Credit Cards vs Charge Cards: What Are the Differences?

When comparing credit cards vs. charge cards, you'll notice a few key differences. The most notable distinction is that when using a charge card, you won't be able to carry a monthly balance like you would when using a credit card. Instead, charges must be paid off month to month. Both rewards credit cards and charge cards can potentially bring value to you as a consumer, depending on your financial goals and needs.

Keep reading to learn more about the differences between credit and charge cards, and decide which is right for you. 

Credit cards vs. charge cards overview

While charge cards and credit cards are used the same way to make purchases, they have essential differences. When using a charge card, you’ll be required to pay off in full what you've spent every month; you won't have the option to carry a balance like you would when using a credit card. This aspect of charge cards may help prevent overspending, as cardholders know they’ll have to pay in full each month, rather than just the minimum payment. Therefore, you won’t have a credit limit with a charge card. 

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Additionally, since you don’t carry a balance from month to month when using a charge card, these cards don't offer 0% APR offers or balance transfers like some of the best rewards credit cards do. 

Differences between charge cards and credit cards 

Here's a closer look at the differences between charge cards and credit cards. 

Payments: The biggest difference between charge cards and credit cards is how they're paid off. Any balances on charge cards must be paid off in full each month, and if you fail to do so, your card could be canceled. On the other hand, when using a credit card, you can roll balances over to the next month, just making the minimum payment. However, this isn't recommended if you want to avoid expensive interest payments. 

Credit limit: Charge cards do not have a credit limit associated with them, while credit cards do. However, charge card issuers can set spending limits (that are subject to change) based on your income, spending habits and payment history, so this doesn’t necessarily mean you can spend an unlimited amount. 

Credit score requirements: To be approved for a charge card, you’ll likely need to have at least a good credit score, which is a minimum FICO score of 670 or a VantageScore of 661. Required credit scores for traditional credit cards vary between cards. Some cards require excellent scores, while others are geared toward consumers with bad credit scores and/or limited credit history. 

Credit score impact: Payment history for both charge cards and credit cards is reported to the three main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Transunion). However, unlike credit cards, charge cards will not affect your credit utilization (the percentage of debt you are using relative to your debt limit). This is because charge cards don't have a defined credit limit. Credit cards will affect your credit utilization ratio and overall credit score, so bear that in mind if you plan on carrying a balance. 

Interest rates: Since you won’t be able to carry a balance with a charge card, you’ll avoid paying any interest charges. If you carry a balance on a traditional credit card, you’ll be subject to interest charges based on your card’s APR.  

Fees: Most of the time, annual fees for charge cards are expensive, ranging from $150 to $695 in some cases. On the other hand, credit cards offer a wide range of cards with various fees. In fact, many credit cards with no annual fees still offer beneficial rewards.

Although you won't accumulate interest when using a charge card, you will be subject to hefty late fees just as when using a credit card.

Availability: While hundreds of credit cards are on the market, options for charge cards are pretty slim.  

Also, you can use our tool below (in partnership with Bankrate) to find a credit card today.

Pros of charge cards

• No preset credit limit: If you plan on making a large purchase, using a charge card can be beneficial. You won’t be constrained by a preset credit limit or negatively impact your credit utilization or your credit score
• You'll avoid debt and interest: Since most charge cards require you to pay off balances in full each month, you’ll be able to avoid debt and accumulated interest. 
• Rewards: Like credit cards, charge cards also offer rewards programs and added benefits.

Cons of charge cards

• Expensive fees: If you fail to pay off the balance on your charge card in full every month, you'll be subject to expensive late fees. With a credit card, you can easily avoid these fees by just making the minimum monthly payments. Plus, annual fees associated with charge cards are usually pretty hefty as well.
• You'll need good credit: To be approved for a charge card, you'll need to have a credit score of at least 670 as measured by FICO, or at least 661 as defined by VantageScore. People with a bad credit history are unlikely to be approved.

How to choose between a charge card or a credit card

Whether or not you opt for a charge card or traditional credit card depends on your specific financial needs.

With a charge card, you won’t be able to carry a balance, but with a credit card, you can. Because of this, credit cards offer more flexibility than charge cards, giving you more time to pay down expensive purchases. However, credit cards don’t always have the spending power that a charge card does, so if you think you might be hindered by a credit limit, a charge card may be a better choice. 

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• How Do Credit Cards Work? APR, Interest and Fees Explained
• What is a Good Credit Score?
• How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt