Best Charge Cards

A charge card is a type of credit card that requires the cardholder to pay off most, if not all, of their purchases by the due date every month. Many people use charge cards because they force more disciplined spending than other credit cards.

Because charge cards generally require payment in full each month, consumers cannot adopt an "I'll pay for it later" type of approach and continue to amass more and more debt. If they do not pay their balances in full by a specific time (usually within 25 days of the bill’s arrival) they may not be able to make any more purchases.

Additionally, many people enjoy the rewards and exclusivity garnered from charge cards. Users often earn points on their purchases and receive other perks like concierge service and discounted tickets to concerts and sporting events.

The main difference between a credit card and a charge card is that charge cards don’t allow you to carry a balance from one month to the next, while credit cards do. Both types of cards allow you to buy now and pay later, but charge cards require that payment to be for the full amount you owe at the end of the billing cycle. Traditional credit cards require you to pay just a portion of your...

No, there aren’t any charge cards for bad credit. Most of these cards require at least good credit for approval. So, it’s better to wait until your credit score has improved before submitting an application for a charge card.

What to consider if you have bad credit:

If you have bad credit, it would be best to apply for a secured credit card. Secured cards require security deposits, but they have the highest approval odds...

There aren’t any retailers that offer store charge cards. Many people refer to store cards as charge cards. It’s common to hear reference to a Walmart charge card, a Kohl's charge card or a Target charge card as a result. But store cards are credit cards on which you can carry a balance from month to month, not charge cards whose balance must be paid in full each month. A good rule of thumb to remember...

There are benefits to using both charge cards and debit cards. Charge cards allow you to build credit history and do not require immediate payment for purchases, which provides both flexibility and added protection from fraud. You must simply pay your balance in full at the end of each month in order to retain purchasing privileges and avoid late fees.

Additionally, charge card accounts provide far more lucrative perks and rewards than do debit...

To pick the best charge card, you should compare the rewards and the annual fees on cards within your credit score range. Since you aren’t allowed to carry a balance from month to month with a charge card, you don’t have to worry about interest and you can focus on the cards’ other terms.

How to Pick the Best Charge Card

1. Check your credit score to see which options you'll be eligible for.
2. Compare...

Yes, charge cards do still exist. Charge cards are typically associated with high-end, exclusive credit card brands such as American Express, and they are designed for consumers and small business owners with good or excellent credit.

A charge card is a type of credit card that requires the cardholder to pay off the entire balance each month, and the category has evolved to include hybrid cards that allow cardholders to pay for certain purchases over...