic Adjustments in the Credit Card Sector - The credit card industry is adjusting its operational strategies to focus on risk management and structural adjustments, emphasizing prudent and stable development [3] - Banks are exploring new business models through deepening engagement in consumer scenarios and leveraging technology to enhance service delivery [4] Technological Integration and Risk Management - The use of AI technology is being prioritized to improve operational efficiency, with a focus on customer lifecycle management and risk assessment [5][6] - Credit card issuance strategies are shifting towards targeting high-quality customer segments, with banks implementing differentiated approval and credit granting processes [6] Future Strategic Focus - The emphasis will be on returning to core consumer needs and enhancing localized operations to better serve customer demands [7] - Specific measures include optimizing product and benefit systems, enhancing customer management, and strengthening digital capabilities to support consumption-driven growth [7]