Credit

The ability to obtain money, goods, or services now under an agreement to pay later.

Credit is a tool and a trap in the same product. Used with the cash already saved, it builds a file at no cost; used on minimum payments, it prices convenience at a heavy rate.

Often confused with

Debt
Credit is the capacity to borrow; debt is the balance you actually owe.

Taught in

See also

3.2.A.1 · 3.2.C.3