Synchrony

The agency recently sent a letter to nine banks urging them to stop offering deferred interest cards, arguing that consumers are often unaware of the risks involved.

Some investors have raised questions about the credibility of the firm’s leadership since credit card issuer announced that its loss reserves would surge this year.

The payments giant has made a lot of money issuing loans to online shoppers with blemished credit histories. But now it is looking to reduce its risks.

The cards could prove to be popular with Americans who travel frequently to Asia.

Traditional banks may need to think twice about putting off higher rates on CDs and other deposit products. That’s because freer-spending online banks are adding deposits faster than they are, and more Fed rate hikes are expected to fuel that trend.