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

Not for us on the home front, where we watched them in six-minute segments on CNN and the evening news that aired between commercials for credit cards.

From Salon

It also affects savings rates at banks and the interest rate you’ll pay on shorter-term borrowing such as credit cards and car loans.

From MarketWatch

It’s also important not to apply for a bunch of new credit cards and loans during this improvement period, as this can negatively affect a credit score.

From MarketWatch

She noted that more consumers are opting to pay for purchases with cash or debit rather than with credit cards.

From The Wall Street Journal

She told BBC Radio 4's You & Yours that she only realised she had also taken out a subscription when she and her husband were changing credit cards in October this year.

From BBC

Related Words

• bank card