charge card

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charge card

A customer hands a charge card to a cashier at a store.

Definition

Noun: A charge card is a payment card, typically made of plastic, issued by a financial company. It allows the cardholder to make purchases on credit. The issuer guarantees the seller that the cardholder has a satisfactory credit standing and that the seller will receive payment for the delivered goods or services. Unlike some credit cards, the balance on a charge card typically must be paid in full each billing cycle.

Usage

A charge card is used as a method of payment at merchants, both in physical stores and online. It is presented or its details are provided to authorize a transaction, with the promise of future payment from the card issuer to the merchant.

Examples
  • "I prefer using my charge card for business expenses to simplify accounting."
  • "The store clerk asked, 'Do you take plastic?' referring to credit and charge cards."
  • "With a charge card, you are expected to pay the entire balance when the statement arrives."
Advanced Usage
  • Corporate charge cards are often issued to employees for company-related purchases, providing centralized billing and spending controls.
  • The phrase "to put it on the card" often implies using a charge or credit card for payment.
Variants and Related Words
  • Credit Card (n): A similar payment card that allows revolving credit, meaning the cardholder can carry a balance from month to month with interest charges.
  • Debit Card (n): A payment card that deducts funds directly from the cardholder's bank account at the time of transaction.
  • Payment Card (n): A general term for all types of cards used to make electronic payments.
  • Charge Account (n): The underlying account associated with a charge card.
Synonyms
  • Credit card (in general usage, though there are technical differences)
  • Plastic (slang)
  • Payment card
Related Phrases
  • "Do you take plastic?": A common informal question asking if a merchant accepts credit or charge cards.
  • "Run the card" or "Swipe the card": Instructions to process a payment using a charge card.
charge card

A customer hands a charge card to a cashier at a store.

Noun
  1. a card (usually plastic) that assures a seller that the person using it has a satisfactory credit rating and that the issuer will see to it that the seller receives payment for the merchandise delivered
    • do you take plastic?