Credit card companies, like most other things in life, come in all shapes and sizes.
Some are titans of the industry, spending upwards of $200 million per year to blare commercials 24/7 on every medium known to man. Others lack any kind of name recognition — outside of their employees, and, presumably, a handful of customers.
You don’t want to entrust your financial future to just any credit card company. So, if you’re looking to get a new credit card, where do you even start?
Below we list the 15 largest credit card companies (as measured by the number of cards in circulation), along with links to their top credit cards, credit score requirements, and where to apply.
1. Visa — 312M Cards in Circulation
Visa is the largest major payment network, widely accepted by over 40M merchants. From traditional benefits to premium rewards, Visa offers a wide range of benefits for cardholders around the world.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 500 to 850
- Average: 675
- Translation: Can have anywhere from poor to excellent credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-847-2911
- Online: https://www.cardrates.com/reviews/visa/
2. Mastercard — 266M Cards in Circulation
The second-largest major credit card network in the United States, Mastercard offers perks like easy bill pay and zero-liability fraud protection. Mastercard processes transactions in over 210 countries and territories, and in more than 150 currencies.
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 550 to 850
- Average: 750
- Translation: Options for consumers with bad to excellent credit available
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-307-7309
- Online: https://www.cardrates.com/reviews/mastercard/
3. Chase — 149M Cards in Circulation
Chase is the largest issuer of general-purpose credit cards in the U.S. With rewards from companies like Disney and Southwest Airlines, Chase boasts high customer satisfaction for its credit cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is often regarded as the best travel card.
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 616 to 850
- Average: 718
- Translation: Must have fair to excellent credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-432-3117
- Online: https://www.cardrates.com/reviews/chase/
4. Capital One — 107M Cards in Circulation
Whether your credit score is excellent or poor, Capital One has a credit card for you. With 24/7 customer service and free credit scores via CreditWise, Capital One provides premium benefits and invaluable tools for all its cardholders.
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: No score to 850
- Average: 717
- Translation: Can have anywhere from poor to excellent credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-227-4825
- Online: https://www.cardrates.com/reviews/capital-one/
5. Synchrony Financial — 70M Cards in Circulation
Synchrony Financial is a major issuer of Mastercard and Visa credit cards. Synchrony offers a wide variety of co-branded retail credit cards suitable for a range of credit types.
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 300 to 850
- Average: 630
- Translation: Can have poor credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1 (866) 419-4096
- Online: https://www.mysynchrony.com/
6. Citibank — 68M Cards in Circulation
Citibank is a major banking institution for customers of all credit standings. Citi cards have two primary rewards programs available: Cash back and ThankYou® Points. The CitiManager® online tool helps its members manage multiple accounts.
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser. Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser. Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 550 to 850
- Average: 750
- Translation: Must have fair to excellent credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-347-4934
- Online: https://www.cardrates.com/reviews/citi/
7. Discover — 61M Cards in Circulation
Discover has numerous promotional offers on its credit cards, including cash back, miles, and 0% intro APRs. Dependable fraud protection keeps customers safe while they spend. Applying for a Discover card is easy, and you’ll find they have good offerings for students and businesses alike.
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 670 to 850
- Average: 733
- Translation: Can have good to excellent credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-DISCOVER (347-2683)
- Online: https://www.cardrates.com/reviews/discover/
8. Bank of America — 55M Cards in Circulation
Founded in 1904, Bank of America began as the “Bank of Italy,” serving America’s expanding immigrant population. Bank of America re-branded itself in 1930 and created the first general-use credit card. Today it is among the world’s leading financial brands.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser. Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser. Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 500 to 850
- Average: 744
- Translation: Can have poor to excellent credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-732-9194
- Online: https://www.cardrates.com/reviews/bank-of-america/
9. American Express — 48M Cards in Circulation
Also known as “AMEX,” American Express is active in over 160 different countries and territories. It processed over $1 trillion in purchase volume in 2022, just behind Chase. AMEX primarily accepts high-income cardholders with good to excellent credit scores.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly through airlines or American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Also earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
- $200 annual hotel credit, $200 annual airline fee credit, $25 monthly Equinox credit, $15 monthly Uber cash credit, $50 bi-annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit, and more.
- Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Global Lounge Collection, including 1,400 airport lounges across 650 cities.
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status. Enrollment required.
