How does a credit card typically function?

A credit card functions by allowing consumers to make purchases immediately without having to pay for them upfront. This mechanism enables individuals to buy goods and services and then repay the credit card issuer at a later date, often after the end of a billing cycle. This repayment can typically occur over a period of time, and while interest may accrue on any unpaid balance, the primary feature of a credit card is the ability to borrow and spend funds when needed, rather than spending only what one has in their bank account at that moment.

The nature of a credit card is essentially a short-term loan, but the key aspect is the flexibility it provides to consumers in managing their cash flow, making it easier to handle unexpected expenses or manage large purchases over time.