Despite rising concern surrounding credit card debt and the stress that it causes, a surprising 45% of cardholders are willing to pay higher annual fees for superior rewards and benefits,…
US
Credit Cards
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US Credit Cards Market Report 2024
Despite rising concern surrounding credit card debt and the stress that it causes, a surprising 45% of cardholders are willing to pay higher annual fees for superior rewards and benefits, highlighting a shift towards premium offerings.
Build your business strategy from the ground up with this credit card market report. Focusing on the US market, you’ll get a review of industry performance. To provide deeper insight into the decisions and behaviors of credit card owners, this report then provides data-backed analysis based on real consumer responses. Grow your insight strategy today and proceed with confidence.
US Credit Cards Market – Current Landscape
Despite rising concern surrounding credit card debt and the stress that it causes, a surprising 45% of cardholders are willing to pay higher annual fees for superior rewards and benefits, highlighting a shift towards premium offerings. Concurrent with this demand for enhanced benefits is a focus on credit building, solidifying the notion that expansion of the credit card market is occurring at the extremes.
As the industry stabilizes following a two-year period of extreme growth, issuers must contend with rising delinquency rates that pose a significant threat. Gen Z and Black consumers that were powering the expansion of the card market had severely reduced acquisition rates this year, demonstrating the uneven effects of credit tightening.
This landscape presents a dual opportunity: capitalizing on consumer interest in high-value credit products while addressing the challenges of maintaining financial health amid increasing delinquencies. As credit cards shift from a purely physical product to a multifaceted experience that is highly digital, issuers must ensure that their digital platforms keep cardholders engaged and invested in their rewards ecosystems.
US Credit Cards – Market Statistics
US credit card market size: With a surge in growth between 2022-2023, growth of the number of credit card accounts has dropped back to 3.6% year-over-year in 2024, aligning closer to typical levels.
US credit card market insight: Two-thirds of credit card owners earn cash rewards on one of their primary cards, proving to be the standard of reward. However, points cards are closing the gap with younger cardholders. Nearly 50% of Gen Z and Millennials earn points-based rewards, opting due to their preference for flexible redemption.
US credit card market analysis: With younger consumers showing a preference for reward points, this shift provides issuers with the opportunity to demonstrate the cash value that redeeming points can provide. Offering higher redemption value through travel portals, issuers can entice cardholders to prioritize earning reward points rather than earning differently across credit card products.
US Credit Cards Market Report – What’s Inside?
Key Topics Analyzed in the Report
Rewards earned on credit cards
Most common rewards redemptions
Reasons not to own a credit card
Timing of most recent credit card acquisition
Motivations behind most recent credit card acquisition
Report Scope
This Report examines consumer attitudes and behaviors concerning credit cards, including credit card ownership rates, rewards style and redemption preferences, and motivations behind signing up for a new credit card.
Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis
This report was written by Patrick Rahlfs. Patrick joined Mintel in 2018 and has extensive experience as a custom research analyst focused on the financial services industry, specializing in presenting data trends within the credit card and banking sectors. He specializes in creating insights at the intersection of consumer behaviors and the financial services competitive landscape.
Credit card acquisition is decelerating as delinquencies grow, shifting focus to the extremes of the credit spectrum.
Patrick Rahlfs Principal Analyst – Financial Services
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