Recently, a social media post reported that at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport's T2 terminal, non-airline staff were assisting passengers at self-service check-in kiosks. These individuals marketed credit cards disguised as 「airline loyalty cards,」 without disclosing to passengers that they were ultimately signing up for co-branded credit cards. Questions arise regarding whether these individuals are airline personnel, the legitimacy of their credit card sales, and whether airlines were aware of these activities.

On October 11, a reporter observed individuals dressed in uniforms at the China Southern Airlines self-service check-in kiosk. While they were providing assistance, they did not wear airline insignia but displayed access badges for Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. After being guided through the check-in process, one staff member asked if the reporter had an airline loyalty card and suggested applying for one, insisting that it could be done through a quick scan. When the reporter followed their instruction, they were directed to a "CitiBank credit card" application page instead. Upon inquiring about this 「airline loyalty card,」 the staff member eventually admitted that it was indeed a credit card, reiterating benefits like no annual fees and no required spending frequency.

During subsequent interviews with passersby, most travelers expressed their surprise upon learning that these staff members were not affiliated with the airlines. Mr. Wang, when informed, remarked, 「Their outfits are so similar that they can easily mislead.」 Another passenger, Mr. Huang, suggested that to avoid confusion, these individuals should wear distinct vests indicating their organization.

Observations indicated that multiple airlines had similar personnel in front of their self-service check-in kiosks throughout the terminal. In one instance at another airline’s counter, a staff member also touted a points-based credit card but was upfront about the card being co-branded, allowing for mileage accumulation. During the investigation, a man in a dark shirt attempted to obstruct the journalist's filming, claiming to be airport management but failed to present any credentials. Airport control staff later confirmed he was not an employee.

When questioned about their identity, the credit card pitch staff displayed their company identification on the back of their airport access badges, asserting, 「This is my company ID.」 A representative from China Southern Airlines clarified that these staff members were indeed credit card personnel arranged by the bank’s headquarters, emphasizing, 「We mandate that they inform passengers it's a credit card.」

Notably, in 2022, the former China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission and the People’s Bank of China issued notices aimed at regulating and improving the credit card market, addressing management, marketing behaviors, and external cooperation regulations.

The notice mandated that financial institutions must provide information on credit card marketers in their operating outlets and through electronic channels. Credit card marketers are required to present identification bearing the issuer's logo and their personal work information prior to engaging with customers.