In an era where presidential pronouncements often hit the market faster than a high-frequency trading algorithm, Donald J. Trump continues to be the gift that keeps on giving – to headline writers, at least. From capping credit card interest rates to threatening global trade wars, the former (and potentially future) occupant of the Oval Office has mastered the art of market manipulation through sheer, unadulterated declaration. Investors, it seems, have learned to strap in, because when Trump speaks, the D ...

Core Insights - American Express and Discover offer distinct credit card options, with American Express providing a wider range of cards including high-earning cash-back and premium travel rewards, while Discover focuses on no annual fee cards with solid cash-back earnings [1][2]. Annual Fees - American Express cards have annual fees ranging from $0 to $895, with some premium options exceeding $500, while all Discover cards have no annual fee [3][4]. Welcome Offers - American Express offers welcome bonuses that can exceed 100,000 points depending on the card type, while Discover provides a first-year unlimited cash-back match on all earnings [7][8]. Rewards Rates - American Express rewards can reach up to 14x points, particularly valuable for U.S. supermarket spending and travel, whereas Discover offers up to 5% cash back on select categories [3][10][11]. Additional Benefits - American Express provides numerous benefits such as Amex Offers, extended warranty protection, and car rental coverage, while Discover primarily offers standard security and fraud protection [12][13]. Credit Score Requirements - American Express generally requires a good to excellent credit score (670 and above), while Discover offers more flexibility with options for those with poor to excellent credit [13][36]. Customer Satisfaction - In the 2024 J.D. Power Credit Card Satisfaction Study, American Express ranked 1st while Discover ranked 2nd, indicating high customer satisfaction for both issuers [17]. Acceptance Rates - Both American Express and Discover cards have lower acceptance rates compared to Visa and Mastercard, but they are widely accepted in the U.S. and are expanding their global presence [19][21]. Recommendations - American Express is recommended for those looking for travel rewards and benefits, while Discover is suitable for individuals aiming to build credit without incurring annual fees [54][56].

Key insight: There were more bank M&A deals in 2025 than in the past three years, and the combinations were generally more valuable.Supporting data: Banks announced at least 170 deals in 2025, up more than one-third from last year and nearly 80% from 2023.Forward look: A more merger-friendly regulatory environment, and speedier deal approval timelines, may beget more acquisitions in 2026.Merger and acquisition activity between banks sprang back to life in 2025 after several years of muted dealmaking due to ...

This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Ontario, California-based CVB Financial Corp. will acquire Heritage Commerce Corp. in a roughly $811 million deal that’s set to give the buyer a stronger foothold in the Bay Area, the companies said Wednesday. The transaction, set to close in the second quarter of 2026, will create a bank with about $22 billion in assets and more than 75 locations – and draw San Jos ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the best credit cards for Amazon purchases in 2025, highlighting various options that offer significant cash back and rewards for frequent Amazon shoppers [1][46]. Group 1: Credit Card Options - The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months and provides 3% cash back on up to $6,000 in U.S. online retail purchases annually [3][5]. - The Prime Visa card provides a $250 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for Prime members and offers 5% back on Amazon.com purchases, making it ideal for frequent Amazon shoppers [7][9]. - The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a $95 annual fee and offers 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, with 2x miles on all eligible purchases [11][9]. - The Amazon Visa card, which does not require a Prime membership, offers a $50 Amazon gift card upon approval and has a lower rewards rate compared to the Prime Visa [15][46]. - The Discover it Cash Back card provides up to 5% cash back on rotating categories, including Amazon during the fourth quarter, and matches all cash back earned at the end of the first year [18][36]. Group 2: Rewards and Benefits - The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card allows users to earn 3% cash back in a chosen category each quarter, which can include online shopping from Amazon [25][39]. - The Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases and has no annual fee, making it a competitive option for everyday spending [29][39]. - The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card provides 6% cash back on the first $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter with selected retailers, including Amazon [34][46]. - The Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card offers up to 5% cash back on rotating categories, which may include Amazon, and has no annual fee [31][39]. Group 3: Considerations for Choosing a Card - The right rewards rate depends on individual spending habits; those focused on Amazon purchases should seek cards with the highest rewards for Amazon [37][40]. - Most cards listed do not have an annual fee, but if a card does, it is essential to evaluate whether the rewards justify the cost [39][40]. - Credit cards can provide additional benefits such as purchase protection, which is valuable for online shopping [39][40].

Core Insights - Sea Limited's Digital Financial Services (DFS) segment has emerged as a significant growth driver, with revenues increasing over 60% year-over-year in Q3 2025, fueled by strong loan demand and user adoption [1][9] Financial Performance - The loan book of Sea Limited rose by nearly $1 billion in the quarter, reaching $7.9 billion, solidifying its status as one of the largest unsecured consumer lenders in Southeast Asia [2][9] - The over-90-day non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained stable at 1.1%, indicating strong credit quality and allowing for expanded lending without margin pressure [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sea Limited's 2025 earnings is $3.84 per share, reflecting a 128.57% increase compared to 2024, despite a 5% decrease over the past 30 days [13] Market Dynamics - The global fintech market is projected to reach $652.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.27%, providing ample growth opportunities for Sea Limited [4] - Geographic diversification is evident, with Thailand's loans exceeding $2 billion and Brazil's loan book more than tripling year-over-year [3] Competitive Landscape - PayPal remains a significant competitor, leveraging its global scale and strong payment expertise, including BNPL expansion and crypto payments [5] - Grab Holdings is a key rival, integrating fintech services across its ecosystem, benefiting from strong localization and partnerships [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Sea Limited's shares have increased by 35.1% year-to-date, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector and the Zacks Internet - Software industry [7] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 25.71, lower than the sector average of 29.08 [10]

