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Credit card mobile apps are essential for managing your account on the go. You can quickly view your balance, make bill payments and redeem rewards all from the palm of your hand.
While most major card issuers provide mobile apps, not all are created equal. American Express ranks the highest in U.S. credit card app satisfaction, with a score of 886 — which is 21 points above the average 865, according to the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Credit Card Mobile App Satisfaction Study.
The annual study measures overall satisfaction in mobile app navigation, speed, visual appeal and information/content. Bank of America (874) and Chase (873) follow American Express for second and third place respectively.
A high mobile app ranking goes hand-in-hand with high customer satisfaction scores. Amex also takes the top spot in customer satisfaction among national issuers (838). This is the tenth time the issuer has earned the top spot in the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. Discover (837) and Bank of America (812) round out the top three issuers.
Select breaks down the important features you should look for in a credit card mobile app.
What to look for in a credit card mobile app
If you’re in the market for a new credit card, it’s a good idea to consider the features included in the mobile app. After all, a strong mobile app can allow you to get key account information at a glance and make payments at any time.
Here's an overview of what to look for in a credit card mobile app, including features measured in J.D. Power's study:
- Easy navigation: Mobile apps have a lot of information, so it's important that there's clear navigation so you know where to get the info you need. Buttons that take you to the rewards, payments, and security pages are helpful for navigating.
- Fast speed: A mobile app should provide quick access to your account, not long delays when you're accessing your information.
- Visual appeal: While it's not essential to have an app that looks pretty, it can help if the card issuer has images or graphics that easily display key information. Card issuers often show card art (which is helpful when navigating between more than one account), as well as graphics to explain the rewards you earn or your credit score.
- Key information: The mobile app should clearly display key information about your account, such as balance, due date, minimum payment and interest rate. All of your transactions and statements should be easily accessible as well.
- Rewards details: If you have a rewards card, it can be annoying to log on to your online account to redeem rewards. A mobile app that displays your current rewards earnings, and lets you redeem your cash back, points or miles is convenient.
- Safety and security features: Consider if your card issuer offers the ability to freeze/lock your card from within the app. This feature can save you the hassle of calling customer service and protect your account if your card is lost or stolen. In addition, it's helpful if you can set alerts for bill due dates and transactions from within the app.
- Straightforward payment options: It should be easy to pay your bill and know how much is due. The app should also have a simple way to enroll in autopay.
The next time you look for a credit card, consider if the mobile app offers these features. You can speak to a customer service representative or read online reviews to see what's offered.
Credit cards with top mobile apps
The card issuers that top J.D. Power's list of best mobile apps offer a variety of credit cards depending on your needs. If you frequently buy groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers an industry-leading 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%). Terms apply.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply and find out your welcome 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. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
If you prefer a simple cash-back program, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (See rates and fees) has you covered.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no-annual-fee card that earns generous cash-back on everyday purchases and a lucrative welcome bonus.
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Meanwhile, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card has rewards geared toward travel and dining.
Information about Bank of America cards has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication.
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For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
