Best Credit Cards for Top Rewards in Largest Economy of the World

In today’s uncertain economic shifts, from financial market fluctuations to changes in consumer goods prices, how cardholders manage their credit cards can have a significant impact on the overall experience.

J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction study reveals a widening gap: financially healthy cardholders thrive and drive satisfaction. While financially challenged cardholders struggle amid ongoing economic changes.

Credit cards have been a financial lifeline for a long time, offering convenience, rewards, and flexibility in expenses.

Further, 53% of cardholders currently carry a revolving debt, while 56% are officially classified as financially unhealthy, as reported in Morning Star’s latest article.

However, a significant increase in satisfaction levels has been recorded in the numbers of financially unhealthy and healthy cardholders, says J.D. Power Payments Intelligence managing director, John Cabell.

Photo: American Express

Best Credit Cards in the US

The study, revealed by J.D. Power, illustrates the challenges credit card issuers face when providing the relevant card options to the right customers in an uncertain economy.

Financially Healthy Cardholders

On a scale of 1,000 points, overall satisfaction among all credit card users stands at 611, which is just a point higher than last year.

This nominal improvement among financially healthy users is driven by a strong credit profile, stable income, and no revolving debt. Particularly, those using credit cards with rewards and points, such as airline miles rewards and annual fee cards, are driving gains by using the card correctly.

Financially healthy credit card customers have driven a 9-point increase in service satisfaction, while a 4-point improvement is recorded among credit card transactors carrying no revolving debt.

Financially Resilient Cardholders

According to recent findings in J.D. Power’s financial study, nearly 56% cardholders are experiencing financial strain, while 53% carry revolving debt.

Average monthly credit card spend has dropped by $68, falling from $1,126 in 2024 to $1,058 in 2025. Among several, income instability and growing financial volatility are the key factors contributing to the decline in healthy financial customers.

Another notable shift is the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. Nearly 20% of credit card users used their cards in the past year, as reported. Those who would consider using BNPL from another lender have increased to 37% from 34% in the past year.

Photo: London Gatwick

Factors Contributing to Credit Card Health

High Annual Fee

This is a yearly charge that credit card companies levy for maintaining the card and its benefits.

Cardholders with an annual fee of $500 or above showed a lower satisfaction level compared to the cardholders paying less than $500 annually.

However, overall satisfaction is higher among users paying an annual fee, regardless of the amount, than those paying less or no annual fee. Rewards, cashbacks, travel miles, airport lounge access, and exclusive offers justify the credit card fee to maximize these perks.

Increased Merchants’ Surcharges

Technically, merchants are responsible for paying the Credit Card swipe charges. Thus, the merchant puts an additional checkout fee, which typically ranges between 2-3% of the credit card’s total transaction value.

According to the study, 65% of customers have paid higher prices when shopping just because they used a credit card as a payment method.

Among them, 81% customers have switched to alternate payment options once or twice to avoid surcharges. This factor has lowered the users’ satisfaction rates by 39 points on average.

AI-Driven Security

Artificial Intelligence, AI, is already dominating its sphere in many sectors. However, the use of AI for customer awareness in credit card issuers is relatively low, but optimism regarding AI is high.

Only 11% cardholders fully understand how their credit card issuers are using AI, while 13% customers state their issuers can communicate the AI usage clearly.

Yet, 33% customers believe AI can boost fraud prevention and well-encrypted security, which remains the most crucial benefit.

Thus, communicating clearly gives transparency to cardholders on how AI works in their favor.

Photo: American Express

Top-Ranking Credit Cards

Based on J.D. Power’s 2025 financial study, these credit cards are winning customer loyalty this year.

With No Annual Fee

Among all bank rewards credit cards with no annual fee, Capital One Savor Reward Cards tops the list for the third time this year with a score of 662. The Citi Double Cash Card ranks second with 642-pointers, while the Discover It Student Cash Back Credit Card, along with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, rank third with a score of 637 points.

With Annual Fee

Among annual fee reward cards, the American Express Platinum Card takes the crown with a customer satisfaction ranking of 683 points. Bank of America with 674 satisfaction points and American Express Gold Card with 669 score follow next.

With No Awards, No Fee

The credit card users have shown the highest satisfaction level with the Capital One Platinum Card, with a score of 620 points for a second consecutive year. Following it is the BankAmericard, scoring 610 on a 1,000-point scale.

Co-Branded Cards

Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Master Card ranks the highest with a 625 score among airline co-branded credit cards. With a score of 607, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card ranks second in customer satisfaction status, followed by the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America, ranking third with a score of 602 points. These cards come with an annual fee.

The Hilton Honors American Express Card tops the list with a 641 score among co-branded credit cards with no annual fee. The Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi ranks second with a customer satisfaction score of 629, while Goldman Sachs’ Apple Card ranks third with 624 points.

Overall Top Issuers

Among all credit card issuers, American Express continues to dominate, ranking first in customer satisfaction with 643 points. Bank of America comes in second with a 622 score, followed closely by Capital One at 621 points.

Photo- Singapore Airlines

Bottom Line

The U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study, celebrating its 19th year, assesses customer satisfaction by examining several key factors, including account management, new account, rewards earning and redeeming, benefits, customer service, and terms.

J.D. Power’s financial study makes it clear: a cardholder’s financial health is the most important factor shaping their credit card experience.

Credit cards can either be a powerful, supportive financial tool or a source of stress. Choice is yours to make!

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