What is a common feature of a credit card?

A credit card is designed to provide consumers with access to a revolving line of credit, which differentiates it from other types of payment methods. When a person uses a credit card, they borrow money up to a certain limit set by the credit card issuer to make purchases. This means that the cardholder can pay off the balance in full or make minimum payments and carry the remaining balance into the next billing cycle, which is a hallmark of revolving credit.

This revolving line of credit allows for flexibility in payments, where users are not required to pay the total amount owed at once, as long as they stay within their credit limit and make at least the minimum payments on time. This feature is particularly advantageous for managing cash flow, especially for larger purchases or unexpected expenses.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe common features of credit cards. Requiring a debit balance for purchases contradicts the nature of credit cards since they enable borrowing against a credit line rather than requiring existing funds. Acting as a direct bank account mischaracterizes credit cards; they do not function like traditional checking or savings accounts. Lastly, providing no payment flexibility is inaccurate because credit cards are explicitly designed to offer various payment options, which include the ability to spread payments over time.