Top Credit Card Issuers in the US
- Chase: Offers versatile rewards and travel cards like Sapphire Preferred® and Freedom Unlimited®.
- Capital One: Provides accessible credit-builder and flat-rate reward cards—such as Quicksilver® and Platinum Secured.
- Discover: Known for beginner-friendly secured and student cards, rotating cashback, no annual fees, and free FICO® scores.
- American Express (Amex): Offers premium perks via cards like Platinum® and Blue Cash Preferred®, with strong customer service.
- Navy Federal Credit Union: Ideal for military families with fair rates, credit-builder tools, and member-focused support.
Major Bank Credit Cards
U.S. banks like Chase, Citi, and BofA issue credit cards featuring sign-up bonuses, tiered rewards, and introductory APR offers. These cards typically require fair to excellent credit and offer maximum value to cardholders who pay balances in full monthly.
Assent Platinum Mastercard Secured Credit Card
Issued by Synovus Bank and available without a credit check or minimum score. Requires a $200–$2,000 refundable security deposit, which sets your credit line and is fully returned upon account closure if paid off. Reports monthly to TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Unique among secured cards, it offers 0% introductory APR on purchases for six months, though experts note that carrying balances defeats the purpose. Ongoing purchase APR is about 28.24% variable.
Fintech or Online‑Only Credit Card Issuers
Cards like Petal, Chime, and Grow Credit use alternative data for approval and often have no annual fees, report to all bureaus, and embed budgeting features—great for credit builders who prefer app-based products.
Secured Credit Cards for Building Credit
Other strong secured options include Discover it Secured, Capital One Platinum Secured, and OpenSky Secured Visa. These cards typically require a deposit, report to bureaus monthly, and may offer lower APR or consistent cashback rewards.
Retail Store Credit Cards
Store-specific cards (e.g. Amazon Store Card, Target RedCard) offer discounts at one retailer but typically carry high APRs and limited acceptance. They lack the credit-building impact and flexibility of general-purpose cards like Assent.
How Credit Cards Impact Your Finances and Credit Score in the US
Secured cards like Assent can help rebuild your credit when used responsibly. Your credit utilization ratio—keeping usage under 30%—is critical to improving your FICO score. Reporting monthly activity helps build a positive payment history. While the 0% intro APR is rare, the objective with secured cards is to pay off the balance entirely each month—avoiding compound interest that can drive up your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Track fees carefully, especially foreign and late fees. Multiple credit inquiries can lower your score, so apply sparingly. Always read the cardholder agreement, keep balances low, and aim to transition to an unsecured card over time.
