Top Credit Card Issuers in the US
- Chase Offers a variety of credit cards, including the Chase Freedom series, known for rotating 5% cash back categories and valuable sign-up bonuses.
- American Express Provides a range of cards with strong rewards programs, such as the Blue Cash Preferred® Card, offering high cash back rates on U.S. supermarkets and streaming services.
- Capital One Features cards like the Capital One QuicksilverOne, which offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, ideal for those seeking straightforward rewards.
- Discover Known for its cash back cards, including the Discover it® Student Cash Back, which offers rotating 5% cash back categories and a Cashback Match® feature.
Major Bank Credit Cards
These cards are offered by large financial institutions and often come with robust rewards programs and extensive customer service.
Discover it Student Cash Back
Tailored for students, this card offers rotating cash back categories and tools to help build credit.
- 5% Cash Back on rotating categories each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Categories may include grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more.
- 1% Unlimited Cash Back on all other purchases automatically.
- $0 Annual Fee with no foreign transaction fees.
- Introductory APR of 0% for 6 months on purchases, then a variable APR applies.
- Cashback Match® Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
- Free FICO® Credit Score to help you monitor your credit progress.
Fintech or Online-Only Credit Card Issuers
These issuers operate primarily online, offering streamlined applications and digital tools. Examples include Petal and Deserve.
Secured Credit Cards for Building Credit
Secured cards require a deposit and are designed to help individuals build or rebuild credit. Discover also offers the Discover it® Secured Credit Card for this purpose.
Retail Store Credit Cards
These cards are offered by specific retailers and often provide discounts or rewards for purchases made at those stores. However, they may come with higher interest rates and limited usability.
How Credit Cards Impact Your Finances and Credit Score in the US
In the U.S., using credit wisely can shape your financial future. Keeping your credit utilization ratio under 30% helps improve your FICO score. On-time payments are the most important factor in credit scoring. Carrying balances—especially at ~20% APR—leads to compound interest, increasing your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and making it harder to get loans later. Cards like Discover Student, which report to all bureaus and offer no fees, help establish positive credit history. Rotating categories require quarterly activation, which can be a learning curve but rewards strategic users. Avoid applying for multiple cards at once to keep from triggering multiple hard inquiries. Always read the cardholder agreement, focus on paying balances in full, and don’t overspend to chase rewards.
