From free faves to top perks, J.D. Power's latest study reveals the cards people love and those that fall short.
Seeking rewards? Which credit card issuer is ranked highest for customer satisfaction?
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The allure of rewards credit cards is undeniable, offering cardholders the chance to accumulate valuable points for coveted perks like complimentary airline tickets and luxurious hotel stays. A new, in-depth report has unveiled which of these cards are most beloved by savvy travelers.
In its 2025 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study, J.D. Power found that American Express stood out as the top issuer in overall customer satisfaction. This was followed by Bank of America and Capital One, which secured the second and third spots, respectively. Following closely behind were Chase Bank – the issuer of the highly popular Chase Sapphire Reserve card – along with Discover and Wells Fargo. Notably, all 6 of these top-ranking issuers exceeded the industry average for customer satisfaction.
According to John Cabell, the managing director of payments intelligence at J.D. Power, the rise in overall satisfaction is largely fueled by "cardholders with higher financial health scores and no revolving debt." He emphasized that this group, in particular, is benefiting from "cards with points/miles rewards programs and annual fee cards," suggesting that those who can manage their finances well are the ones reaping the most significant benefits from these offerings.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the study identified Credit One Bank, Premier Bankcard, and FNBO as the lowest performers in overall customer satisfaction, highlighting a clear disparity in the consumer experience across the industry.
To compile its extensive rankings, J.D. Power conducted a comprehensive survey of more than 37,000 credit card customers. The data collection period spanned a full year, from June 2024 to June 2025, ensuring a robust and timely snapshot of the market.
When it comes to the best rewards credit cards that don't come with an annual fee, the study highlighted several standout options. The Capital One Savor Rewards Card, the Citi Double Cash Card, and the Discover it® Student Cash Back Credit Card were all ranked as the highest in this category, proving that valuable rewards don't always have to come at a cost.
For those seeking co-branded cards without an annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Card, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, and the Apple Card earned the top 3 spots for overall customer satisfaction. These cards demonstrate the power of partnerships, providing cardholders with tailored benefits for their favorite brands.
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Many of the most sought-after travel and rewards credit cards come with annual fees, which are used to offset the cost of the numerous premium perks and benefits they provide. In this category, The Platinum Card from American Express emerged as the clear leader, securing the top spot. It was followed by the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Card, the American Express Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve, all of which are renowned for their high-value offerings.
While these cards can be expensive (Chase recently increased its annual fee for the Reserve card to a hefty $795), the benefits can be incredibly lucrative, particularly for frequent travelers and high-spending shoppers. For example, cardholders of the American Express Platinum card receive exclusive access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, a $200 annual Uber credit, and a $300 credit to Equinox gyms, among other benefits. These perks can significantly enhance the travel experience, from avoiding long lines at the check-in counter to saving money on transportation. This is particularly relevant when considering the often-high airport parking charges and looking for best airport parking deals. For travelers who prioritize convenience and savings, platforms like ParkingNearAirports.io can be a valuable resource for finding off-airport parking options that are both affordable and secure. These services can help offset the cost of a premium credit card's annual fee by providing a smart alternative to expensive on-site parking.
For those who are loyal to a specific airline, the American Airlines' Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard was ranked as the top co-branded airline card, indicating that it provides the most satisfying experience for frequent flyers of that airline.
However, the study also revealed a sobering reality: all these rewards and financial products come with a cost. More than half of the survey respondents were identified as "financially unhealthy," meaning they were carrying significant credit card balances, which can lead to high-interest debt.
Cabell noted in his statement that there was a "significant increase in the number of financially unhealthy cardholders and those carrying revolving debt in early fielding of the study." This suggests a growing concern about consumer debt, even as the credit card market continues to evolve with more appealing rewards programs.
J.D. Power's research extends beyond just credit cards, delving into other travel-related industries to provide a comprehensive view of the consumer experience. For instance, in its 2023 ranking of travel apps and websites, the company found that Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue had the highest customer satisfaction for airlines. In the hotel sector, World of Hyatt, Choice Hotels, and Hilton Honors took the top spots, highlighting the brands that are most successfully meeting the needs of today's travelers.
