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While charge cards and credit cards may seem the same, they’re not. Consumers use both types of cards to make purchases, but there are crucial differences between charge cards vs. credit cards — namely your spending limit and monthly payment requirements.Before applying for either a charge card or a credit card, it’s a good idea to understand how each one works. Read on to learn more.What Is a Charge Card?
Charge cards can be used to make purchases and usually have features such as the ability to earn rewards and other benefits. Traditional charge cards require their cardholders to pay off their balances immediately, typically within a certain timeframe. This means that, unlike credit cards, you won’t be able to carry a balance and pay off purchases over time. These types of cards also don’t have a preset spending or credit limit. That’s why people who typically open these types of cards use them for large purchases. It’s not a card with unlimited spending though. The amount you can spend depends on factors such as your credit history, payment history, and other financial resources. Cardholders can find out their spending limit by logging into their online account or mobile app, or by calling the card issuer’s phone number (you’ll usually be able to find it on the back of your card).Charge cards typically require good to excellent credit to acquire. That’s because the lender is taking a bigger risk by not setting a hard spending limit and trusting you’ll pay your bill in full each month.Charge Card vs Credit Card
The main difference between charge cards and credit cards is your spending limit and monthly payment requirements.| Features | Charge Card | Credit Card |
| Wide choice of issuers | No | Yes |
| Requires full payment each month | Usually yes | No, though you must make minimum payments |
| Preset spending limit | No | Yes |
| Responsible for unauthorized transactions | Typically no | Typically no |
| Late payment fee | Yes | Yes — though you can typically avoid it by making a minimum payment |
Major Differences
Charge cards and credit cards allow the cardholder to purchase items without cash. However, there are some major differences between the a charge card vs. a credit card, including:- Monthly payments: You’ll need to pay off a charge card balance each month. With credit cards, you can carry a balance but are required to make a minimum payment each month.
- Interest charges: Charge cards don’t have interest charges since you’re expected to pay off the balance each month. Credit cards charge interest as long as you have a remaining balance.
- Spending limits: You’ll be given a credit limit when you’re approved for a credit card that is the total amount you can spend. Your transaction may be denied if you reach your credit limit. In some cases, you can go over the limit, but you’ll be charged a fee. Charge cards, on the other hand, usually don’t have limits, but the card issuer may put a cap on how much you can spend based on factors such as your income, credit, and payment history.
Effect on Credit Score
Both charge cards and credit cards give you the opportunity to build your credit. However, there are differences in how your spending behavior may affect your credit score. This includes:- Payments: You could build stronger credit if you consistently make on-time payments on your charge card or credit card. Late payments are usually reported to the credit bureaus and can negatively affect your score. That’s why one of the biggest tips on improving credit is paying on time.
- Inquiries: Both a charge card or credit card issuer will review your credit profile when you submit an application. Doing so typically means you’ll be subject to a hard credit inquiry and could affect your score.
- Utilization: Credit utilization ratio refers to the percentage of your total available credit you use. It's one of the major factors that credit scoring companies use, and if it’s too high, it suggests to lenders that you could be stretched too thin financially and could result in a lower credit score. Since charge cards don’t have a preset spending limit, it could be hard to determine your credit utilization. Some credit scoring models may not factor your charge card into your credit utilization ratio.
Pros and Cons of Charge Cards
Charge cards offer some perks that credit cards don’t. That being said, there are some downsides as well.| Pros of Charge Cards | Cons of Charge Cards |
| Less likely to take on additional debt | Late fees may be high |
| No preset spending limit | Typically charge annual fees |
| Less impact on credit scores | Less flexibility |
| Pros of Credit Cards | Cons of Credit Cards |
| May help build credit | High interest charges |
| Offer perks like fraud protection | Potential to overspend and incur more debt |
| Allow users to pay back balance over time | Have a preset spending limit |
What Types of Companies Offer Charge Cards?
Some major retailers offer charge cards as an incentive for consumers to shop with them, though many have transitioned over to credit cards.American Express is a well-known issuer of charge cards, with its signature Gold and Platinum cards. Other startups, like Brex, offer these types of cards for businesses alongside a whole host of perks like expense tracking.As is the case when finding the right credit card, make sure to read the fine print and understand the terms before opening a charge card.The Takeaway
Credit cards and charge cards offer the opportunity to build credit and make cashless payments, but there is a difference between charge card and credit card. Charge cards don’t have interest charges because you’re required to pay off your balance in full each month — and in fact, there may be a fee if you don’t. Credit cards, meanwhile, offer more flexibility since you can make the minimum payment or more. However, you could incur interest charges and accumulate debt, though you can pay off the entire balance to prevent paying any interest. This also helps prevent credit card debt.Ultimately there’s no cut-and-dry answer as to which may be right for your financial situation and lifestyle. Whichever you choose, make sure you understand your responsibilities as a cardholder and take the time to find a card that’s right for you. Lantern by SoFi makes it easier to compare credit cards by giving you an overview of each card so you can view different credit card rates at a glance. Photo credit: iStock/Sneksy
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About the Author
Sarah Li Cain
Sarah Li Cain is a finance writer and podcast producer focusing on topics such as credit, insurance, investing, and real estate. Her work has appeared in major publications such as CNBC Select, Forbes, Redbook, and Business Insider. 
