Difference Between Charge Card and Credit Card (with Comparison Chart)

May 2022 · 5 minute read

Charge Card Vs Credit CardCharge Card and Credit Card are the two types of cards, which are commonly juxtaposted by the people, as both are payment methods, through which one can make easy payments. Charge card is a form of credit card, which expects the customer to pay the entire balance, at the end of the billing cycle. It is not a revolving credit instrument. On the contrary, a credit card allows the user for revolving balances after minimum payment is made.

While a credit card has certain pre-defined spending limit, which is determined as per the customer’s credit history and ability to pay, and thus differs from one credit card holder to another. There is no such limit in the charge card. Take a glance of the article presented below, to have a better understanding on the differences between charge card and credit card.

Content: Charge Card Vs Credit Card

  • Comparison Chart
  • Definition
  • Key Differences
  • Similarities
  • Conclusion

    • Comparison Chart

    Basis for ComparisonCharge CardCredit Card
    MeaningA card used to make payments by the card holder, but needs to be paid in full, on the due date when the statement is received is known as Charge Card.Credit card is a payment card that offers a line of credit to the card holder, to use it until the limit gets exhausted.
    InterestNot chargedCharged on the outstanding balance at the end of the month.
    Spending limitNot specifiedSpecified
    Rolling balanceNot allowed, the card requires the entire amount to be fully paid after the end of the specified term.Rolling balance is allowed to the customers, only on the payment of minimum balance.

    Definition of Charge Card

    A charge card is nothing but a credit card used with an account that is required to be paid in full when the due date arises or when the statement for payment is received by the cardholder. The card will not allow you to further carry the balance to the next month and so you can borrow money for a particular period only. Non-repayment of money within stipulated time may cause you a penalty, or it may also amount to a suspension of your account.

    The card usually comes with a no credit limit, i.e. the holder of the card is allowed to make unlimited spending. Although, the card issuer puts up a boundary for the spendings the card holder makes with the card, i.e. When the card holder makes payment, each and every purchase is approved or denied at the register.

    It acts as the payment option that enables the cardholder to make purchases.  The card issuer pays the amount on behalf of the card holder and in this way the card holder becomes a debtor to the card issuer and pay the amount at a later date. In this way, he can defer payment.

    Definition of Credit Card

    A small plastic card issued by the banks or financial institutions to the customer as a secured line of credit. The card enables the cardholder to purchase goods or services, for which the card issuer makes a payment which is then reimbursed from the card holder.

    The card comes with a preset spending limit which the card holder cannot exceed, but he is allowed to use the limit until it gets exhausted. The credit limit varies from customer to customer, and it is determined according to the credibility, financial condition and other similar factors. Interest is charged on the outstanding balance at the end of each month.

    The credit card is a revolving instrument that allows the card holder carry forward the balance to the following month only by making payment of the minimum amount. But, if you roll over your balance to the next month, the interest accrued on the outstanding balance will also be carried forward.

    Key Differences Between Charge Card and Credit Card

    The paramount differences between charge card and credit card are mentioned below:

  • Charge Card refers to a card used by the card holder to make payments but needs to be paid in full, at the end of the specified term. Credit Card is a card that offers an unsecured line of credit to the cardholder, to use till the limit is exhausted.
  • The interest rate is applied to the credit card on the outstanding balance, but not on a charge card, as the balance must be fully paid at the end of every month or else the penalty is charged.
  • The spending limit is considered as the basic distinction between the two cards because the charge card comes with no predefined limit. However, credit card comes with a specified limit. The limit is decided as per the kind of card you carry and your credit history.
  • A charge card does not allow rolling balance, i.e. you need to pay the entire amount at the end of every month, the outstanding balance will not be carried forward to the following month. A credit card allows rolling balance where you only need to pay the minimum amount.

    • Similarities

    The two cards are payment instruments that allow you to defer payments. There is an agreement in both the cases between the card holder and card issuer that the cardholder will repay the outstanding amount after the specific period. If the debtor does not make timely payments of debts, then the penalty shall apply.

    Conclusion

    After the above discussion, we can say that there are several similar aspects in the two terms, but it is also true that the two card hold certain differences that cannot be neglected. The choice between the two cards is a bit difficult as both have its advantages and disadvantage, but you can opt for any one of them as per your convenience.

    ncG1vNJzZmijla6xqrLFnqmeppOawG%2BvzqZmnaGWm7Kzsc2cnGaalanEprHNZpqhmaKcsm6vwKubZpmemXqkvsSdoK1lk5a%2FpXrHraSl