[Photo via VCG]

Beijing has launched a pilot program for the replacement of the third-generation social security cards. In the piloting districts of Xicheng, Shijingshan, and Huairou, insured enterprises and government or public institutions can replace social security cards for their employees through the cooperative banks for the cards.

The Implementation Rules for the Administration of Social Security Card Cooperative Banking Services in Beijing (hereinafter referred to as the Rules) was also released recently. According to the Rules, cardholders are granted the flexibility to choose or switch their service banks as per their personal requirements. Furthermore, a comprehensive fee waiver and reduction scheme is in place, covering costs such as card production, annual financial account fees, small account management fees, cross-bank processing fees for cardholders, courier fees for issuing cards, and at least five monthly fees for inter-bank cash withdrawals.

Each third-generation social security card not only retains the core functionalities of its older versions but also serves as an official ID document for its holder to access a variety of human resources and social security services. Moreover, it introduces added features like transportation services, park annual passes, and expanded financial services. At present, 14 banks are participating as cooperative partners in the social security card scheme in Beijing, including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Bank of Communications.

(Source: Beijing Daily)