- Choose among three card designs
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.49% – 27.49% Pay Over Time
|
$695
|
Excellent
|
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership
- Earn 4X Points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases. Also earn 4X Points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 3X points on flights when booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. All other eligible purchases earn 1X point.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, Boxed and other participating partners. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- Delight your senses when you book The Hotel Collection with American Express Travel. Get a $100 experience credit to use during your stay. A minimum 2-night stay is required.
- $250 Annual Fee
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.49% – 28.49% Pay Over Time
|
$250
|
Excellent
|
- Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of card membership
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, 1.5X points on business categories and purchases of $5,000 or more on up to $2 million per calendar year, and 1X point for each dollar you spend on other purchases.
- Get up to $400 back per year toward U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies, up to $360 back per year for purchases with Indeed, and $120 back per year for wireless telephone service purchases on the Business Platinum Card, plus additional credits. Enrollment is required for all.
- Access to more than 1,400 lounges across 140 countries and counting with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®
- Use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points for all or part of an eligible fare and get 35% of those points back, up to 1,000,000 points back per calendar year
- $695 Annual Fee
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
18.74% – 26.74% Pay Over Time
|
$695
|
Excellent
|
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 623 to 850
- Average: 733
- Translation: Must have good to excellent credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-297-3276
- Online: https://www.cardrates.com/reviews/american-express/
10. Wells Fargo — 23M Cards in Circulation
Wells Fargo is one of the oldest financial institutions in America. Wells Fargo credit cards provide competitive offers and diverse financial assistance to suit cardholders of all types. About 1 in 3 American households trust this brand with their personal finances.
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 620 to 850
- Average: 750
- Translation: Must have good to excellent credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-642-4720
- Online: https://www.cardrates.com/reviews/wells-fargo/
11. U.S. Bank — 22M Cards in Circulation
U.S. Bank offers credit cards for rebuilding credit for first-timers, students, small businesses, and the general populace. U.S. Bank has many beneficial credit cards that you can easily browse through online.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. That’s a $200 value redeemable toward merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel, and more. Points never expire.
- Earn 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery
- Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations, and EV charging stations — all other purchases earn 1 point per $1
- Enjoy a 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies
- $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix, Apple TV, Spotify, and more.
- $0 Annual Fee
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 12 billing cycles
|
0% for 12 billing cycles
|
19.49% – 28.49% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Good/Excellent
|
- For a limited time, get a special 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, the APR is variable.
- Enjoy Cellphone Protection Coverage of up to $600 annually when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card
- View your credit score anytime, anywhere in the mobile app or online banking. It’s easy to enroll, easy to use, and free to U.S. Bank customers.
- Fraud Protection detects and notifies you of any unusual card activity to help prevent fraud
- Choose your payment due date
- $0 Annual Fee
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 18 billing cycles
|
0% for 18 billing cycles
|
19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent Credit
|
- Earn unlimited cash back while building credit for the future. Start with a security deposit of $300 to $5,000.
- Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose, 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center, 2% back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery stores and restaurants), and 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
- Use your card everywhere Visa is accepted. Your secured card works and looks like any other credit card.
- Choose your payment due date and enjoy zero fraud liability for unauthorized transactions.
- No annual fee
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
29.49% Variable
|
$0
|
None/Bad
|
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 600 to 850
- Average: 725
- Translation: Can have anywhere from poor to excellent credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-947-1444
- Online: https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/index.html
12. Barclays US — 21M Cards in Circulation
Barclays is a reliable option for responsible borrowers in good credit standing. Established in 2004, Barclays is known for its co-branded credit cards in partnership with well-known travel, entertainment, retail, educational, and financial institutions.
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
- Earn 3X points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1X points on all other purchases
- Enjoy 50% inflight savings on cocktails and food purchases
- 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening (transfer fee applies), then a variable APR applies
- No foreign transaction fees, no blackout dates, and points never expire
- $0 Annual Fee
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
0% for 12 billing cycles
|
20.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49%, based on credit
|
$0
|
Good
|
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus points when a purchase is made on an employee card.
