How do credit cards work?
Editor's Note
Whether you're new to the world of credit card rewards or you have several credit cards, you're likely visiting TPG because you want to know more about how credit cards work.
In this article, we'll start at the beginning and walk through some credit card basics.
What is a credit card?
A credit card is a physical card made of plastic or metal that allows you to make purchases using borrowed funds. A credit card is different from a debit card, which draws from the existing funds in your bank account. Credit cards also accrue interest on the amount of money you borrow, which kicks in if you don't repay the full balance on your card before the monthly due date.
Credit cards are closely connected to your credit score, an indicator of how well you manage your credit obligations. The better your payment history (among other factors), the higher your credit score.
Depending on your overall financial situation — and if you have a strong credit history — you may be eligible for more premium credit cards, which allow you to earn reward points as a percentage of your spending. Premium credit cards also come with higher limits and other valuable perks.
How do credit cards work?
Credit cards allow users to borrow any amount of money, up to their credit limit, repeatedly over an indefinite period. As long as your account remains in "good standing" with a good payment history, it will stay open.
If you're unable to pay off your full credit card balance — which we always recommend — you must at least make a minimum monthly payment to avoid incurring late fees. The average annual percentage rate, or APR, on credit cards is over 20%. So, carrying a balance and allowing your debt to accumulate can lead to significant costs over time.
It's important to be mindful of this to prevent your debt from snowballing, which can decrease your credit score.
How does credit card interest work?
Credit card interest is stated as an APR and reflects the total annual cost of borrowing expressed as a percentage. Credit cards can charge a few different types of APR, but the most common one is purchase APR.
The purchase APR of your credit card is the interest rate that applies to purchases — in other words, the standard interest rate. Being mindful of the purchase APR is essential for managing your credit card balance and minimizing your borrowing costs. To find out what your APR is, review your credit card statement or access your account online.
Other types of credit card APR include cash advance APR (the amount of interest charged on cash advance transactions) and penalty APR (a higher APR rate that may be charged if you exceed your credit limit or miss payments).
How do credit card payments work?
Credit card companies typically provide four options for paying your monthly credit card bill: making a minimum payment, paying the statement balance, paying the current balance and paying a custom amount.
As you might have guessed, the minimum payment is the minimum amount you must pay to allow your account to remain in good standing. The statement balance is the total of your charges during the last billing cycle.
The current balance consists of the total amount spent to date (in other words, the amount you've spent since your last payment, minus any recent charges still pending). You can also pay any amount you like in between (custom amount).
What are the different types of credit cards?
There are different types of credit cards to choose from, but below are some of the most common card categories.
General travel cards
General travel credit cards earn rewards toward future travel and offer travel perks that aren't tied to any one airline or hotel brand. These rewards are typically transferable and highly flexible. Common travel card perks include complimentary travel insurance, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry credits, and airport lounge access.
For our top picks, check out our full list of the best travel credit cards.
Airline cards
Airline credit cards are tied to a specific airline and earn rewards in the form of that airline's points or miles currency. You'll also enjoy perks like free checked bags, automatic elite status and airport lounge access.
For our favorites, check out our full list of the best airline credit cards.
Hotel cards
Hotel credit cards are tied to a specific hotel brand and also earn rewards in the form of loyalty program points, which you can use for any hotel within that brand. You can get perks like free nights and automatic hotel elite status.
For some great options, check out our list of the best hotel credit cards.
Cash-back cards
Cash-back credit cards allow you to earn a percentage of your purchase in the form of cash. You can then redeem your cash rewards, usually as a statement credit. Some cash-back cards come with other valuable perks, such as complimentary insurance coverage, discounts and access to exclusive offers.
To see some of our favorite cash-back cards, check out our list of the best cash-back credit cards.
Secured cards
Secured credit cards are designed for those with limited credit history or a low credit score. With a secured card, you'll be required to provide a security deposit when you open the card, which acts as collateral for the card issuer.
Secured credit cards typically don't earn rewards but are a great way to build (or rebuild) credit history.
To learn more, check out our list of the best secured credit cards.
Business cards
Business credit cards can help business owners manage their business operations. With a business credit card, you can separate your business and personal expenses, provide employee cards to members of your team for convenience, and earn valuable travel and other rewards on your business spending.
If you're an entrepreneur, freelancer or small-business owner, check out our list of the best business credit cards.
Student cards
Last but not least, student credit cards are designed to help college students build credit and create strong financial habits. Like secured cards, student credit cards earn minimal rewards, but they are a great option for young people to ease into the world of credit cards.
For some student-focused credit card options, check out our list of the best credit cards for college students.
How to choose the right credit card
The best credit card for your wallet will depend on your personal spending habits and financial goals. Whether your goal is to build credit, earn cash back or travel rewards, odds are high that there's a card to fit your strategy.
Start by considering what you hope to accomplish by getting a credit card. Then, you can narrow down your choices and apply for a credit card that best meets your needs.
Bottom line
Credit cards, especially rewards credit cards, can seem complex and downright daunting. However, by understanding how they work, you can find the card that will help you manage your spending and move closer to your financial goals.
Just remember to use your credit card responsibly and avoid overspending. Do your best to always pay the balance on time and in full each month.
Related: Best rewards credit cards
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.