credit card

American  

noun

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

---

credit card British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of credit card

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

The biggest one: Don’t put too much faith in those online lists of “best first credit card” or “best credit card for students.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

“We have been fielding incoming investor debates around fears from third party credit card data into results and which should amplify today’s strong results,” Siegel wrote.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 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

Rowe considered putting it on a credit card.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

I grinned sheepishly and thought about our first visit to the vet and the huge bill he’d paid with the credit card, even though my parents didn’t have the money.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Related Words

• bank card