What is the credit card?

It is a means of payment, which consists of a plastic card, with a magnetic stripe, a barcode and lately with a microchip, which is handled with a confidential number. It is issued by banking institutions, who authorize users to make expenses, and is used in businesses associated with banks. It uses the signature to recognize the user's payment, paying the bank on their behalf. It is the user who is going to pay the issuing bank, adding interest and commissions.
The user must have a minimum balance, but the bank allows him to spend more, (loan or credit), the user paying it to the issuing bank. The credit history is limited to the solvency of the user and his proof of payment.
When the user exceeds his expenses, the bank charges interest and commissions caused by the user not paying that overdraft within an established period.
The origin of credit cards is in the decade of the 40s of the 20th century, in which the users agreed to pay, in specific establishments such as clubs, cinemas and some centers commercial. It could be assimilated to checks, but with clear differences.

Companies and businesses have made the cards famous, especially Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Discover Cabal, among others. Large establishments and businesses issue credit cards, associating themselves with companies such as Visa or MasterCard.
There are ATMs, which are to withdraw cash, but in general they apply a commission for actually being a loan. An annual fee is usually charged for the use of the card.
When paying in stores, collectors usually ask for identification, and require the signature of the promissory note or voucher, proving as far as possible that you are the owner of the card. There is also a system called, "authorized without signature" used in businesses with affluent ends of buyers, there is also the PIN, which is used for face-to-face purchase or operations interbank.
There are shields, for theft cases, but these have an extra commission. In case of theft it is recommended to notify the issuing bank.