Key takeaways:
When you think of a credit card, you likely think of a rectangular piece of plastic or metal that includes your name and an account number. This card can be swiped, inserted or tapped at payment terminals in exchange for goods or services. You can also enter the numbers to make purchases online or over the phone.
But how do credit cards work behind the scenes? In short, you’re borrowing money from a financial institution — here’s everything you need to know:
A credit card is a type of revolving credit account that lets you repeatedly borrow money from a bank or credit card issuer up to your approved credit limit. You can use this line of credit to pay for goods or services at the point of sale, online or over the phone, and pay the balance off over time.
You can also use a credit card to earn rewards, finance a large purchase, transfer a balance, access cash and more. Here are the main types of credit cards:
Rewards credit cards
Rewards credit cards let you earn points, cash back or miles when you use the card to make eligible purchases. Depending on the credit card, you may be able to redeem your rewards for travel, statement credits, checks, direct deposits, gift cards, merchandise or donations.
0% APR credit cards
These cards offer a 0% intro APR on purchases and/or balance transfers with periods ranging from six to 21 months. During the introductory period, you won’t be charged interest if you carry a balance on your card from month to month. However, once the intro period ends, you’ll owe interest at the regular rate if you don’t pay your balance in full each month.
Travel credit cards
Travel credit cards typically offer elevated rewards on travel-related purchases, like airfare and hotel stays. You can use these rewards to help offset the cost of future travel. Depending on the card, you may also get access to valuable travel perks, like free checked bags, annual travel credits, airport lounge access and travel cancellation insurance.
Secured credit cards
Geared toward those with poor or limited credit, secured credit cards require a refundable cash deposit upfront to open your account. This security deposit acts as collateral and usually determines the amount of your line of credit. You can get your security deposit back if you pay your balance in full and close your account or if you graduate to an unsecured card.
Business credit cards
Business credit cards give business owners access to credit. These cards often offer accelerated rewards on business-related purchases as well as tools to help manage business spending. They may also provide higher credit limits than personal credit cards. When you apply for a business credit card, many issuers will check your personal credit and ask for a personal guarantee in case you default. However, there are a few business credit cards that don’t require a personal credit check.
Student credit cards
Student cards give students access to a revolving line of credit. Because these cards are available to students with limited or no credit, they tend to offer lower credit limits and limited rewards programs and benefits compared to traditional credit cards. But when used correctly, they can serve as a great tool to help establish or build credit.
To be eligible for a student card, you may need to show proof of part- or full-time enrollment in an accredited university.
Store credit cards
Store credit cards can usually only be used to make purchases and earn rewards at one particular retailer or network of retailers. These cards are typically easier to get approved for than traditional credit cards. However, they often come with high APRs and low rewards-earning potential.
When you pay for goods or services with a credit card, you’re borrowing money from a bank or credit union. You have a credit limit, which controls how much you can borrow at any given time, and you’ll have to pay back what you borrow.
Most credit cards have a grace period, which means you won’t pay interest if you pay your balance in full by the due date. But if you just make the minimum payment and carry a balance over to the next billing cycle, you’ll owe interest on that balance.
Using a credit card to make purchases can provide several benefits, including helping you:
If your credit offers a grace period (usually around 21 to 25 days between the close of your credit card’s billing cycle and the due date on your statement), you won’t be charged interest as long as you pay your credit card in full by your payment due date. But if you carry a balance on your card from one month to another, you’ll be charged interest at the card’s current annual percentage rate (APR).
Most credit cards have variable APRs, meaning that issuers can increase or decrease them at any time. Typically, issuers will base credit card APRs on an index, like the Prime Rate. According to a recent LendingTree study, the average APR for new credit cards was 24.71% as of May 2024.
Credit cards may come with several types of APRs:
Here are a few common credit card fees that your credit card issuer may charge:
The main difference between a credit card and a debit card is that a credit card incurs debt, while a debit card draws funds from your checking account. That said, each has its pros and cons:
Pros | Cons | |
---|---|---|
Credit card |
|
|
Debit card |
|
|
Once you determine which credit card you want, you can apply for it online, in-person at a bank branch, over the phone or by mailing in an application. Depending on the card, you may be asked to provide personal and financial information, including your full legal name, date of birth Social Security number (SSN), residential address, annual gross income, employment status and housing costs.
After you submit your application, you may receive an approval or denial within minutes. Or, the issuer may place your application under review — which just means they need more time to evaluate your application.
To avoid racking up debt and putting a big dent in your credit score, it’s extremely important to use your credit card responsibly. Once you’re approved for the card, be sure to follow these four primary rules:
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
Tracy Brackman is a senior editor and credit card expert at LendingTree, where she writes and edits educational articles on credit cards and personal finance using her 14+ years of experience in the industry.
Before joining LendingTree in 2019, Tracy worked as a products editor for CreditCards.com, where she developed the credit card products section and wrote breaking news content focused on credit cards.
Prior to that, she worked as a product information manager for Bankrate, where she managed the credit card product details and maintained compliance for two affiliate networks, as well as Bankrate-owned and operated sites.
She began working in the credit card space in 2009 as the editorial department manager for FlexOffers, an affiliate marketing company.
“Currently, I like to use my American Express® Gold Card to earn a high rewards rate on dining and grocery purchases — the two categories I spend the most in each month. I also love the protections that the card provides on my purchases and travel. My husband and I are able to easily combine our Membership Rewards points to use toward flights and hotel stays.”
Read More