Key takeout
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Credit card issuers and networks perform two different roles, both of which can be considered credit card companies.
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The credit card issuer will be responsible for card details, fees, fees and perks.
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Credit card networks may play a role in available card functions.
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Choosing the right card issuer will help you ultimately choose the right card.
The right credit card in your wallet can make your normal spending a long way.
Credit cards are a handy financial tool, offering more consumer protection than debit cards, allowing cardholders to earn cashback, travel rewards and other valuable benefits when they buy.
when Select the appropriate cardin most cases, compare these benefits. However, another part of the equation is often overlooked. Additionally, banks that issue cards and the networks that are part of them can have a significant impact on compensation, benefits, fees and other card details.
To get the most out of the cards in your wallet, you need to fully understand what you offer, including the benefits you can get from various issuers and network cards. This is an overview of today’s major credit card companies in the US. Typical perks you can get with them and credit cards they offer.
Credit Card Company: Issuer and Network
Each credit card has both a network and its associated issuer. In some cases, the network and card issuer may be the same. Networks and issuers perform different roles with regard to credit cards, but both are considered credit card companies.
Credit Card Network
Credit Card Network is a company that helps you process each transaction. When you buy with a credit card, the network handles all communications between the merchant and the bank to facilitate transactions.
There are four major credit card networks in the US.
- American Express. This credit card network provides the world’s largest integrated payment platform. American Express also doubles as a card issuer.
- Discover. Discover Global Network operates in more than 200 countries and territories, reaching over 345 million cardholders. Discover is also a credit card issuer.
- Mastercard. The network’s cards are accepted in over 46 million locations online and in-store locations in over 210 countries around the world. MasterCard Credit Card Some of the most widely accepted and used.
- visa. Visa Credit Card It is accepted in more than 200 countries and territories around the world, and currently has over $4.5 billion in visa cards in use worldwide.
While Visa and MasterCard have long been the most widely accepted credit card networks around the world, American Express and Discow have been working to expand their footprint in the US and overseas. Currently, 99% of US merchants accept credit cards accept American Express cards, and the same applies to their discoveries.
American Express and Discover are just two of these networks that issue their own cards rather than working with other banks to provide card products. So you won’t see Amex or discover cards offered by card issuers like Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, etc.
Credit card issuer
On the other hand, card issuers are banks that expand their credit lines. In other words, the card issuer is a financial institution where you can approve (or issue a denial) you. Apply for a new credit card.
The credit card issuer also manages and supervises your credit card account. Also, if you have customer service inquiries or have issues, you will be the company you trade with. Repay your credit card balance.
So, what is the main card issuer? The 10 common financial institutions that issue credit cards in the US are:
American Express
JD Power 2025 US Online Credit Card Satisfaction Ranking: #1
American Express was founded in 1850 as a freight transport company, but the course changed dramatically from its early days. In early 2022, AMEX was the second largest US card issuer by purchase volume, according to Nilson’s report data provided to Bankrate. The company’s offerings include cards that can accept credit cards and paid cards. These cards act like traditional charging cards for individuals and businesses, and all sorts of banking products like that. High-yield savings account.
American Express is a credit card network and card issuer.
Popular American Express Credit Card include:
advantage: American Express stands out because of the large number of credit cards offered through the company. Also, some American Express cards can earn cashback, while many other cards earn American Express Membership Rewards The point is very versatile and valuable. For example, you can use membership reward points on products, gift cards, or move or transfer the Amex Travel Portal. Amex Airline and Hotel Partners.
Wells Fargo
JD Power 2025 US Online Credit Card Satisfaction Ranking: #2
Wells Fargo was founded in 1852 and became the leading issuer of mortgages, car loans, credit cards and more. That said, Wells Fargo is a relatively newcomer in the credit card space, as he did not expand into the credit card industry until the 1960s.
Popular Wells Fargo Credit Card include:
advantage: Wells Fargo has released several exceptional card offerings over the last few years. Notable examples include the Wells Fargo Reflect card. This will provide an intro APR on purchasing and transferring eligible balances.
US Bank
JD Power 2025 US Online Credit Card Satisfaction Ranking: #3
The history of the US bank dates back to 1863, with Abraham Lincoln offering his predecessor (the First National Bank of Cincinnati) licenses to operate. Today, US Banks have branches nationwide, and banks provide financial products and services to individuals, businesses and large corporations.
Popular credit cards:
advantage: US bank credit cards may not be as popular as issuer options like American Express and Chase, but still offer exceptional rewards and benefits.
Discover
JD Power 2025 US Online Credit Card Satisfaction Ranking: #4
Discover was founded in 1985 as a credit card company and is both a card issuer and a credit card network. Today, Discover offers personal credit cards, online banking products, personal loans and mortgages. In May 2025, Capital One completed the acquisition of Discover Financial Services. The combined entity is the largest credit card issuer in the United States in terms of loan balances (approximately $250 billion).
Mergers, Discoveries, and Capital 1 Cards remain in the near future. Discover offers several unique features that will help you stand out from other publishers. For example, you can prequalify for all your Discovery Card products without strict enquiries with your credit report.
Popular Find a credit card include:
advantage: All discovery credit cards have no annual fees and foreign transaction fees and are all prequalified. This is a major plus. Discover’s cashback matches and Discover Match program essentially doubles the rewards you earn at the end of your first year on a card.
Tracking
JD Power 2025 US Online Credit Card Satisfaction Ranking: #5
Chase traces its roots to his predecessor’s institution, which opened in New York in 1799. Chase is a force to be considered in the credit card space and stands as one of the top issuers in the market.
