Keeping pace with artificial intelligence technology has become essential across many industries, including banking. Over the past month, six Chinese financial institutions have introduced credit and debit cards linked to major AI providers, allowing users to access related AI services easily.
Bank cards are evolving from simple tools for fund transfers into gateways for digital innovation. According to a specialist at a private Chinese digital bank known as SMB, cardholders can now earn points that can be directly redeemed for AI model services. This development makes bank cards a straightforward entry point for consumers to engage with advanced technology.
One bank collaborated with China UnionPay to launch an AI-themed debit card, offering cardholders exclusive benefits from leading AI model developers. Another institution introduced a credit card featuring Moonshot AI’s assistant, Kimi, providing benefits such as agent quotas, Kimi Code quotas, and agent cluster functionalities.
In early July, a major bank partnered with UnionPay and Alibaba Cloud to release a credit card tailored for AI developers and professionals working within the digital intelligence sector. Later in June, another bank, together with UnionPay and Tencent Cloud, launched an AI debit card that grants access to cloud computing packages and rewards benefits.
A prominent fintech-focused bank, which is heavily backed by a leading tech conglomerate, announced the launch of China’s first AI-focused equity card aimed at small and micro businesses. This card offers various services such as token trials, content creation, customer outreach, business opportunity analysis, and store location evaluations.
Also in June, a large bank introduced a credit card designed specifically for AI and tech specialists, becoming the first in the country to include token rights. The card features a monthly token service, allowing for the use of up to 1.8 billion tokens each month.
Most of these banks have adopted a cooperative model involving partnerships between banks and clearinghouses or platforms and AI vendors. These partnerships leverage cards as the medium, with AI service provision managed by cloud vendors or AI platforms, while clearing processes are handled by UnionPay.