by Alison Storm | 08/19/10

A new survey gives American Express top honors from consumers. A new poll released by JD Power and Associates found that for the fourth year in a row American Express is the top pick. The study also showed that consumers are slightly more satisfied with their credit card experiences. That's good news after consumer satisfaction had hit a three-year low in 2009. "The Credit Card Act has motivated the issuers for clearer more transparent communication," Michael Beird, director of banking services at J.D. Power, said in an ABC News report. "Consumers are a little more empowered to know a little more at what's going on in with their accounts."

Despite the new law, credit card holders are still somewhat confused about their credit card terms and many had not yet received disclosures, which was required under the new regulations. Of those surveyed, 16 percent said they didn't receive that mandatory paperwork. Those who carry balances over from month to month were "significantly more likely to say that CARD Act disclosures improved their understanding of their credit card terms," Beird told ABC.

And it was American Express who got the best ratings among consumers. Consumers gave it the best scores, partly because of its rewards program. The next highest score went to Discover Financial Services.