Top 9 Credit Card Companies in USA

What Are Credit Card Companies?

Credit card companies are financial institutions and organizations that manage credit card transactions for both individuals and businesses. These include banks, credit unions, payment networks, and other institutions that provide credit and facilitate card payments.

The Largest Credit Card Issuers in 2025

Credit card issuers are responsible for managing your accounts, from processing your application and issuing your card to sending statements and handling payments. They also administer rewards programs, provide benefits, and report your payment history to credit bureaus.

While all credit card companies serve a similar function, they don’t all offer the same experience or value. Larger credit card issuers often provide a broader range of products compared to smaller banks or credit unions. Understanding which companies handle the most purchase volume can guide you in selecting the right card for your needs.

The U.S. credit card market is a significant component of the nation’s financial landscape. As
of 2023, approximately 82% of American adults possess at least one credit card. Credit card
adoption varies across demographics.

Credit Card Usage Across US

• Income: 97% of households earning over $100,000 have credit cards, with these households relying on credit cards for 89% of their payments.
• Age: Adults aged 25-54 use credit cards for 35% of their transactions. Additionally, 53% of individuals aged 30-44 have carried credit card debt at least once in the past year.
• Income: 56% of households with incomes below $25,000 carry credit card debt.

Purposes Credit Cards Serve

Credit cards offer a seamless method for conducting transactions, eliminating the need to
carry cash and providing convenience for both in-person and online purchases.

Instrumental in building credit history, as responsible usage and timely payments contribute
positively to one’s credit score, which is crucial for securing loans and favorable interest
rates.

Credit cards often come with rewards programs, fraud protection, and purchase security,
making them a go-to tool for consumers.

9 Popular Credit Card Companies in USA

For those interested in exploring options, here’s a list of credit card companies to consider:

1. American Express (Amex) – Luxury Travel & Rewards
2. Chase – Leading Travel and Cashback Cards
3. Citibank – Versatile Rewards and 0% APR Offers
4. Bank of America – Banking Perks & Preferred Rewards
5. Wells Fargo – Simple and Transparent Cashback
6. Capital One – Digital-First Credit Card Provider
7. Barclays US – Co-Branded Airline & Travel Cards
8. Synchrony Financial – Store-Branded & Retail Cards
9. U.S. Bank – Flexible Rewards & Balance Transfers

Based on the latest data from The Nilson Report, here are the largest U.S. credit card issuers ranked by purchase volume for the first half of 2025.

Credit Cards: Issuer vs. Network

It is important to understand that credit card issuers and credit card networks are two different entities that have crucial roles in the credit card economy.

Here’s a clear comparison:

In other words, while the issuer offers credit, the network guarantees the payments can be made securely and efficiently. Some credit card companies, such as the American Express and Discover companies, perform the roles of the issuer and the network.

The USA is home to many large credit companies, which offer some of the best credit cards, from basic cards for everyday purchases to premium cards loaded with rewards and perks. Although they don’t all offer the same experience or value, card companies generally operate in the same way.

To make the most of any card in your wallet, you need to be fully aware of all of its features, including any potential bonuses from using cards from different networks or issuers.

Here are the list of top credit companies in the USA:

1. Chase

• CEO: Jamie Dimon
• Revenue: US $110.3 billion (2025)
• Headquarters: 270 Park Avenue, New York City, New York, USA
• Employees: 296,000
• Founded: September 1, 1799
• Social media: Twitter, Linkedin

Chase is one of the largest credit card issuers in the U.S., offering some of the most popular credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred®, a leading travel rewards card, and Chase Freedom Unlimited®, a top-tier cashback card. It serves a broad audience, including travelers, small business owners, and everyday spenders.

Chase credit cards are known for strong travel rewards, cashback offers, fraud protection, and excellent customer service. The bank has over 93 million credit card customers and is the largest issuer of Visa credit cards in the U.S.

Chase is headquartered in New York City and has over 140 million credit cards in circulation. It processed $1.3 trillion in purchase transactions in 2023. Chase has major partnerships with United Airlines (United Mileage-plus Cards), Southwest Airlines, Amazon (Amazon Prime Rewards Visa), and Marriott Bonvoy.

