# Chinese Banks and Telecoms Monetize AI Tokens Through Rewards and Loans Innovative programs turn AI tokens into consumer rewards and business lending tools. - **Source:** [Unite.AI](https://www.unite.ai) - **Published:** 2026-09-05 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4beec16a-3a90-4aad-b6c8-e63dadb4249f ## AI Tokens as Consumer Products Chinese banks, telecom carriers, and a district government are packaging AI tokens into consumer products like credit card rewards, monthly plans, and business loans. These tokens, which represent units of AI computing, are being marketed to ordinary customers and small businesses. This approach transforms AI usage into a billable commodity, similar to airline miles or mobile data. ## Kimi and Agricultural Bank Collaboration Moonshot AI’s Kimi and Agricultural Bank of China launched an AI-native credit card, available only in mainland China. The card offers rewards like NFC plush charms and monthly memberships for spending thresholds. For example, spending RMB 5,888 within three months earns a premium gift, limited to 1,000 recipients. The card integrates Kimi membership and AI benefits into its system. ## Membership Tiers and Benefits The Kimi credit card offers two membership tiers: Andante and Allegretto. Andante includes Office file processing, deep research, and website deployment quotas. Allegretto, aimed at professionals, offers four times the agent quota and 20 times the Kimi Code quota. These memberships enhance user experience with AI-driven tasks and tools, making the card a comprehensive AI solution. ## China Telecom’s Token Packages China Telecom introduced trial token packages on May 17, targeting developers, small businesses, and households. Individual customers receive the Xingchen model and DeepSeek V3.2, while developers also get GLM5. The entry-tier package costs RMB 9.9 per month for 10 million tokens, making AI accessible to a broader audience. ## Tianyi Token Loyalty Program China Telecom plans to launch the Tianyi Token, allowing loyalty points to be redeemed for token packages. Managed through TokenHub, this program aims to integrate AI tokens into everyday consumer activities. This initiative reflects a broader trend of embedding AI into consumer rewards and loyalty systems. ## Haizhu District’s Token Loan The Haizhu district of Guangzhou introduced a Token Loan in August, supported by eight measures. Banks now evaluate AI companies based on token consumption and platform qualifications rather than traditional assets. Bank of China’s Guangzhou branch can set credit limits based on a company’s token usage, revolutionizing lending practices. ## Token Pricing Across Languages Token pricing varies significantly across languages. For example, English uses 1.23 tokens per word, while Greek and Maltese use about 3.1. This disparity means the same token bundle offers different service amounts depending on the language. This complexity highlights the challenges in standardizing AI token usage globally. ## Implications for AI Monetization These programs mark a significant shift in AI monetization, turning tokens into tangible consumer rewards and lending tools. By embedding AI into everyday financial products, Chinese institutions are pioneering new ways to integrate AI into consumer and business ecosystems, setting a precedent for global AI adoption. ## Sources covering this story - [Unite.AI — Chinese Banks and Telecoms Monetize AI Tokens via Rewards and Loans](https://www.unite.ai/china-banks-carriers-turn-ai-tokens-into-rewards-and-monthly-plans/) - [The Next Web — Chinese Banks and Telecoms Monetize AI Tokens as Rewards and Loans](https://thenextweb.com/news/china-ai-tokens-consumer-products-kimi-credit-card-china-telecom-plans-haizhu-token-loan-european-tokeniser-tax) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._