Credit Card Basics

A credit card allows you to borrow money from a bank to make purchases. As long as you pay back that money within the “grace period” of 25-30 days, you don’t have to pay extra. If you go longer, though, you’ll have to pay interest — a percentage of the money you owe — on top of what you borrowed. In addition to being a tool for short-term borrowing, credit cards can provide valuable rewards and perks when used responsibly.