GlossaryPersonal Finance

What is Credit Card?

A payment card that allows you to borrow funds up to a pre-set limit to make purchases, with the balance repayable later.

A credit card is a revolving line of credit issued by a bank. You can use it to make purchases or get cash advances up to your credit limit. You receive a monthly statement detailing your transactions and the amount owed.

If you pay the full statement balance by the due date, you typically pay no interest. If you carry a balance, interest is charged on the remaining amount, which can compound and lead to significant debt if not managed carefully.

ExampleIf your credit card statement shows a $1,000 balance and you pay it in full by the due date, you avoid any interest charges on those purchases.

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