Core Viewpoint - The recent trend of banks shutting down their mobile applications is driven by low user engagement, operational cost pressures, and regulatory requirements, leading to a consolidation of services into fewer, more efficient apps [1][2]. Group 1: Reasons for App Shutdown - Multiple banks, including state-owned and major city commercial banks, have announced the closure of their mobile apps due to low usage and engagement, which results in resource wastage [1]. - As of 2024, over 10 small and medium-sized banks have already discontinued their credit card apps, with at least six more expected to do so by October 2025, integrating their functions into main banking apps [1]. - The trend of shutting down direct banking apps began earlier, with at least 21 banks ceasing operations of their direct banking apps in 2023 [1]. Group 2: Industry Insights - Operational cost pressure is a significant factor driving banks to close underperforming apps, allowing for better resource allocation and cost reduction [2]. - The rise of internet finance and increased market competition have led to a diversion of users from traditional banking apps, prompting banks to consolidate their offerings to enhance competitiveness [2]. - Regulatory guidance from the National Financial Supervision Administration emphasizes the need for banks to optimize or terminate apps that have low user engagement, poor user experience, redundant functions, or compliance risks [2]. Group 3: User Perspective - The closure of redundant apps is seen as a win-win situation for both banks and users, as users prefer a single, multifunctional app that is efficient, secure, and convenient [2].

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is experiencing a wave of app closures, with many banks, including state-owned and city commercial banks, shutting down their independent apps, particularly in the credit card and direct banking sectors [2][3]. Group 1: App Closures and Mergers - Over 10 small and medium-sized banks have completed the shutdown of their credit card apps in 2024, with at least 6 more expected to follow by October 2025, integrating their functions into main mobile banking apps [3]. - China Bank has become the first state-owned bank to close its independent credit card app, "Bountiful Life," migrating all functions to the "Bank of China" app [2][3]. - The trend of closing direct banking apps began earlier, with at least 21 banks ceasing operations of their direct banking apps in 2023, reducing the number of such apps to less than one-tenth of their peak [3][8]. Group 2: Reasons for App Consolidation - The closure of multiple apps is driven by the need to reduce operational costs and improve user experience, as many independent apps have low user engagement and high maintenance costs [7][8]. - Regulatory pressures have accelerated the consolidation process, with financial authorities mandating banks to optimize or terminate apps that have low user activity and high compliance risks [8]. - The credit card industry is entering a contraction phase, with a decline in the number of credit cards issued and overall transaction activity, prompting banks to shut down underperforming apps [8]. Group 3: User Behavior and Market Trends - Users prefer a single app that offers comprehensive financial and lifestyle services, leading banks to recognize the importance of a unified digital experience [7][9]. - The banking sector is transitioning from a phase of aggressive app proliferation to a more rational approach, focusing on enhancing user engagement and operational efficiency [7][9]. - The decline in user engagement is evident, with only a few credit card service apps achieving over 10 million monthly active users, while many others struggle to maintain relevance [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - The trend of banks shutting down their mobile applications has gained significant attention, with over 20 banks ceasing operations of certain apps in 2023, indicating a shift towards consolidation and efficiency in the banking sector [1][8]. Group 1: Bank App Shutdowns - Multiple banks have announced the closure of their respective apps, particularly in the credit card and direct banking sectors [2][3]. - China Bank announced in late September that its "Bountiful Life" app will gradually migrate to the China Bank app, leading to the eventual shutdown of the former [4]. - Beijing Bank stated that its direct banking app and website will cease operations on November 12, 2025, with functionalities migrating to the "Jingcai Life" mobile banking app [6]. Group 2: Industry Trends and User Reactions - Since the beginning of 2023, over 20 banks have stopped operating certain apps, with 25 apps, including Minsheng Direct Bank and Kunlun Direct Bank, voluntarily deregistering, covering various financial sectors [8]. - Public sentiment appears supportive of the consolidation, with many users expressing that having one app per bank is sufficient [10]. Group 3: Expert Insights - Industry experts believe that the wave of app shutdowns and consolidations will help banks reduce costs and improve efficiency while enhancing user experience [12]. - Recommendations for banks include optimizing mobile ecosystems, upgrading main apps, integrating credit card functions for a "one-stop" service, and enhancing digital capabilities through AI and big data [12]. - There is an emphasis on exploring diversified services within main apps and ensuring compliance and security during data migration [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trend of banks in China shutting down and integrating their mobile applications, which has garnered significant public attention and support [2][9]. Group 1: Bank App Shutdowns - Multiple banks have announced the closure of certain mobile applications, particularly in the credit card and direct banking sectors [4][6]. - China Bank announced at the end of September that its "Bountiful Life" app will gradually migrate to the main China Bank app, leading to the eventual shutdown of the former [4]. - Beijing Bank stated that its direct banking app and website will cease operations on November 12, 2025, with functionalities transferred to the "Jingcai Life" mobile banking app [6]. Group 2: Industry Trends - Over 20 banks have stopped operating certain apps in 2023, including Beijing Rural Commercial Bank, Jiangxi Bank, and others, consolidating functions into their main mobile banking applications [7]. - According to a report from the China Internet Finance Association, 25 apps, including Minsheng Direct Bank and Kunlun Direct Bank, have voluntarily canceled their registrations, covering various financial sectors [7]. Group 3: Public and Expert Reactions - Public sentiment is largely supportive of the app consolidation, with many users expressing that having one app per bank is sufficient [9]. - Industry experts believe that the trend of shutting down and integrating apps can help banks reduce costs and improve efficiency, as well as enhance user experience [11]. - Recommendations for banks include optimizing mobile ecosystems, enhancing digital capabilities, exploring diversified services, and ensuring compliance and security during data migration [11].

