Charge Card

A charge card is a type of electronic payment card that charges no interest but requires the user to pay his/her balance in full upon receipt of the statement, usually on a monthly basis. Charge cards are offered by a limited number of issuers. They can include an uncapped spending limit with generous reward benefits for the cardholder. These cards however, typically include a high annual fee that can range from $150 to $550.

A charge card is a branded card that is available for use anywhere the brand is accepted for electronic payment. These cards have a similar structure and similar features to a standard credit card however they also have some distinct differences.

Charge cards require a credit application for approval. They are generally only approved for high quality borrowers with excellent or good credit. These cards may allow unlimited spending however they must be paid in full each month which limits their use. Missed payments are reported to credit bureaus and can substantially effect a borrower’s credit score.

Charge cards are popular because of the rewards and benefits they offer with each purchase. Cardholders can obtain purchase points and even statement credits with their purchases, often with double and triple points on dining and travel expenses. Thus they can potentially be a good option for business travel. Card issuers offer cardholders exposure to a wide variety of standard items, luxury brands and travel deals that can be purchased with points accumulated from a charge card.

American Express is a primary issuer of charge cards in the electronic payment industry. They offer five cards including the: Premier Rewards Gold Card, Platinum Card, Plum Card, Business Gold Rewards Card and the Business Platinum Card. Each card has its own terms and reward benefits.

The Premier Rewards Gold Card requires an annual fee of $195 after the first year. Points are earned with each purchase. Cardholders can use points for a wide variety of purchases or transfer points to a frequent travel program. Some of its special benefit points include: 25,000 membership reward points after $2,000 in purchases within the first three months, 3X points for airline flight purchases, 2X points at U.S. restaurants, 2X points at U.S. gas stations and 2X points at U.S. supermarkets. The Card also offers credits which include a $100 airline fee credit, a $100 baggage fee credit per year and a $75 hotel credit with partnering hotels.