Kuntz said what surprised GM of Canada is the company has generated so much interest when other companies have introduced numerous new cards and features during the last few months. The company views the proliferation of cards and benefits as a fight "for wallet share."

BancOhio, along with a growing number of banks, is marketing personalized cards it hopes are too pretty to destroy. Most families today have at least one major credit card, and many have two or even three, so issuers compete not just to have their products accepted, but used.

"All card issuers are fighting for wallet share," Edwards said, "and we think that by having a card that reflects your interests, you are more likely to pull that card out."