Financial cards and payments in 2024: The big picture
2024 was yet another big year for financial cards and payments in the US. Two major stories dominate the overall big picture for the US at the opening of 2025 – the continued fight against inflation, and the new Trump Administration taking the reins.
2024 key trends
Credit cards remain the paramount feature in terms of innovations in financial cards and payments in the US. Interchange fees for debit cards are capped at a low level, and a very large proportion of US payments have moved to financial cards over other payment methods.
Crypto turns a corner and looks to friendlier faces
The latter years of the Biden Administration were a rough ride for cryptocurrency. Volatility was a significant factor in recent years, as major coins saw big drops only to rise again.
Competitive landscape
The biggest story in the competitive landscape for US financial cards and payments is the pending acquisition of Discover Financial Services by Capital One. Capital One, already one of the biggest credit card issuers in the US, seeks to grow tremendously on this position by acquiring US-based Discover Financial Services.
What next for financial cards and payments?
2025-2028 promises to be a particularly unpredictable time for the US. The significant shift in regulatory philosophy alone that took place in January 2025 is enough to breathe new life into the cryptocurrency industry.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Financial Cards and Payments industry in USA with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
If you're in the Financial Cards and Payments industry in USA, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Financial Cards and Payments in USA report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Financial Cards and Payments in USA?
- What are the major trends key to understanding Financial Cards and Payments in USA?
- How has COVID-19, recession and macroeconomic volatility impacted the market?
- How long will the market take to recover? What are the opportunities now?
- How will political context and shifting cultural values shape future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Financial Cards and Payments in the US - Industry Overview
Financial cards and payments in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Crypto turns a corner and looks to friendlier faces
Competitive landscape
What next for financial cards and payments?
DISCLAIMER
Charge Cards in the US - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Capital One announces intention to purchase Discover Financial Services
Uncertainty about the future of interest rates could play in favour of charge cards
American Express remains the overwhelming face of charge cards in the US
Charge cards remain a potential option for younger, credit-averse consumers
Fallout from Discover Financial Services purchase
Corporate charge card spending remains an important target for the future
Credit Cards in the US - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Capital One makes a shocking play as it moves to acquire Discover Financial Services
BNPL hype appears to be calming, but threats still exist if card players become complacent
Rewards scene remains robust in the US, as the market remains a global leader
CFPB announces interpretive ruling to regulate BNPL loans similar to credit cards
Corporate credit card spending continues to offer an enticing opportunity
Trump tariff plans float the potential for increased credit card spending
Debit Cards in the US - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Debit card is the number one way for consumers to pay in the US
Regulatory action remains a feature of the cards environment in 2024
US financial considerations continue to exert influence on account types
Inflation, while largely tamed, continues to rear its head
Commercial debit cards remains underpenetrated
Lawsuits and Supreme Court decision
Pre-Paid Cards in the US - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Cryptocurrencies continue to grow their exposure via pre-paid cards
Lawsuits fly in pre-paid cards in 2024
Gift cards are increasingly digital
Congestion pricing and return to office will continue to boost spending on pre-paid cards
A loosening of the regulatory environment just over the horizon
Fraud frequently continues to target pre-paid cards, as the path of least resistance
Store Cards in the US - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Continued pressure from BNPL and traditional credit cards
Store cards remain a crutch for many still struggling in the post-inflationary economy
Against a competitive backdrop, rewards and loyalty remain critical considerations
Election results likely to bring major changes to payments and lending
Opportunities for growth
Technology continues to offer a route to future growth
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Financial Cards and Payments
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- ATM Cards
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- Commercial Charge Cards
- Personal Charge Cards
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- Commercial Credit Cards
- Personal Credit Cards
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- Commercial Debit Cards
- Personal Debit Cards
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- Closed Loop Pre-Paid Cards
- Open Loop Pre-Paid Cards
- Store Cards
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- ATM Transactions
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- Commercial Charge Card Transactions
- Personal Charge Card Transactions
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- Commercial Credit Card Transactions
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- Average Personal Credit Card Balance
- Average Personal Credit Card Limit
- Personal Credit Card Utilisation
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- Commercial Debit Card Transactions
- Personal Debit Card Transactions
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- Closed Loop Pre-Paid Card Transactions
- Open Loop Pre-Paid Card Transactions
- Store Card Transactions
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- Commercial Card Payment Transactions
- Commercial Electronic Direct/ACH Transactions
- Commercial Paper Payment Transactions
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- Personal Card Payment Transactions
- Personal Electronic Direct/ACH Transactions
- Personal Paper Payment Transactions
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- Commercial Electronic Direct/ACH Transactions
- Personal Electronic Direct/ACH Transactions
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- Commercial Cash Transactions
- Commercial Other Paper Transactions
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- Personal Cash Transactions
- Personal Other Paper Transactions
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- Mobile Proximity Payments
- Mobile Remote Payments
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Financial Cards and Payments
Payments are tracked based on the country of residence / account issuance and include outbound spend while excluding inbound spend.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
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This report originates from Passport, our Financial Cards and Payments research and analysis database.
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