Joseph_David_1, Member
@Joseph_David_1
The four major credit card companies are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted card networks in the world, while American Express and Discover play a dual role as card networks and credit card issuers.
How the Four Major Credit Card Companies Compare
Network | Cards in Circulation | U.S. Acceptance | International Acceptance |
American Express | 48.4 million cards | 10.6 million merchants | 160+ countries/territories |
Discover | 61 million cards | 10.6 million merchants | 200 countries/territories |
Mastercard | 266.3 million cards | 10.7 million merchants | 210+ countries/territories |
Visa | 312.2 million cards | 10.7 million merchants | 200+ countries/territories |
A credit card network’s primary role is to process credit card and debit card transactions between the banks that issue cards on that network and the merchants who accept those cards as payment. This includes setting up payment systems and charging merchants interchange fees for processing those transactions. Credit card networks also provide certain benefits, such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranties, among others. However, credit card issuers ultimately decide which network benefits to include on their credit cards.
You can learn more about the biggest credit card companies and major credit cards on WalletHub.

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