Experian®, the global information services company, released its findings today on credit card trends, which provide insight into U.S. card usage. The study shows that nationally, consumers are opening 26 percent fewer credit cards* than they were three years ago. The study also reveals that out of the top metropolitan areas studied, the number of open bank cards were typically higher than retail credit cards, with the exception of four areas — Pittsburgh, Miami, Columbus and Atlanta — whose residents seem to favor their retail cards.

Additionally, the results show that New Yorkers lead the way with the highest number of open cards, and Phoenix residents have the fewest. A closer look at New York reveals that while its residents have more open cards, the data shows they aren't using those cards as much as some of the other cities, such as Atlanta, where the highest average monthly balance is $6,753 on revolving accounts. San Francisco and Houston have the lowest average monthly balance, with $5,323 and $5,328, respectively.

"As expected with the current financial environment, we can see that the average person has fewer cards in their wallet and is using credit differently than in the past," said Michele Raneri, senior director of analytics, Experian. "This implies that many American consumers are relying less on cards and potentially trying to pay down debt."