Some may use “charge card” and “credit card” interchangeably, but they’re not the same and have key differences. If you’re thinking of applying for one, it can help to know how they differ so you can choose the one best for you.
What’s the Difference Between a Charge Card and a Credit Card?
Last Updated: February 12, 2024
5 min read
Key points: charge cards vs. credit cards
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A charge card requires you to pay off the full balance each month.
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A credit card lets you carry a balance that you can pay over time.
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Both cards allow you to make purchases in person and online, and many offer rewards.
Here are some things to consider about charge cards vs. credit cards.
What’s a charge card?
Charge cards are much less common than they used to be. Some charge card issuers also offer credit cards as well, which tend to be more flexible over the long-term.
With a charge card, you can buy things on credit without paying interest—if you pay your balance in full every month. But if you can’t pay off your charge card in full each month, your card issuer may add a late fee and other penalties to your outstanding balance. If left unpaid, your charge card issuer may close your account to prevent you from making any more purchases on your card.
Compare charge cards vs. credit cards
Both charge cards and credit cards allow you to pay for items without using cash (unlike a checking account or debit card), but there’s one main difference—charge card issuers expect you to pay off your balance in full every month. By contrast, credit card issuers allow you to carry a balance that you can pay over time.
Charge Cards vs. Credit Cards
| Credit Cards | Charge Cards | |
|---|---|---|
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Yes | Yes |
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Yes | No |
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Yes | No |
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Yes | Yes |
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Yes1 | No |
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Yes | No |
Other ways charge cards and credit cards are different
A credit card comes with a credit limit, which represents the total amount you can charge to the card. Any purchases you make against your credit limit can be factored into your credit utilization ratio.
A charge card usually doesn’t have a preset spending limit, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In some cases, you can charge as much as you want to your account—if you pay off your balance in full every month.
Another difference according to the FTC, is that charge cards often charge high annual fees in exchange for the benefits and rewards they offer. Before applying for a charge card, make sure that any rewards you’ll earn from the card will offset the cost of the annual fee. Many credit card issuers offer options with no annual fee. At Discover®, every credit card has no annual fee.
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How are charge cards and credit cards the same?
Both cards allow you to make purchases in person and online, and both cards offer perks and benefits. In many cases, you’ll be able to earn rewards on your purchases.
Did you know?
Discover credit cards can offer perks, including cash back rewards or Miles on every purchase. You should look at what categories you spend the most in and compare card offers to find the best credit card for you.
In addition to how you use the cards, both charge card and credit card issuers check your credit history before deciding whether to approve you for a new line of credit. Just like credit cards, charge cards with the best features are often reserved for people who have good or excellent credit scores.
Who can benefit from a charge card?
If you have already established a good or excellent credit score and are prepared to pay off your balance in full every month, you could benefit from a charge card. You’ll be able to take advantage of interest-free purchases, as well as any rewards that come with the card.
You should look for charge cards with rewards that match your lifestyle. For example, if a charge card offers complimentary airport lounge access, ask yourself how often you’ll be able to take advantage of the perk. The same goes for any rewards you may earn on purchases—if your shopping habits don’t match the charge card’s reward categories, you may want to consider other forms of credit.
Charge cards vs. credit cards: Impact on your credit
Both charge cards and credit cards can impact your credit score, but in different ways.
Inquiries
When you apply for a charge card or a credit card, the card issuer will likely review your credit history, which may result in a hard inquiry. The effect of a hard inquiry on your credit is usually minor, but it’s still something to note.
Credit utilization ratio
Credit utilization looks at how much of your available credit you’re using and is a big factor in determining your credit scores if you have a credit card account.
Payment history
The biggest factor in calculating credit scores is payment history. On-time payments for charge cards and credit cards can help you build good credit history. Generally, payments over 30 days late are reported to the credit bureaus, and may affect your credit scores, ability to get credit, and the interest rates on your credit lines.
Should you choose a credit card or a charge card?
If you can pay off your balance in full every month, you might consider adding a charge card to your wallet. However, if you find it difficult paying off your balance in full, a charge card may not be your best choice.
If avoiding interest charges is your biggest concern, many credit card companies provide a grace period where you will not be charged interest on purchases if you pay your balance in full and on time each month. If you’re hoping to keep your interest costs low, applying for a traditional credit card and paying off the balance in full every month could be your best option.
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