Credit cards in a Chinese cultural context—The young, affluent Chinese as early adopters

This research examines the attitudes of early adopters towards holding and using credit cards, especially how the ‘young and affluent Chinese’ view credit cards, in the Chinese cultural context. The findings indicate that frequent users of credit cards are more inclined to agree that: they display traits of new product adopters; credit cards offer them greater convenience; and others regard them as being more au-fait with technology, and more financially aware. The research also reveals a fear of loss of financial control when using credit cards that may impede its rate of adoption in China.

► Frequent users of cards agree more that they display traits of new product adopters. ► Frequent users of cards agree more that credit cards offer greater convenience. ► Chinese tradition is thought to impede the rate of adoption of credit cards. ► There are fears of over-spending and financial loss in using credit cards.