Types of Credit Cards

Credit cards are ubiquitous in our lives.

There are three main types of credit cards that are common in America. They are travel and entertainment cards such as American Express or Diners Card. These have to be paid in full at the end of the month and are liberal on spending limits.

The second major cards are the bank cards such as Master Cards, Visa, GM, and Ford cards sponsored mainly by the banks. The bank defines spending limits, which in the bank parlance, is known as the credit lines, and each offers different terms and conditions. Banks offer a choice of payment methods, either pay the balance in full with no interest or pay a minimum part or some part of the balance with a finance charge.

The other major type of card is the retail store cards such as Sears, J.C. Penney, Shell or Mobil. These cards, known in some countries (the ones from gas companies) as fuel cards are only accepted in specific countries and usually do not have annual fees. There is a wide disparity in the terms and conditions for the cards.

Different types of credit cards offer several different options, depending on what your needs are. Some are geared toward individual consumers, while others are set up in ways that work best for small business needs. To know what type of credit card fits your needs, you should review a few of your options.