- Earn 6X points on eligible JetBlue purchases, plus 2X points at restaurants and office supply stores, 1X points on all other purchases
- Earn 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary
- Receive a 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases of cocktails and food on JetBlue-operated flights
- Enjoy an annual $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package with your card
- Free first checked bag for you and up to 3 companions on the same reservation when you use your card to book JetBlue-operated flights.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.49% or 29.49% (Variable)
|
$99
|
N/A
|
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases within 90 days of account opening
- Earn 5X miles on eligible purchases at flyfrontier.com, 3X miles on restaurant purchases, and 1X miles on all other purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening (balance transfer fee applies), then a variable APR applies
- Earn a $100 flight voucher every account anniversary after spending $2,500 or more on purchases with your card during your card membership year
- Cardmembers enjoy Zone 2 priority boarding
- Annual fee $89
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
0% for 15 months
|
20.49%, 24.49% or 29.49%, based on creditworthiness
|
$89
|
Good
|
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 600 to 850
- Average: 721
- Translation: Must have fair credit or better to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-866-928-8598
- Online: https://www.barclaycardus.com
13. USAA — 8M Cards in Circulation
Begun by former members of the military, the United States Automobile Association issues credit cards for military servicemen, veterans, and their families. USAA members receive cash back, rewards points, low rates, and more.
- USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card
- USAA Rewards™ American Express® Credit Card
- USAA Rewards™ Visa® Signature Card
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 650 to 850
- Average: 750
- Translation: Must have fair to excellent credit to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-800-531-8722
- Online: https://www.usaa.com
14. PNC Bank — 6.1M Cards in Circulation
A popular brand east of the Mississippi River, PNC Financial Services issues credit cards to individuals and small businesses with strong credit histories.
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: 620 to 850
- Average: 719
- Translation: Must have fair credit or better to become a cardholder.
Where to Apply:
- By Phone: 1-877-CALLPNC (225-5762)
- Online: https://www.pnc.com/credit-cards.html
15. Navy Federal Credit Union — 6M Cards in Circulation
Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is the only credit union to break into the largest credit card companies. It serves more than 12 million members, all of whom have ties to the armed forces, Department of Defense, or National Guard.
- Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card
- Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
- Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards
Credit Scores Approved:
- Range: No credit to 850
- Average: 700
- Translation: All credit types welcome to apply.
Where to Apply:
- By phone: 1-888-842-6328
- Online: https://www.navyfederal.org/loans-cards/credit-cards.html
Other Credit Card Issuers
Plenty of other smaller banks, credit unions, and digital-only (also called neobanks) banks also offer credit cards to consumers. Below are a few to consider:
- Academy Bank
- Alliant Credit Union
- Ally Bank
- America First Credit Union
- Andrews Federal Credit Union
- Applied Bank
- Associated Bank
- BBVA
- BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union)
- City National Bank
- Celtic Bank
- CreditOne Bank
- Comenity Bank
- Commerce Bank
- Digital Federal Credit Union
- Fifth Third Bank
- First Citizens Bank
- First National Bank
- First PREMIER Bank
- Golden 1 Credit Union
- Goldman Sachs
- HSBC
- Huntington Bank
- Merrick Bank
- M&T Bank
- OneUnited Bank
- Peoples Bank
- Pentagon Federal Credit Union
- SoFi
- State Employees’ Credit Union
- Suncoast Credit Union
- SunTrust Bank
- TD Bank
- Truist Bank
- Trustmark National Bank
- Union Bank
- Varo Bank
- Webster Bank
Also Available: Local & New Offerings
As you can see by our lists, credit card issuers are plentiful, but many more issuers did not make our list. Many financial institutions operate on a hyper-local level. They may be community banks and niche credit unions that cater to your city or profession.
Be on the lookout for upstart credit issuers too. There’s an influx of neobanks that have ditched brick-and-mortar branches and solely operate online. The available choices of credit cards are seemingly endless.
Sources & Further Reading
As you can see, the nation’s largest issuers offer credit cards for all types of credit-worthy customers. No matter your credit score, however, you should take your time to research credit card offers and the companies behind them, as your experience can vary greatly based on the card and issuer.
With the right knowledge, you’ll be ready to make a responsible, informed decision in choosing your next credit card.
To see the top credit cards ranked:
Sources used to compile the data in this guide:
- https://nilsonreport.com/publication_chart_and_graphs_archive.php?1=1&year=2023#
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/618137/number-of-mastercard-credit-cards-worldwide-by-region/
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/whats-ahead-for-wells-fargo-and-its-customers/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/list-of-credit-card-companies/
- http://www.relbanks.com/rankings/top-credit-card-issuers
Advertiser Disclosure
CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.
Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
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![Which Credit Card Companies Provide the Best Credit Cards? ([updated_month_year])](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2022/08/Which-Credit-Card-Companies-Provide-the-Best-Credit-Cards-2.png?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "Which Credit Card Companies Provide the Best Credit Cards? ([updated_month_year])")
