What is a credit card?

A credit card is a form of borrowing that often involves charges. It is a plastic card with a magnetic strip issued by a bank or lending institution. Credit terms and conditions affect your overall cost. So it's wise to compare terms and fees before you agree to open a credit or charge card account. The following are some important terms to consider that generally must be disclosed in credit card applications or in solicitations that require no application. You also may want to ask about these terms when you're shopping for a card.

Charge Card -

When using a charge card, instead of having the ability of paying off the balance over time, you must pay your balance in full when you get your regular statement.

Debit Card -

This type of card does not offer a credit line. A debit card provides access to your checking or savings account usually via a Visa or MasterCard attached to the account.

Annual Percentage Rate -

The APR is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. It also must be disclosed before you become obligated on the account and on your account statements.

The card issuer also must disclose the "periodic rate" - the rate applied to your outstanding balance to figure the finance charge for each billing period.

Some credit card plans allow the issuer to change your APR when interest rates or other economic indicators - called indexes - change. Because the rate change is linked to the index's performance, these plans are called "variable rate" programs. Rate changes raise or lower the finance charge on your account. If you're considering a variable rate card, the issuer must also provide various information that discloses to you: that the rate may change; and how the rate is determined - which index is used and what additional amount, the "margin," is added to determine your new rate. At the latest, you also must receive information, before you become obligated on the account, about any limitations on how much and how often your rate may change.

Annual Fees -

Most issuers charge annual membership or participation fees. They often range from $25 to $50, sometimes up to $100; "gold" or "platinum" cards often charge up to $75 and sometimes up to several hundred dollars.

Transaction Fees and Other Charges -

A card may include other costs. Some issuers charge a fee if you use the card to get a cash advance, make a late payment, or exceed your credit limit. Some charge a monthly fee whether or not you use the card.

Free Period -

Also called a "grace period," a free period lets you avoid finance charges by paying your balance in full before the due date. Knowing whether a card gives you a free period is especially important if you plan to pay your account in full each month. Without a free period, the card issuer may impose a finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your account. If your card includes a free period, the issuer must mail your bill at least 14 days before the due date so you'll have enough time to pay.

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