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is experiencing a wave of app shutdowns, particularly in the credit card and direct banking sectors, as banks consolidate their services to enhance user experience and reduce operational costs [1][5][12]. Group 1: App Shutdown Trends - Multiple banks, including state-owned and leading city commercial banks, have announced the closure of various banking apps, leading to discussions among users about the necessity of so many banking applications [1][4]. - The shutdown trend is particularly evident in credit card apps, with China Bank recently announcing the migration of its "Colorful Life" app functions to its main app, marking a significant shift as previously, such closures were mainly among smaller banks [5][6]. - In 2023, at least 21 banks have ceased operations of their direct banking apps, with only about 10 remaining in the market, a significant drop from their peak [2][6]. Group 2: User Experience and Market Dynamics - Users have expressed frustration over the multitude of banking apps, which they find unnecessary for infrequent financial transactions, leading to a high number of inactive apps on their devices [1][11]. - The average daily usage time for mobile banking apps has decreased from 4.93 minutes to 2.70 minutes, indicating a decline in user engagement [11]. - The banking sector is shifting focus from acquiring new customers to retaining existing ones, as evidenced by the decline in credit card numbers over the past three years [15][16]. Group 3: Regulatory and Operational Considerations - Regulatory pressures are driving the consolidation of banking apps to enhance risk management and consumer protection, with over 25 banks reported for privacy issues in 2024 [13][14]. - The operational costs associated with maintaining multiple apps are becoming unsustainable, prompting banks to streamline their offerings to improve efficiency and reduce compliance burdens [15][16]. - The future of banking apps is expected to evolve towards a more integrated ecosystem, focusing on user-centric services rather than merely serving as transaction channels [18].

Core Insights - The article discusses the trend of banks merging multiple apps to streamline operations amid rising competition and high customer acquisition costs, with Bank of China (BOC) announcing the shutdown of its "Bountiful Life" app and migrating its functions to the main "Bank of China" app, marking the end of a 12-year service [1][4] - The credit card apps have historically served dual purposes: connecting online and offline channels for customer acquisition and creating digital profiles for targeted financial services, but the profitability of standalone credit card apps is declining [2][10] Industry Trends - Several banks, including Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank and Beijing Rural Commercial Bank, have closed their credit card apps, shifting functionalities to their main banking apps due to the shrinking credit card business and the need for cost efficiency [4][16] - The credit card business is facing significant challenges, including a drop in loan volumes and increased competition from other financial services, leading to a focus on customer retention rather than acquisition [10][13] User Engagement - User engagement with banking apps is declining, with average daily usage time dropping from 4.93 minutes to 2.70 minutes, indicating a saturation in mobile banking app traffic and a need for improved user experience [9][6] - The competition for user attention is intensifying, with lifestyle apps from companies like Meituan and Douyin entering the market, making it harder for credit card apps to attract new users [15][19] Financial Performance - Data shows that major banks are experiencing a decline in credit card loan volumes, with Bank of China reporting a 13.89% decrease year-over-year, highlighting the overall downturn in the credit card sector [5][16] - The credit card market is transitioning from a growth phase to a more mature stage, with banks needing to adapt their strategies to meet the evolving demands of younger consumers who prefer integrated financial services [17][19] Strategic Recommendations - Banks are encouraged to enhance the synergy between online and offline channels and focus on creating differentiated digital paths that align with their unique characteristics, rather than pursuing a one-size-fits-all approach [23][24] - Implementing advanced data analytics and AI-driven models could help banks better understand customer needs and improve service delivery, ultimately enhancing user experience and operational efficiency [21][22]

