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The news: Credit card delinquencies have sunk to their lowest levels in two years, within striking distance of pre-pandemic levels, per data from VantageScore鈥檚 Credit Gauge. Our take: Fewer issuers are tightening their credit card lending standards, but those looking to gain sign ups face troubled waters鈥攃onsumer demand for credit cards fell in April by the most since the early days of the pandemic, per the Federal Reserve鈥檚 Senior Loan Officer Survey.

A new credit card is a smart way to contend with incumbents and fintech competitors, but a confusing product line could dampen its adoption.

The news: Coinbase will launch its first credit card on the American Express network this fall. Our take: This card could be a strong retention play to keep existing users from using an alternative crypto exchange but likely won鈥檛 move the needle on broader adoption.

Delinquencies for both student loans and credit cards could worsen as borrowers contend with more obligations

The personalized rewards offering will help the credit card stand out against other no-annual-fee credit cards

Airline and hotel co-brand credit cards are contending with shifting travel spending trends and rising competition from general travel cards. Tapping into Gen Z鈥檚 love of experiences and exclusivity can help them stand out in a crowded field.

The news: Klarna will be the default payment option for Bolt鈥檚 CheckoutOS merchants, per a press release. Our take: Klarna faces multiple challenges. It has to increase its availability to US consumers while also rivaling credit cards that offer both installment plans and cash back or points that likely exceed the value of Klarna鈥檚 gift-based rewards system through Nift

The news: Capital One, after acquiring Discover, plans to significantly expand its card businesses using Discover's network. This allows the bank to boost profitability and enhance offerings. CEO Richard Fairbank emphasized new services, including attractive rewards for debit cards and compelling credit card deals, funded by increased interchange revenues. Our take: Capital One's Discover acquisition maximizes its expanded infrastructure. Owning a payment network allows Capital One to capture more interchange revenue, reinvesting it into more competitive debit and credit card products. This approach will appeal to consumers facing financial uncertainty, promising better rates and rewards, strengthening Capital One's market position and ability to attract/retain customers.

The news: Verizon customers can now pay-by-bank through Trustly in Verizon鈥檚 brick-and-mortar stores. Our take: As long as the cost of accepting credit cards remains sizable, merchants who have the means to dodge fees will find ways to make pay-by-bank accessible.

The news: Credit card issuers can cement top-of-wallet status by personalization and perks, especially for millennials and Gen Zers, per a PYMNTS Intelligence and i2c joint report. Our take: To meet young consumers鈥� needs, issuers need to play up the non-rewards features that cardholders crave鈥攈igher credit limits coupled with tools to help cardholders make smart spending decisions.

The news: JP Morgan Chase updated its Sapphire Reserve credit cards with enhanced travel and dining rewards and a hefty $795 annual fee, per a press release. Our take: Winnowing down their elite cardholder population will need to be done with a scalpel instead of a cleaver鈥擟hase and Amex are trying to increase their yearly fees slightly out of range for an upwardly-mobile middle class, with reward points geared toward priorities of the comfortably wealthy.

The news: Chase will let customers transfer credit limits between cards online without having to make a phone call or send a secured message, per a report by the Frequent Miler. Our take: For credit cards courting millennial and Gen Z cardholders, managing and optimizing financial health simply will be critical to securing their loyalty.

Canadian banks have heavily invested in digital development, yet their mobile apps remain uniform and lack standout features, according to J.D. Power. While mobile apps perform reliably, satisfaction gains are seen mainly in credit card and website platforms. AI integrations like virtual assistants have failed to personalize experiences. Key missing features include clear transaction data, stored debit cards, and Gen Z鈥檚 most demanded functions like electronic direct deposits and subscription controls. To differentiate, banks must enhance mobile app experiences by adding unique, customer-desired features and improving personalization and security.

The news: Changes to Amex鈥檚 and Chase鈥檚 credit card welcome offers do away with guaranteed points for new cardholders, per CNET. Our take: Amex and Chase are trying to maximize their marketing appeal while also limiting their rewards costs.

Shifting consumer preference toward fixed installments shows how BNPL can compete with credit 肠补谤诲蝉鈥� incentives.

Whose credit card business does it hope to woo?

Travel brands and issuers are pushing premium cards to attract affluent consumers and boost revenues

The airline is betting on cardholders believing its new rewards offset the 肠补谤诲蝉鈥� higher annual fees

Issuers can tap these models to reach a new customer segment and boost their credit card account openings

These can fuel more frequent debit card usage, helping these cards better compete against credit card programs