Which credit card issuer is best in 2026?
The answer likely depends on the personal experiences of the people you ask.
But if you ask enough people, you’ll start to see some clear trends on which issuers you should consider and which you should avoid.
That’s exactly what J.D. Power did. And the consensus winner is: American Express for the seventh consecutive year.
The popular consumer insights, data and analytics research company recently unveiled the results of its 2026 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. (More information on how this study was conducted can be found here.)
Let’s take a look at some of the results and see how they apply to some of Team Clark’s favorite rewards credit cards.
American Express Wins Top Card Issuer Crown Yet Again
One of the top areas of interest in J.D. Power’s annual credit card survey is the “customer satisfaction” score. This measures cardholders’ overall satisfaction with their credit card issuer.
And it’s becoming clear that one issuer stands above the rest in this area.
American Express ranks highest in customer satisfaction among credit card issuers for a seventh consecutive year with a score of 668. Chase (635) ranks second and Bank of America (630) ranks third.
AmEx’s 668 score is a marked improvement from last year’s winning score of 643.
Known for its premium credit cards with sometimes costly annual fees, you may be wondering why AmEx continues to score so well in this measure.
J.D. Power offers insight into the type of consumer likely to find “satisfaction” with their card provider in today’s financial climate.
“The widening gap in financial health means value perception with credit cards is tilted toward debt-free rewards hunters,” said John Cabell, managing director of payments intelligence at JD Power. “It’s a tough balance. Issuers should recognize where customers are financially, deliver clear and tangible value to those who can benefit from premium perks and enhance product support for those under greater financial pressure. At the same time, strong, effective fraud protection is a must before customers start looking elsewhere.”
With this in mind, it makes sense that American Express can score well in a survey like this. They offer reward hunters some intriguing value propositions on cards with big annual fees.
For example, the American Express® Platinum Card touts more than $3,500 in annual benefit value, a very healthy welcome bonus offer and premium perks like airport lounge access. All great things that would satisfy customers willing to stomach the $895 annual fee.
Once they have that high-end consumer in their ecosystem, they tend to treat them well, with a strong user experience that includes a user-friendly app and easy-to-access customer service.
One of Our Favorite American Express Cards Is Affordable
If you’re interested in experiencing this customer treatment that has helped American Express to its seven-year winning streak in the J.D. Power survey, you don’t necessarily have to splurge on a premium travel credit card with a high annual fee.
One of Team Clark’s favorite American Express credit cards has a more manageable annual fee and is one of the very best options for purchasing groceries at U.S. Supermarkets:
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Learn More →
Annual Fee:
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Rewards Program Details:
6% CASH BACK on Groceries on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets.
6% CASH BACK on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% CASH BACK on Transit, including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more.
3% CASH BACK on Gas at U.S. gas stations.
1% CASH BACK on Other Eligible Purchases.
Bonus Offer:
As high as $300 Cash Back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Bonus Offer Disclaimer:
Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Terms apply.
But if that modest annual fee is a deterrent for you, American Express offers a “sister” card that has no annual fee:
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Learn More →
Annual Fee:
$0
Rewards Program Details:
3% CASH BACK on Groceries on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%) at U.S. supermarkets.
3% CASH BACK on U.S. Online Retail Purchases on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%) on U.S. online retail purchases.
3% CASH BACK on Gas on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%) at U.S. gas stations.
1% CASH BACK on Other Purchases.
Bonus Offer:
As high as $200 Cash Back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Bonus Offer Disclaimer:
Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Terms apply.
Are you a fan of American Express? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the credit card issuer in the Clark.com community.
All information about American Express Platinum Card® has been collected independently by Clark Howard, Inc and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
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