Top Credit Card Issuers in the US
- Chase: Known for versatile rewards cards like Sapphire Preferred® and Freedom Unlimited®, tied into the powerful Ultimate Rewards® ecosystem.
- American Express (Amex): Offers premium personal and business cards, large sign-up bonuses, and strong customer service.
- Capital One: Offers accessible credit-builder options like the QuicksilverOne and Platinum cards, along with flat-rate travel rewards cards.
- Discover: Known for rotating 5% cash back categories, no annual fee credit cards, and credit-building secured options.
- Navy Federal Credit Union: Focused on military members and family, providing low APRs and strong credit-building tools.
Major Bank Credit Cards
Major U.S. banks (Chase, Citi, Bank of America) offer credit cards with sign-up bonuses, category-based rewards, and 0% intro APR offers. These are best for consumers with fair to excellent credit who pay monthly and want maximum value from everyday spending and travel.
Petal 1 Visa Credit Card
Issued by WebBank, the Petal 1 Visa uses alternative underwriting—analyzing bank accounts (income, savings, spending) rather than relying solely on FICO score. This allows those with limited or no credit history to qualify—often without a security deposit. Prequalification is available via a soft pull. Offers up to 2%–10% cash back via Petal’s Merchant Offers program at select retailers. Rewards not applied purchase-by-purchase, but could be significant for aligned shopping. No base cash back on all purchases.
Fintech or Online‑Only Credit Card Issuers
Cards from fintech issuers like Tomo, Chime, and Upgrade also use alternative credit approval (based on cash flow or banking activity) and often require no credit history. These cards generally report to all bureaus, come with mobile-first tools, and may include modest rewards or cash back.
Secured Credit Cards for Building Credit
Secured cards such as Discover it® Secured, Capital One Platinum Secured, and OpenSky® Secured Visa® require refundable deposits and typically offer $0 annual fees, bureau reporting, and sometimes cash back. While they require collateral, they may offer more consistent rewards and introductory APR offers than Petal 1.
Retail Store Credit Cards
Store-specific cards (like Amazon Store Card, Target RedCard) offer in-store perks but are limited in acceptance and flexibility. They often have high APRs and fewer protections than general-purpose cards geared toward credit building.
How Credit Cards Impact Your Finances and Credit Score in the US
Credit behavior has a profound effect in the U.S. context: keeping your credit utilization ratio under ~30% helps strengthen your FICO score; on-time payments are critical to building a record of responsible credit use. High revolving balances lead to compound interest, worsening your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and hindering loan eligibility. Cards like Petal 1 can help establish credit through reporting, but high APRs mean you must pay balances fully. Features like purchase protection and rental car insurance—common in mainstream cards—may not be available. Multiple hard inquiries from applying for several cards in a short span can temporarily lower your score. Always read your cardholder agreement, avoid high-interest debt, and aim to pay in full every month.
