One lesser-known fact about major credit card companies is their origins in different industries. For instance, many credit card companies started out in sectors unrelated to finance, such as travel or retail. American Express, for example, was originally founded as a freight forwarding company in the mid-1800s, primarily serving as a delivery service. It later evolved into the financial services giant we know today. This type of history can offer insight into why certain companies focus more on travel-related rewards and services, as it ties back to their original business models.

This fact about the origins of credit card companies also highlights why some companies have strong affiliations with specific industries today. For example, travel-centric cards often offer points for flights, hotels, and dining because of the companyit's historical focus on travel. Understanding this history can help cardholders make more informed choices when selecting a card that best suits their needs. Whether a companyit's roots lie in travel, retail, or another sector, these origins can still influence the companyit's offerings in the present day.