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List of major credit card issuers and networks
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Key takeaways
- Credit card networks and issuers perform two distinct roles, though both can issue credit cards.
- Credit card issuers are responsible for card details, rates, fees and perks.
- Credit card networks may play a role in available card features.
The right credit card in your wallet can make your regular spending go a long way.
When choosing the right card, you’ll most often compare the offered benefits, but there’s another part of the equation often overlooked. The bank that issues your card and the network it’s a part of can also have significant impact on your rewards, benefits, fees and other card details.
Here’s an overview of major credit card companies in the U.S. today, plus the typical perks and credit cards they offer.
Credit card issuers vs. networks
Each credit card has both a network and an issuer associated with it. In some cases, the network and the card issuer are one and the same.
The credit card network is the company that helps process each of your transactions. When you make a purchase with your credit card, the network handles all communications between the merchant and the bank to facilitate the transaction. There are four major credit card networks in the U.S. These include:
- American Express
- Discover
- Mastercard
- Visa
American Express and Discover are the only two of these networks to issue their own cards, instead of working with other banks to offer card products.
The card issuer, on the other hand, is the bank that extends you the line of credit. In other words, the card issuer is the financial institution that can approve you (or issue a denial) when you apply for a new credit card.
Credit card issuers also manage and oversee your credit card account, and they’re the company you deal with if you have a customer service inquiry or if you have trouble repaying your credit card balance.
Top credit card issuers
Below are the top credit card companies that issue credit cards in the U.S., according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study:
| Credit card issuer | Popular card example | Card network of example card | J.D. Power 2025 Credit Card Issuer Satisfaction ranking |
| American Express | American Express® Gold Card | American Express | Ranked #1 |
| Bank of America | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | Visa | Ranked #2 |
| Capital One | Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | Mastercard | Ranked #3 |
| Chase | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Visa | Ranked #4 |
| Discover | Discover it® Cash Back | Discover | Ranked #5 |
| Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | Visa | Ranked #6 |
| Citi | Citi Double Cash® Card | Mastercard | Ranked #7 |
| PNC | PNC Cash Unlimited® Visa Signature® Credit Card* | Visa | Ranked #8 |
| U.S. Bank | U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card | Visa | Ranked #9 |
| Fifth Third | Fifth Third Simply Business Credit Card* | Mastercard | Ranked #10 |
Smaller credit card issuers
In addition to those major credit card companies, plenty of smaller banks and credit unions offer credit cards on the market today.
What benefits do the major credit card networks offer?
While credit card networks are generally responsible for the behind-the-scenes workings of your credit card, they can have an impact on your card’s perks and features. For example, eligible cards may receive additional benefits through the Visa Signature, Mastercard World or World Elite status.
Cards granted this status by the network may come with an assortment of useful perks such as travel protections or concierge services. However, the credit card issuer has the final say on which of these extra perks a particular card may receive.
The bottom line
Your credit card options are plentiful, whether you want a card from a major card issuer or you prefer banking with a smaller bank or credit union. Ultimately, the best banks for credit cards are the ones that offer you the best combination of customer service, flexibility and card choice.
While the information above can help you narrow down card issuers to focus on, make sure to compare the best credit card offers on the market today before you decide.
*Information about the PNC Cash Unlimited® Visa Signature® Credit Card, Fifth Third Simply Business Credit Card, Citi Custom Cash® Card, PNC Core® Visa® Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card and Fifth Third Preferred Cash/Back Card has been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The Bank of America content in this post was last updated on Jan. 8, 2026.
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