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is experiencing a trend of app integration, moving from a fragmented digital channel approach to a more centralized one, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency while shifting the digital strategy from quantity expansion to quality improvement [1][4]. Group 1: App Integration Trends - Several banks, including Beijing Bank and China Bank, have begun migrating functions from their direct banking and credit card apps to more centralized platforms, indicating a significant shift in the banking sector [2][3]. - The closure of independent direct banking apps is becoming a trend among both large and small banks, with institutions like Minsheng Bank and Kunlun Bank already having completed similar integrations [2][3]. - The integration of credit card apps is accelerating, with China Bank announcing the migration of its "Bountiful Life" app functions to its main app, marking a significant move in the industry [2][3]. Group 2: Regulatory and Market Drivers - The integration trend is driven by regulatory requirements and the need for improved user experience, as highlighted by the National Financial Regulatory Administration's directive to streamline low-activity and redundant apps [4]. - High operational costs and low user engagement of dispersed apps have become bottlenecks for digital development in banks, prompting a reevaluation of independent app strategies [5]. Group 3: Digital Transformation and User Behavior - The digital transformation of banks is entering a new phase focused on quality and efficiency, moving from merely adding functions to creating an integrated ecosystem [6]. - User behavior is shifting towards preferring a single app for comprehensive financial and lifestyle services, leading banks to recognize the importance of a unified digital experience [5][6]. Group 4: Future Directions Post-Integration - Post-integration, banks should focus on four key areas: reshaping mobile ecosystems, enhancing digital capabilities with AI and big data, expanding value-added services, and ensuring data security and compliance [7]. - The core of app integration is not just about reducing the number of apps but optimizing their structure to improve operational efficiency and user understanding [7].

Group 1 - Multiple banks have recently announced the shutdown of their mobile apps, with over 10 banks ceasing operations of various apps, including credit card and direct banking apps [3][4] - The trend of shutting down apps is attributed to the inefficiencies and high operational costs associated with maintaining multiple apps, which often leads to resource wastage and management confusion [6][9] - The closure of these apps is also driven by the need for banks to optimize resources and reduce operational costs in a tightening economic environment, as banks face pressure on profitability and must focus on core business areas [10][12] Group 2 - The proliferation of multiple apps within banks has created a "data island" effect, making it difficult for banks to achieve a comprehensive understanding of their customers and provide personalized services [9] - The competitive landscape with internet financial platforms necessitates that banks consolidate their efforts to create a powerful "super app" that can compete effectively against third-party payment platforms [10][12] - The future of banking apps is expected to shift from quantity to quality, with a focus on developing a core app that serves as a comprehensive service platform, integrating financial and lifestyle services [12]

Core Insights - The recent trend of banks shutting down their standalone credit card apps reflects a broader industry shift towards centralized management of digital channels, aimed at enhancing user experience and reducing operational costs [1][2] Group 1: Bank Actions - Bank of China has announced the gradual shutdown of its "Bountiful Life" app, becoming the first major state-owned bank to close a standalone credit card app [1] - Several smaller banks, including Beijing Rural Commercial Bank and Bohai Bank, have also integrated their credit card app functionalities into their main banking apps [1] - Other banks, such as Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank and Sichuan Rural Credit Union Bank, have ceased their credit card apps as of 2024, consolidating services into mobile banking platforms [1] Group 2: Regulatory and Market Context - The closure and integration of credit card apps are driven by regulatory policies, cost pressures, and the need for improved user experience [2] - The National Financial Regulatory Administration issued a notice in September 2024, mandating financial institutions to optimize or terminate apps with low user engagement and high compliance risks [1] - Experts suggest that the trend of app consolidation may continue, especially among state-owned banks, as credit card loan balances decline relative to total loans [2]

智通财经编辑 | 江怡曼 事实上，在信用卡产品收缩的同时，机构"瘦身"也在提速。Wind数据显示，年内已有超40家信用卡分中心获批关停，其中交行在4月单月就关闭 了济南、沈阳等10余家分中心，民生、广发亦相继裁撤华南、华中、东北等区域机构。 2024年9月，国家金融监督管理总局办公厅发布《关于加强银行业保险业移动互联网应用程序管理的通知》，要求金融机构"对用户活跃度低、体 验差、功能冗余、安全合规风险隐患大的移动应用及时进行优化整合或终止运营"。 责任编辑：李琳琳 央行数据显示，今年二季度，信用卡和借贷合一卡7.15亿张，与上季度相比减少600万张，较去年末减少1200万张，而较2022年中最高位的8.07亿 张下降11.4%，目前已连续11个季度下滑。 在信用卡授信和使用上，截至2024年末，银行卡授信总额为22.90万亿元，同比增长1.04%；银行卡应偿信贷余额为8.71万亿元，同比增长0.25%。 银行卡卡均授信额度3.14万元，授信使用率为38.03%，延续下降态势。 信用卡交易量、使用量的缩减也带动银行相关利息收入和非息收入的下滑。这在多家上市银行的半年报中有所体现。在信用卡逾期上，央行数据 显示， ...