2. American Express

• CEO: Stephen J. Squeri
• Revenue: US $59.24 billion (2025)
• Headquarters: 200 Vesey Street, Brookfield Place in New York City, New York, USA
• Employees: 77,300
• Founded: March 18, 1850
• Social media: Twitter, Linkedin

American Express is known for its premium travel and rewards credit cards. Some of its most popular offerings include The Platinum Card® for luxury travel perks, Blue Cash Preferred® for cashback on groceries, and Business Gold Card for entrepreneurs. Amex primarily caters to high-net-worth individuals, frequent travelers, and business owners.

Amex provides airport lounge access, concierge services, high reward rates, and superior fraud protection. It serves over 55 million cardholders in the U.S., emphasizing premium experiences. Unlike most banks, Amex issues its own cards, maintaining full control over underwriting and benefits.

Headquartered in New York City, Amex has 121 million cards in circulation worldwide and processed $1.5 trillion in transactions in 2023. It has strong partnerships with Delta Airlines (Delta SkyMiles Cards), Hilton Hotels (Hilton Honors Cards), and Marriott Bonvoy for co-branded travel rewards.

3. Citi

• CEO: Jane Fraser
• Revenue: US $156.8 billion (2023)
• Headquarters: 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY, USA
• Employees: 240,000
• Founded: June 16, 1812
• Social media: Twitter, Linkedin

Citibank offers a wide range of credit cards, from cashback options like Citi Double Cash® to travel-focused cards like Citi Premier® and AAdvantage® Platinum Select. Citi serves students, travelers, and cashback enthusiasts with competitive rewards and benefits.

Citi is known for long 0% intro APR offers, flexible rewards, and strong fraud protection. It has over 68 million credit card customers in the U.S. and processes billions in transactions annually. Citi cards often feature purchase protection and extended warranties, making them a popular choice.

Headquartered in New York City, Citibank has over 100 million credit cards issued globally, with a strong presence in the U.S. It has co-branded partnerships with American Airlines (Advantage Cards), Costco (Citi Costco Anywhere Visa), and Expedia (Expedia Rewards Card).

4. Capital One

• CEO: Richard D. Fairbank
• Revenue: US $49.5 billion (2023)
• Headquarters: 1680 Capital One Drive McLean, Virginia, USA
• Employees: 54,000
• Founded: July 21, 1994
• Social media: Twitter, Linkedin

Capital One is a digital-first credit card provider with flagship cards like Venture Rewards, Quicksilver Cash Rewards, and SavorOne Rewards. It serves students, small businesses, and frequent travelers, offering straightforward cashback and travel rewards.

Known for no foreign transaction fees, instant card approvals, and fraud protection, Capital One has over 100 million customers in the U.S. The company prioritizes AI-driven fraud monitoring and digital banking integration.

Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One has over 75 million credit cards in circulation and processed $600 billion in transactions in 2023. It has partnerships with Walmart (Walmart Rewards), GM (GM BuyPower Card), and Hotels.com.

5. Bank of America

• CEO: Brian Moynihan
• Revenue: US $25.3 billion (2023)
• Headquarters: 100 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
• Employees: 217,000
• Founded: October 17, 1904
• Social media: Twitter, Linkedin

Bank of America offers credit cards like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature®, and Premium Rewards®. These serve frequent travelers, cashback seekers, and high-net-worth clients who benefit from their Preferred Rewards program.

Bank of America is known for high cashback rates, extensive fraud protection, and banking perks for existing customers. It has over 60 million credit cardholders and integrates its cards with robust mobile banking services.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bank of America has over 58 million credit cards in circulation and processed $900 billion in transactions in 2023. It partners with Alaska Airlines, the MLB (Major League Baseball Rewards Cards), and Susan G. Komen (charity-linked credit cards).

6. Barclays US

• CEO: Denny Nealon
• Revenue: US $31.57 billion (2023)
• Headquarters: 125 South West Street Wilmington, DE 19801
• Employees: 12,323
• Founded: November 17, 1690
• Social media: Twitter, Linkedin

Barclays is a UK-based bank with a strong presence in the U.S. credit card market, issuing co-branded credit cards with major brands. Popular cards include the JetBlue Plus Card, Advantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard, and the Barclaycard Arrival Plus®, serving travelers, airline loyalty members, and everyday spenders.

Barclays credit cards offer travel perks, cashback rewards, and exclusive airline benefits. It has millions of cardholders in the U.S., focusing primarily on partnered credit cards rather than general banking customers. Barclays is among the top 10 credit card issuers in the U.S. by transaction volume.

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Barclays has over 24 million credit cards in circulation in the U.S.. It has partnerships with JetBlue, American Airlines, Wyndham Hotels, the NFL, and Uber for co-branded credit cards.

