Credit cards have become an essential financial tool for most Americans, offering convenience, rewards, and financial flexibility.

In 2025, certain cards have risen above the competition to become the most widely adopted across the country.

This ranking highlights the seven most popular credit cards in the United States based on market share, user satisfaction, and overall popularity.

Why Card Popularity Matters

Before diving into the rankings, it’s worth understanding why some cards become more popular than others:

• Proven value proposition – Popular cards have demonstrated consistent value to millions of users

• Market-tested features – Their benefits have been refined based on extensive consumer feedback

• Widespread acceptance – Merchants and service providers prioritize compatibility with popular cards

• Strong customer support – High-volume cards typically invest heavily in customer service

• Brand recognition – Popular cards benefit from word-of-mouth recommendations and cultural relevance

Current industry data shows approximately 83% of American adults have at least one credit card, with an average of 3.8 cards per cardholder in 2025.

The 7 Most Popular Credit Cards in the USA

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why it’s #1: The Chase Sapphire Preferred has maintained its position as America’s most popular travel rewards card due to its exceptional balance of value, flexibility, and reasonable annual fee.

Key features:

Annual fee: $95

Welcome bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in first 3 months

Rewards structure:

• 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel

• 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries

• 2X points on all other travel purchases

• 1X points on everything else

• Redemption value: 25% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal

• Transfer partners: Points transfer 1:1 to 14 airline and hotel partners

What makes it popular:

The Sapphire Preferred hits the sweet spot for millions of Americans who want premium travel rewards without paying a premium annual fee.

Its generous welcome bonus and flexible point redemption options make it appealing to both frequent and occasional travelers.

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Why it ranks high: The Capital One Venture has become a household name through effective marketing and its straightforward “miles on everything” approach.

Key features:

Annual fee: $95

Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in first 3 months

Rewards structure:

• 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

• 2X miles on all other purchases

• Redemption options: Can redeem miles for travel purchases at 1 cent per mile or transfer to 15+ travel partners

• Added perks: Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, no foreign transaction fees

What makes it popular:

The simplicity of earning 2X miles on everything with no categories to track has made this card extremely popular among busy professionals who want good rewards without complexity.

3. Discover it® Cash Back

Why it ranks high: Discover has cultivated a fiercely loyal customer base through exceptional service and a unique first-year rewards matching program.

Key features:

Annual fee: $0

Welcome bonus: Cashback Match™ – Discover automatically matches all cash back earned in the first year

Rewards structure:

• 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases when activated)

• 1% cash back on all other purchases

• Additional benefits: No late fee on first late payment, no foreign transaction fees, free FICO score

What makes it popular:

Discover consistently ranks at the top of customer satisfaction surveys, and their unique first-year cash back match effectively doubles rewards for new cardholders.

The card’s $0 annual fee also makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

4. American Express Gold Card

Why it ranks high: The Amex Gold has become the premier card for food enthusiasts, with market-leading rewards for dining and groceries.

Key features:

Annual fee: $250

Welcome bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in first 6 months

Rewards structure:

• 4X points at restaurants worldwide

• 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year)

• 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel

• 1X points on other purchases

• Credits: Up to $120 annual dining credit and up to $120 annual Uber Cash

What makes it popular:

Despite its higher annual fee, the Amex Gold has surged in popularity due to its exceptional rewards on food-related spending and valuable dining credits that help offset the annual cost.

5. Apple Card

Why it ranks high: Apple’s seamless integration of the Apple Card with its ecosystem has captured a significant market share, especially among younger consumers.

Key features:

Annual fee: $0

Welcome bonus: None

Rewards structure:

• 3% cash back on Apple purchases and select partners (Uber, Walgreens, Nike, etc.)

• 2% cash back on all purchases made with Apple Pay

• 1% cash back on purchases made with the physical card

• Unique benefits: No fees whatsoever, daily cash rewards, innovative financial health tools

What makes it popular:

The combination of sleek design, zero fees, instant approval, and deep integration with Apple devices has made this card particularly popular among Apple’s massive customer base and tech-savvy consumers.

6. Citi Double Cash® Card

Why it ranks high: The Citi Double Cash remains one of the most popular flat-rate cash back cards due to its straightforward 2% total cash back structure.

Key features:

Annual fee: $0

Welcome bonus: $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in first 6 months

Rewards structure:

• 1% cash back when you make purchases

• 1% cash back when you pay your bill

• Additional benefits: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, access to Citi Entertainment

What makes it popular:

The simplicity of earning effectively 2% on everything with no annual fee has made this card a popular choice for consumers who want a single card for all purchases without having to track bonus categories.

7. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why it ranks high: The Savor card has become extremely popular among social spenders who enjoy dining out and entertainment.

Key features:

Annual fee: $95

Welcome bonus: $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months

Rewards structure:

• 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases

• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

• 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores

• 1% cash back on all other purchases

• Added perks: No foreign transaction fees, extended warranty protection

What makes it popular:

The Savor card’s focus on lifestyle categories that align with how many Americans actually spend their money has made it increasingly popular, especially among millennials and urban dwellers.

Trends Shaping Credit Card Popularity in 2025

Several notable trends are influencing which cards rise to the top of America’s wallets:

• Simplification of rewards programs – Cards with straightforward rewards structures are gaining market share

• Enhanced digital experiences – Mobile app functionality and integration has become a key differentiator

• Focus on everyday spending – Cards rewarding groceries, dining, and streaming are outpacing traditional travel cards

• Lifestyle-oriented benefits – Credits for popular services like Uber, DoorDash, and streaming platforms are highly valued

• Reduced fee sensitivity – Consumers are increasingly willing to pay annual fees for cards that provide clear value

Conclusion

The most popular credit cards in 2025 reflect Americans’ evolving financial priorities and spending habits. While travel rewards remain important, we’re seeing stronger emphasis on everyday spending categories and digital integration.

The cards topping this list have succeeded by delivering consistent value, exceptional customer service, and rewards that align with how Americans actually spend their money.

Whether you prioritize travel benefits, cash back, or lifestyle perks, this ranking demonstrates that there’s a widely-used card that likely matches your preferences.

As competition in the credit card industry continues to intensify, consumers stand to benefit from increasingly generous rewards and innovative features from issuers vying for the top spot in America’s wallets.