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

He had over $40,000 in debt and, despite making monthly payments on nearly maxed-out credit cards, he barely covered the monthly interest.

From The Wall Street Journal

During the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019, an Afghan refugee threw a hand-held credit card machine at the shooter to give congregants more time to hide.

From The Wall Street Journal

Of particular concern is the $1.23 trillion in revolving debt, primarily from credit card balances, which continues to climb.

From Barron's

Visa and Mastercard are nearing a settlement with merchants that aims to end a 20-year-old legal dispute by lowering fees stores pay and giving them more power to reject certain credit cards.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bilt provides loyalty rewards such as discounts at restaurants for renters who choose to pay their rent by registering their credit cards through Bilt’s platform.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bank card