NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 31, 2008 -- The U.S. Market for credit cards saw robust growth between 2003-2007, with the purchase volume of the four main general-purpose credit brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% to over $1.9 trillion. Despite the boom of yesteryear, it's uncertain how the current stressful economic environment and the trepidation it breeds among consumers will impact the rewards credit card market for the future.

According to market research publisher Packaged Facts' all-new report, "The U.S. Market for Rewards Cards, 2nd Edition," a key to skirting any potential recession repercussions for rewards card issuers is candidness. Clearing away the unnecessary mysterious fog surrounding many rewards card offers and practicing information clarity are essential for building loyalty with current rewards cardholders and cultivating trust with new or potential owners.

"The critical issue in the current consumer rewards cards relationship is one of transparency. More consumers are hyper aware of unsavory credit-related business practices, be they real or imagined. And they want to know with whom they are dealing, what their values are, and to what degree they can be trusted," says Tatjana Meerman, publisher of Packaged Facts.

For some issuers, the economic upheaval has spurred innovation. Credit card companies are responding to consumer woes by offering new cards with revamped rewards programs aimed at alleviating financial stress with novel benefits. In the past, rewards card have been about "spending to spend more." The new, innovative cards allow consumers to spend and save at the same time.

For example, some cards motivate consumers to make payments on time by awarding lower interest rates to financially responsible cardholders. The new rewards cards also enable customers to select their Annual Percentage Rate (APR) based on their monthly payment.

"The U.S. Market for Rewards Cards, 2nd Edition" contains data and analysis on the general-purpose credit card industry in the U.S. with a focus on rewards-based programs and cards. The report presents the size and growth of the market and several related key metrics within the broader credit card arena, as well as trends and factors affecting the industry. For further information visit: http://www.packagedfacts.com/Rewards-Cards-1391122/.

About Packaged Facts -- Packaged Facts, a division of Market Research Group, publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer industries, including consumer goods and retailing, foods and beverages, demographics, pet, and financial products. Packaged Facts also offers a full range of custom research services. For more information contact Jenn Tekin at (240) 747-3015 or jtekin@marketresearch.com.

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     Packagedfacts.com
     (240) 747-3015
     jtekin@marketresearch.com