Which companies issue the most credit cards in the United States
The largest credit card issuers by volume are Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, American Express, and Discover. Chase alone issues roughly one in four credit cards held by Americans. These five companies control the majority of the credit card market, though hundreds of smaller banks and credit unions also issue cards.
Market size matters because it affects what cards are available to you, how widely your card is accepted, and what customer service infrastructure backs it. A large issuer typically has more card products, more spending categories to earn rewards in, and more resources for fraud prevention. A smaller issuer may offer a card tailored to a specific need — a card for people rebuilding credit, or a card with no foreign transaction fees — but fewer options overall.
The companies listed here are card issuers, meaning they own the bank that holds your account and decides whether to approve you. This is different from card networks like Visa or Mastercard, which process transactions but do not hold your money or decide your credit limit.
Key Takeaways
- Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, American Express, and Discover issue the majority of credit cards in the United States and offer the widest range of rewards programs and card types.
- Large issuers typically have lower interest rates and annual fees than smaller banks, but smaller issuers sometimes offer cards for specific situations like credit rebuilding.
- An issuer's size affects how fast fraud claims are resolved, how many phone representatives are available, and whether the company offers online account management.
- Your choice of issuer matters more than the card network (Visa or Mastercard) because the issuer sets your interest rate, credit limit, and rewards structure.
Chase: The largest issuer by card count
Chase issues roughly 95 million credit cards, more than any other U.S. bank. The company operates under the JPMorgan Chase name and owns multiple card brands: Chase Sapphire, Chase Freedom, Chase Ink, and co-branded cards with United Airlines, Amazon, and others.
Chase cards range from no-annual-fee options to premium cards with annual fees of $95 to $550. The company offers rewards in multiple categories — cash back, travel points, or flexible points that transfer to partner programs. Chase also runs a large small-business credit card program through its Chase Ink line.
Because Chase is the largest issuer, its cards are accepted everywhere Visa and Mastercard are accepted. The company has physical branches in most states, though most account management happens online or through phone support.
Bank of America: The second-largest issuer
Bank of America issues roughly 60 million credit cards and is the second-largest issuer by volume. The company's main consumer card lines are BankAmericard, Bank of America Cash Rewards, and Bank of America Travel Rewards. Bank of America also issues co-branded cards with Alaska Airlines and other partners.
Bank of America cards typically offer cash back or travel rewards with no annual fee on entry-level products. Premium cards carry annual fees and higher rewards rates. The company emphasizes integration with its banking products — if you have a Bank of America checking account, you may see higher cash back rates or waived fees on credit cards.
Bank of America has physical branches nationwide, which can be useful if you prefer in-person account management or need to deposit cash or checks.
Citibank: The third-largest issuer
Citibank issues roughly 50 million credit cards under brands including Citi Rewards, Citi Double Cash, and Citi Prestige. The company also issues co-branded cards with American Airlines and other travel partners.
Citi cards span from no-annual-fee cash back cards to premium travel cards with annual fees of $450 or more. Many Citi cards offer rewards that transfer to airline and hotel partners, making them popular with frequent travelers. Citi also runs a large small-business card program.
Citibank operates fewer physical branches than Chase or Bank of America, so most account management is online or by phone. The company has a reputation for strong fraud protection and dispute resolution.
American Express: The largest charge card issuer
American Express is different from the other four issuers because it primarily issues charge cards rather than credit cards. A charge card requires you to pay the full balance each month, whereas a credit card lets you carry a balance and pay interest. American Express also issues some credit cards, but charge cards are its main product.
American Express cards are known for high annual fees — typically $95 to $695 — and premium benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits, and concierge services. The company also offers cash back and rewards cards with lower or no annual fees.
American Express cards are not issued on the Visa or Mastercard network. Instead, American Express operates its own payment network. This means some smaller merchants do not accept American Express, though acceptance is widespread at major retailers, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover: The smallest of the five largest issuers
Discover issues roughly 25 million credit cards and operates its own payment network, similar to American Express. Discover cards are accepted at most major merchants, though some smaller businesses do not take Discover.
Discover is known for cash back rewards — many Discover cards offer 1% to 5% cash back depending on the spending category. The company also offers a secured credit card for people building or rebuilding credit. Discover typically charges no annual fee on its consumer cards.
Discover has no physical branches; all account management is online or by phone. The company has a reputation for strong customer service and fraud protection.
How to choose between issuers
Your choice of issuer depends on what you need from a credit card. If you want the widest selection of card products and the most physical locations, Chase or Bank of America are the largest options. If you travel frequently and want premium benefits, Citibank or American Express may offer cards that fit. If you want straightforward cash back with no annual fee, Discover or Bank of America are strong choices.
The issuer also matters for customer service. Large issuers have phone support available 24/7 and online chat support, though wait times vary. Smaller issuers may have shorter wait times but fewer support channels. If you have a problem with fraud or a billing dispute, the issuer's size can affect how fast it is resolved — larger issuers typically have dedicated dispute teams and faster resolution times.
Your credit score and credit history also affect which issuer will approve you. All five of these large issuers typically require a credit score of 670 or higher for their standard cards, though some offer cards for lower credit scores. Smaller issuers sometimes have more lenient approval standards for people rebuilding credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter if my card is Visa or Mastercard versus American Express or Discover?
The network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) affects where your card is accepted. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at nearly all merchants. American Express and Discover are accepted at most major retailers but not all small businesses. The issuer matters more for your interest rate, credit limit, and rewards structure.
Can I get a credit card from a large issuer if my credit score is low?
Most large issuers require a credit score of 670 or higher for standard cards. However, some offer secured credit cards or cards for people rebuilding credit with lower score requirements. Discover and Capital One are known for secured card options. Check each issuer's website to see what cards may be available to you based on your credit profile.
What happens if I have a problem with fraud or a billing error?
All credit card issuers are required by federal law to investigate billing disputes and fraud claims. Large issuers typically have dedicated dispute teams and can resolve claims within 30 to 60 days. Smaller issuers may take longer. Contact your issuer's customer service number on the back of your card to report a problem.
Are rewards better with large issuers or smaller ones?
Large issuers offer more variety in rewards structures — cash back, travel points, flexible points — so you can find a card that matches your spending. Smaller issuers sometimes offer higher rewards rates in specific categories, but fewer card options overall. Compare the rewards rate and annual fee of the specific card you want, not the size of the issuer.
Do I need a bank account with an issuer to get their credit card?
No. You can get a credit card from Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, American Express, or Discover without having a checking or savings account with them. However, some issuers offer higher rewards rates or waived fees if you also have a bank account with them, so it is worth checking their current offers.