Core Insights - The article highlights the best cash-back credit cards for 2025, emphasizing their rewards structures, fees, and potential cash-back earnings. Group 1: Best Overall Card - The Chase Freedom Unlimited is identified as the best overall cash-back credit card, offering a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months and a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months [4][5]. Group 2: Best for Specific Categories - The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card is noted for providing 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases annually, with a potential annual cash back of $590.65 after the annual fee [9][10]. - The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card offers 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets and online retail purchases, with a potential annual cash back of $451.08 [11][17]. - The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card is highlighted for its unlimited 3% cash back on dining, with a potential annual cash back of $513.90 [19][21]. Group 3: Unique Features - The Citi Custom Cash card automatically adjusts its top 5% reward category based on spending, with a potential annual cash back of $522.10 [22][25]. - The Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, with a potential annual cash back of $476.88 [27][31]. Group 4: Cash-Back Mechanics - Cash-back credit cards typically offer between 2% and 6% cash back across various bonus categories, with 1% on all non-bonus spending [38][40]. - The article explains that cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, checks, or direct deposits into bank accounts [39][60]. Group 5: Considerations for Card Selection - Factors to consider when choosing a cash-back card include annual fees, welcome offers, cash-back rewards categories, and additional benefits [50][55][57]. - The article emphasizes the importance of aligning card rewards with spending habits to maximize cash-back potential [70][72].

Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of the government shutdown on federal workers, particularly focusing on the financial strain caused by credit card debt during this period of uncertainty [1][2] - It highlights the availability of credit card hardship programs as a potential solution for those struggling to make payments due to financial difficulties [3][4] Group 1: Credit Card Hardship Programs - Credit card hardship programs are designed to assist customers facing difficulties in making payments, offering various solutions from short-term to long-term plans [3][4] - Many credit card issuers, including American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo, provide these programs to help customers manage their debt during financial hardships [9][10][12][14][15][19] - The assistance provided can vary based on individual circumstances, such as whether the hardship is temporary or long-term, and may include lower interest rates, waived fees, or extended payment deadlines [5][6][9][19] Group 2: Importance of Early Communication - It is emphasized that reaching out to credit card issuers as early as possible can lead to better outcomes in terms of payment assistance and avoiding additional fees [7][19] - Issuers encourage customers to contact them proactively when they anticipate difficulties in making payments, which can facilitate the development of a suitable payment plan [12][15][19] Group 3: Alternatives to Hardship Programs - The article outlines alternatives to credit card hardship programs, such as balance transfer credit cards, personal loans, and credit counseling, which can provide additional financial relief [24][33][36] - It also suggests reducing other expenses as a strategy to manage debt more effectively during financial challenges [38][39]

Group 1 - Capital One is cutting approximately 382 jobs at Discover Financial Services' Chicago-area headquarters as part of integration efforts following the acquisition [7] - The job cuts will occur in phases, with the first separations expected on November 17, involving 366 employees, and the final separations projected for early March 2026 [7][6] - The affected roles include a wide range of positions, notably excluding customer-facing roles, and include Discover's chief marketing officer [4][3] Group 2 - The job cuts are part of a broader strategy following the winding down of Discover Home Loans, which resulted in 215 job eliminations announced on August 14 [5][6] - Capital One has committed to providing at least 60 days of notice to impacted employees and is offering comprehensive career transition support, including enhanced severance and outplacement resources [5] - The Riverwoods location will remain operational despite the job cuts, and business activities will continue [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the best balance transfer credit cards for 2025, highlighting their features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. Group 1: Card Features and Offers - Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months, with a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 15 months and ongoing APR of 18.99% - 28.49% [3][5] - Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express provides a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months, with a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 15 months and ongoing APR of 20.24% - 29.24% [10][11] - Citi Double Cash® Card features a $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months, with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months and ongoing APR of 18.24% - 28.24% [16][17] - Discover it® Cash Back offers a unique welcome feature where Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year, with a 0% intro APR for 15 months and ongoing APR of 18.24% - 27.24% [28][30] Group 2: Rewards and Benefits - Chase Freedom Unlimited provides 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on drugstore purchases and dining, and 1.5% on all other purchases [4][6] - Blue Cash Everyday® Card offers 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases, each up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1% [12][13] - Citi Double Cash® Card allows users to earn 2% on every purchase (1% when making the purchase and 1% when paying it off) [18][19] - Citi Rewards+® Card provides 5x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel through 12/31/25, and 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations [21][23] Group 3: Fees and Costs - Most balance transfer cards charge a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the transferred amount, with a minimum fee of around $5 or $10 [57][59] - The BankAmericard® Credit Card has a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles, with a balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 60 days, increasing to 4% thereafter [35][37] - The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card features a 5% balance transfer fee but offers an extended 0% APR of 21 months, making it suitable for those needing more time to pay off balances [39][40] Group 4: Strategic Considerations - It is crucial for cardholders to pay off their balances before the introductory period ends to avoid high ongoing interest rates [52][84] - Cardholders should prioritize transferring balances from high-interest credit cards first to maximize savings during the 0% APR period [86] - Maintaining a good credit score is essential, as balance transfers can temporarily lower scores due to hard inquiries and changes in credit utilization ratios [90][94]