Not only does the financial institution boast the largest credit card portfolio of card issuers around the world, it also has over 4,700 physical bank branches nationwide. Apart from popular credit card products, the institution also offers a variety of financial products, including mortgages, car loans and savings accounts.
Popular I’ll chase my credit card include:
advantage: Chase credit cards are some of the most coveted and mostly Chase Ultimate Rewards Program. This versatile program allows you to redeem cashback, statement credits, gift cards, or rewards for traveling through the Chase Portal. Premium Chey Travel Credit Cards also allow you to transfer points Chase Airline and Hotel Partners Like the British Airways, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and Hyatt. Many people carry multiple tracking cards. Best credit card combo Around it.
Barclays
JD Power 2025 US Online Credit Card Satisfaction Ranking: #6
Barclays was founded in London in the late 17th century, and since then the bank has grown dramatically. Although still based in the UK, Barclays offers a wide range of banking products in the US, including consumer credit cards and high-yield savings accounts.
Popular credit cards:
advantage: Barclays is known for offering a variety of co-branded credit cards along with travel brands such as JetBlue, Carnival Cruises, Wyndham and Frontier Airlines.
Bank of America
JD Power 2025 US Online Credit Card Satisfaction Ranking: #7
Bank of America’s roots go back 240 years, but the banks didn’t start Credit cards will be provided until 1958. More recently, Bank of America offers a range of popular personal and business credit cards as well as mortgages, auto loans, check and savings accounts and other financial products. Bank of America also offers secure credit cards for bad credit.
Popular Bank of America credit cards include:
advantage: Bank of America offers a variety of popular reward cards for people with all kinds of credit profiles. This range is extremely valuable, especially Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Remuneration Security Credit Card*.
Thank you for Favorite reward The program, Bank of America’s credit cards, is especially advantageous if you already have a relationship with the bank. Once you reach a certain balance in a qualifying account, you are eligible for boosted credit card rewards (including higher interest rates on loan accounts and higher interest rates on savings accounts, among other perks).
Capital 1
JD Power 2025 US Online Credit Card Satisfaction Ranking: #8
Capital One has only been around since 1988, so the company is one of the new financial institutions that issue credit cards. Since its founding, Capital One has grown and is still growing to have one of the world’s largest credit card portfolios worldwide. In May 2025, Capital One acquired Discover Financial Services and officially completed the merger.
Popular Capital 1 credit card include:
Capital One also offers a variety of financial services and products, including checking accounts, auto loans, and business loans.
advantage: Capital One offers almost all types of consumer credit cards. Corporate credit cards, cashback credit cards, travel credit cards, credit cards for bad credits, and card options for people with fair credit.
Synchronization
JD Power 2025 US Online Credit Card Satisfaction Ranking: #9
Synchrony Bank’s history dates back to 1932, when General Electric began offering credit to families who wanted to fund new appliances. Since these early years, Synchrony has expanded to offer numerous co-branded credit card products, along with brands such as Lowe’s, Ashley Homestore, JCpenney and Sam’s Club.
Synchronous Bank We also offer money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CD), savings accounts and other financial products.
Popular credit cards:
advantage: Synchrony Bank offers primarily co-branded store credit cards and can fund purchases with major retailers. Their cards will help you repay your purchase over time while you may earn rewards for your purchase.
City
JD Power 2025 US Online Credit Card Satisfaction Ranking: #10
Citi was founded in 1812 and currently has the second largest credit card portfolio in the world. Citi offers personal credit cards, banking and asset management services and more. It is known High-yield online savings account In addition to offering one of the most popular cashback cards on the market.
Popular City Credit Card include:
advantage: Citi offers the City Double Cash® Card, one of the most popular cashback credit cards today. However, the card issuer also offers cards that earn popular points Thank you Citi You’ll be grateful for the reward You can either navigate or move through the program, cashback, gift cards, or CITI portal. City Airlines and Hotel Partners.
Small credit card issuer
In addition to these major credit card companies, many small banks and credit unions offer credit cards in the market today.
Does a credit card network offer profits?
Credit card networks are generally responsible for the behind-the-scenes mechanisms of credit cards, but they can affect card perks and functionality. For example, eligible cards are Visa Signing, Mastercard World or World Elite situation.
Cards granted this status by the network may have plenty of useful perks, such as travel protection and concierge services. However, credit card issuers have final say on which of these additional benefits a particular card receives.
Should credit card companies affect my card choice?
Naturally, the biggest impact of credit card companies on card selection is card availability. Apart from the cards you can choose, the card issuer may consider the final decision in several other ways.
Conclusion
Whether you need a card from a major card issuer or prefer banking with small banks or credit unions, credit card options are abundant. Ultimately, the best bank for credit cards is one that offers the best combination of customer service, flexibility and card choice.
The above information will help you narrow down your card issuer to focus, but be sure to compare Best credit card offers At today’s market before you decide.
*Information on US Bank Visa® Platinum CardAADVANTAGE®AVIATOR®Red World Elite Master Card®, Sam’s Club®Master Card®, CitiCustom®Card, Wells FargoAttuneâ„ Card, US Bank Visa® Platinum CardUS Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, USB Bank® GoVo Visa Signature® Card, Chase Freedom Flex®, Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Master Card®, Emirates Skywards World Elite Master Card®, JetBlue Card, JetBlue Card, Bank of America® Unlimited Card, Collected independently by bank rates. Card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or MasterCard® and may vary depending on the product. Terminology and exclusions apply, so please refer to the guide to each benefit for more information.
Bank of America content for this post was last updated on June 13th, 2025.
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