Glossary

A

Account Holder

The person in whose name the credit card is issued and is responsible for charges to the account. Also called the Cardholder.

Account Number

A unique number that identifies an account for a customer. On a credit card, this number is embossed and encoded on the plastic card.

Account Password

The secure password you use to access your account online.

Authorization Amount

The amount of a credit card transaction approved by the company who issues your credit card.

Available Credit Limit

The amount of credit available for your use. It is calculated by subtracting your Current Balance and any outstanding authorizations from your Credit Limit.

B

Balance

The amount of money currently owed on a credit card.

Billing Cycle

The period of time between your last statement and next statement. A typical billing cycle is 28-33 days.

Billing Statement

The statement or bill you receive every month that shows your balance, transaction details and other important information about your account.

C

Cardholder

The person in whose name the credit card is issued and who is responsible for the account. Also called the account holder.

Cardholder Agreement and Disclosure Statement

A document that provides the terms and conditions for use with your credit card account, Credit Card Rates & Fees, and other important information is included in this document.

Card Security

Credit cards have certain security measures built in. For example, the Signature Panel code on the back helps ensure that the person who is using a card is the person who owns the card. To protect yourself and your good credit, always sign your card immediately upon receipt and report a lost or stolen card right away. Look carefully at your billing statements every month in case there are any fraudulent charges.

Charge-off

A situation in which a credit balance is not paid in a timely manner. A charge-off may damage a credit report or make it difficult to obtain credit but may be avoided by making regular payments.

Credit Bureau

Companies that collect and disseminate credit information on individuals in order to facilitate credit decisions.

Credit History

The record of how you use the credit you have. Credit card issuers and other lenders may use this information to decide whether to provide customers with credit cards.

Credit Limit

The maximum total amount - for purchases, fees, and finance charges that you may carry on your credit card.

Credit Limit Increase

An increase in the total available credit processed on your credit card.

Creditor

Any company, store or individual who provides credit or lends money to consumers.

Current Payment Due

The amount due in each Billing Cycle so your account remains current and your balance remains under the credit limit.

Current Statement

Your most recent credit card bill. It is also available online for accountholders who sign up for E-Care.

Cycle Date

The date your billing cycle ends and your statement is prepared.

D

Disputed Transaction

Cardholders who believe there is an error on their statement can dispute the transaction in question by calling the customer service number on the back of their card. In order to dispute the transaction, you must tell us in writing, no later than 30 days following your statement date, of any error or omission on your Account statement.

E

F

Fraudulent Transaction

A transaction unauthorized by the Cardholder, Account holder or issuer and processed on the account.

G

Grace Period

No interest will be charged for new Purchases under the Regular Credit Plan and any fees which appear on your Account statement for the first time if your New Balance is paid in full by the due date shown in that statement.

H

HSBC

HSBC is one of the world's largest financial institutions with over 50 million customers nationwide.

I

J

K

L

Last Payment Received

The amount of the last payment posted to your Account.

Last Payment Received Date

The date on which your last payment was posted to your account.

Last Statement Balance

The balance reported on your most recent billing statement.

M

Magnetic Stripe

A stripe of magnetic information affixed to the back of a credit or debit card. It contains account information required to complete electronic financial transactions.

N

O

Overlimit

This is the amount on a Cardholder's account that is over the assigned credit limit.

P

Paid in Full

When a credit card balance is completely paid off it is considered paid in full.

Payment Due Date

The date by which your payment must be received. Please note that the due date shown online does not change until we issue your next statement.

Privacy Statement

A detailed, policy statement that describes how a company collects, stores, discloses and protects its customers' private information.

Q

R

Recent Transactions

The most recent activity on your credit card account since your last statement.

Replacement Card

When a Cardholder reports a lost or stolen card, a replacement card is issued right away. It will have a new account number on it.

Registration

The selection of a login id, password, and email preferences to access account information through Online Customer Care.

S

Service Charge

A charge or fee imposed by a credit card issuer to provide a service related to your account, such as a copy of a statement.

T

Transaction

Any type of activity on your account is called a transaction. For example, when a Cardholder makes a purchase using the card, or when you receive a credit for an item you have returned. Any fees or interest charges made to your account by the issuer are also considered Transactions.

U

Unbilled Activity

Transactions on your account that may have been processed and do not yet appear on your credit card statement.

V

W

X

Y

Z

• Privacy
• Security