Top Credit Card Issuers in the US
- Chase: Known for cards like Freedom Unlimited® and Sapphire Preferred®, backed by the strong Ultimate Rewards® ecosystem.
- American Express (Amex): Offers premium travel perks and customer service through cards like Platinum® and Blue Cash Preferred®.
- Capital One: Provides flat-rate rewards cards (e.g., Quicksilver®), travel-focused options (Venture®), and accessible secured choices.
- Discover: No-annual-fee cards, rotating bonus categories, free FICO® scores, and strong domestic support.
- Navy Federal Credit Union: Designed for military families with lower APRs, strong rewards, and personalized service.
Major Bank Credit Cards
U.S. banks such as Citi, Chase, and Bank of America offer cards with welcome bonuses, competitive rewards, and introductory 0% APR offers. They require fair to excellent credit and deliver solid value for cardholders who pay their balances in full each month.
Citi Custom Cash Card
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers 5% cash back on your top eligible category each billing cycle (up to $500), like gas, groceries, or dining, plus 1% back on all other purchases. You’ll also earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in 6 months. Enjoy a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 18.24%–28.24% variable). Rewards come as ThankYou® Points, redeemable for cash, travel, gift cards, or more. No annual fee.
Fintech or Online-Only Credit Card Issuers
Digital issuers like Petal, Chime, and Upgrade use income and banking behavior for underwriting. They typically offer unsecured credit, no annual fees, and report to U.S. credit bureaus—great for credit-building without traditional credit checks.
Secured Credit Cards for Building Credit
Secured options like Discover it® Secured and Capital One Platinum Secured require a refundable deposit, report to all three bureaus, often have no annual fee, and may offer rewards or automatic upgrades to unsecured status.
Retail Store Credit Cards
Cards tied to stores (e.g., Target RedCard, Amazon Store Card) offer store-specific benefits but often carry high APRs and limited acceptance, with minimal protections. General-purpose cards are typically better for broader use and long-term value.
How Credit Cards Impact Your Finances and Credit Score in the US
Credit behaviors affect your financial health deeply. Keeping your credit utilization under 30% helps improve your FICO score, while on-time payments are the most crucial factor in credit scoring. Carrying balances can lead to compound interest and raise your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which impacts loan approval opportunities. The 0% intro APR offer with Citi Custom Cash® helps manage new expenses or transfers—but only if used responsibly. Lastly, features like purchase protection and rental car insurance add hidden value, and applying for multiple cards too quickly results in hard inquiries, which may lower your score temporarily. Always read the cardholder agreement, avoid long-term debt, and strive to pay your balance in full monthly.
