credit card

American  

noun

1. a card that identifies a person as entitled to have food, merchandise, services, etc., billed on a charge account.

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credit card British  

noun

1. a card issued by banks, businesses, etc, enabling the holder to obtain goods and services on credit

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Etymology

Origin of credit card

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

“If you’re new to the ecosystem, I wouldn’t start with an airline credit card, because you’re locked into those redemptions,” Henderson said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

I had what some would consider a true foodie experience, and the hundreds of dollars I was charged — this time, on my own, adult credit card — to prove it.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

Soaring interest rates and stubborn inflation have led to the highest rate of credit card delinquencies since the financial crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Last month, Trader Joe’s paid $7.4 million to settle a class-action lawsuit for exposing customers’ credit card information on receipts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

And as I looked at that nurse outside the emergency room, I was petrified that the moment I handed her my credit card, the cycle would just continue and I’d get sucked right back in.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

Related Words

• bank card