Card payments still underpin commerce in the US, but the model is evolving under pressure. As ecosystem roles converge, providers are pushing into new functions to capture more value—while facing growing competition from alternative payments, AI, and shifting consumer behavior.

Key Question: Who are the major players in the card payments ecosystem, and what are the biggest trends disrupting the space?

Key Stat: Total US card network transaction value will surpass the staggering $13.5 trillion milestone in 2026, per our forecast—representing a massive revenue pool for the entire ecosystem.