Core Viewpoint - The trend of banks discontinuing co-branded credit cards is increasing, reflecting changes in market dynamics and consumer behavior, leading to a focus on more efficient product offerings [1][4][7]. Group 1: Discontinuation of Co-branded Credit Cards - Guangfa Bank announced the discontinuation of five co-branded credit cards starting February 1, 2026, due to the expiration of cooperation agreements [1]. - Major banks, including state-owned banks and regional commercial banks, have also stopped issuing co-branded credit cards across various sectors such as e-commerce and travel [1][4]. - The phenomenon of discontinuing co-branded credit cards is becoming common, with banks like Zhejiang Rural Commercial Bank and Wuhan Rural Commercial Bank ceasing to issue specific co-branded cards [4][5]. Group 2: Market Changes and Challenges - The credit card market has become saturated, with many users holding multiple cards that are underutilized, prompting banks to streamline their offerings [7][8]. - The decline in the effectiveness of co-branded credit cards is attributed to changing market conditions, where banks struggle to maintain profitable partnerships with co-branding entities [7][8]. - The operational costs associated with maintaining co-branded cards, including high authorization fees and marketing expenses, have led banks to reduce their product lines [6][8]. Group 3: Organizational Adjustments - Banks are undergoing structural changes, closing down several regional centers and consolidating their credit card operations to improve efficiency [9][10]. - The integration of credit card functionalities into main banking apps is a trend, with institutions like Bank of China shutting down independent credit card apps to streamline services [9][10]. - The focus is shifting from acquiring new customers to enhancing the value of existing customer relationships through tailored services and benefits [10]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The total number of credit cards in circulation has decreased significantly, with a drop of approximately 1 billion cards, or 12%, from the peak in June 2022 [10]. - The future competitiveness of banks will depend on their ability to leverage credit cards to enhance retail service offerings and respond to evolving consumer needs [10].