Nearly 8 in 10 U.S. consumers with credit cards have multiple cards. For issuers, this makes “top of wallet” status — being a consumer’s favorite way to pay — crucial to their bottom lines. Shoppers spend an average of nearly $2,000 each month on their preferred card. This compares to just above $1,200 for their second-choice cards and more than $900 for those in third place.
Surprisingly, the top-of-wallet dynamic strengthens when consumers own three or more cards. These shoppers concentrate their spending on one primary card rather than spreading it out more evenly, especially for their routine purchases.
Younger consumers show especially strong interest in having greater control over their spending and payments. For example, nearly half of Generation Z cardholders say they would use their primary card more often if they could choose from several payment options when they are at the checkout.
“The Credit Economy: Top-of-Wallet Credit Cards,” a PYMNTS Intelligence and i2c collaboration, examines consumer preferences and behavior in selecting and using their primary credit cards. It draws on insights from a survey of 2,275 United States consumers conducted from March 4, 2025, to March 31, 2025.
This report includes crucial information for credit card issues and banks that want their cards to become top of wallet. Download the report to learn more about credit card use and preferences among U.S consumers with multiple cards.
