Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of transaction fees for acquiring businesses in rural commercial banks across multiple provinces in China marks a significant shift from the previously prevalent "0 fee" model, indicating a strategic restructuring of the banks' payment services [1][5]. Group 1: Fee Structure Changes - The "0 fee" model has been completely abolished, ending the long-standing practice of banks covering transaction fees [1]. - A differentiated pricing system linked to merchant contribution has been established, allowing for varied fee structures based on merchant types and transaction volumes [1][5]. - New punitive fee clauses for violations have been introduced to enhance risk management [1]. Group 2: Specific Fee Adjustments - Yantai Rural Commercial Bank announced a standard fee of 0.23% for ordinary merchants and 0.28% for specialty merchants starting January 1, 2026 [3]. - Various rural commercial banks in Anhui have adjusted their UnionPay QR code transaction fees, with debit card fees set at 0.2% and credit card fees at 0.5%, with no upper limit [4]. - Zhejiang Jiaxing Rural Commercial Bank will implement a tiered fee structure starting December 2, 2025, with different rates for various payment methods [4]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The shift from a "customer acquisition tool" to a "value entry point" reflects a profound change in the operational logic of rural commercial banks, aiming to optimize customer structure by selecting high-value merchants [6]. - The adjustment in fees is seen as a key opportunity for rural commercial banks to build regional barriers and create a "payment + ecosystem" by linking payment services with credit and wealth management [6].