Discover

7. US Bank

• CEO: Andrew Cecere
• Revenue: US $6.9 billion (2025)
• Headquarters: 800 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55402, US
• Employees: 70,000
• Founded: July 13, 1863
• Social media: Twitter, Linkedin

U.S. Bank offers a variety of credit cards, including the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite®, U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature®, and U.S. Bank Platinum Visa®. These cards cater to travelers, cashback seekers, and balance transfer users.

U.S. Bank is known for flexible rewards programs, competitive balance transfer offers, and strong security features. It serves millions of credit cardholders in the U.S., ranking among the top 10 credit card issuers in the country.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Bank has more than 30 million credit cards in circulation. It has partnerships with REI, Kroger, and Harley-Davidson for co-branded credit cards.

US Bank

8. Wells Fargo

• CEO: Mr. Charles W. Scharf
• Revenue: US $78.492 billion (2023)
• Headquarters: 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California 94104, USA
• Employees: 250,000
• Founded: 18 March, 1852
• Social media: Twitter, Linkedin

Wells Fargo provides credit cards like Active Cash® for unlimited 2% cashback and the Autograph℠ Card for travel and dining rewards. It caters to cashback enthusiasts, business owners, and travelers with simple and transparent reward structures.

Wells Fargo cards are popular for zero annual fees, competitive cashback rewards, and strong fraud protection. The bank has over 50 million credit cardholders and offers exclusive perks for banking customers.

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Wells Fargo has over 64 million credit cards in circulation and processes hundreds of billions in transactions annually. It has partnerships with Choice Hotels, Bilt Rewards (rent-based credit card), and Reflect Card for everyday cashback rewards.

9. Synchrony Financial

• CEO: Brian Doubles
• Revenue: US $24.17 billion (2024)
• Headquarters: 777 Long Ridge Road, Stamford, Connecticut, United States
• Employees: 20,000
• Founded: September 12, 2003
• Social media: Twitter, Linkedin

Synchrony is one of the largest private-label credit card issuers in the U.S., offering store- branded credit cards for retailers, healthcare providers, and manufacturers. Popular cards include the Amazon Store Card, Lowe’s Advantage Card, and PayPal Cashback Mastercard. These primarily serve shoppers looking for store-specific financing and rewards.

Synchrony specializes in zero-interest financing, deferred payments, and retail loyalty rewards. It serves nearly 70 million active accounts and processes billions in annual transactions, focusing on retail and consumer financing rather than traditional banking.

Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Synchrony has over 75 million credit card accounts in circulation. It partners with Amazon, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, PayPal, and TJX (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods) to issue store-branded credit cards.

Lesser Known and Regional Credit Cards in the USA

Regional and less famous credit cards in the USA include those that provide services to certain categories of consumers.

Here are key examples:

Regional Banks:

• U.S. Bank: Credit cards are more versatile rewards such as Altitude Reserve.
• PNC Bank: PNC insights with card and cashback rewards on purchases with PNC cash rewards.
• Regions Bank: Examples include Prestige Visa Signature where it services the southeast and Midwest customers.

Credit Unions:

• Navy Federal: Pays with Military Families Cash Rewards Card.
• PenFed: Provides the Power Cash Rewards Visa with cash back incentives.
• Alliant: Super Cashback rates with Cashback Visa Signature.

Retail-Specific Cards:

• Provided by Synchrony and Comenity for stores such as Amazon, Lowe’s, and Victoria’s Secret.

Specialty Issuers:

• Petal: Credit cards are given to those with little or no credit information on file.
• Mission Lane: Aids in credit repair with clear charges for such a service.

Regional Airline Cards:

• Alaska Airlines Visa: Perks of traveling for West Coast people.

Gas Cards:

• BPme Rewards Visa and Chevron/Texaco cards provide fuel savings.

They offer site-specific features, inexpensive annual charges, and customized awards.

Which is the Most Widely Accepted Credit Card Company?

Visa is the most widely accepted credit card company globally, known for its extensive network and reliability. Operating in over 200 countries, Visa partners with millions of merchants, making it accessible to travelers, online shoppers, and everyday users alike. Its cards are versatile, offering credit, debit, and prepaid options, catering to diverse financial needs. Visa’s advanced security measures, such as EMV chip technology and fraud monitoring, enhance user trust, solidifying its reputation as the world’s most accepted payment network.