Theresa Chalfant, Writer
@theresa_chalfant
The most common credit cards are Visa cards, followed closely by Mastercard, based on the number of cards each network has in circulation. Both networks have hundreds of millions of cards from a variety of issuers and are the most widely accepted both in the U.S. and worldwide.
These credit cards aren’t issued by Visa and Mastercard themselves, however. Many different banks and credit unions handle that. The most common credit card issuer is Chase, as the company has more than 149 million cards in circulation in the U.S., according to the Nilson Report. Chase and other large banks issue many of the most widely-used credit cards.
Credit Card Issuers With the Most Cards in Circulation
- Chase: 3 million
- Capital One: 9 million
- Citibank: 7 million
(Source: Nilson Report, 2022)
All of these networks and card issuers offer popular cards that are worth considering as you look for a credit card. It’s good to compare offers before you apply, and WalletHub’s free comparison tool can help you decide which card will best fit your needs.
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People also ask
What are the four major credit card networks?
Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover are the four major credit card networks. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted card networks in the world, though neither company issues its own cards, unlike American Express and Discover, which issue credit cards directly and also serve as networks.
The Four Major Credit Card Companies Compared
| Network | Cards in Circulation | U.S. Acceptance | International Acceptance ... |
What are 3 types of credit cards?
The three types of credit cards are general-consumer credit cards, student credit cards, and business credit cards. Each type of card is tailored to a specific group of people, but they all generally offer the opportunity to build credit, earn rewards, and finance purchases.
3 Types of Credit Cards
1. General-Consumer Credit Cards
General-consumer credit cards are commonly known as personal or regular credit cards, and they are available to people of all credit...
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