The correct spelling is "credit card" — two words, both lowercase
Credit card is spelled as two separate words: "credit" and "card". The word "credit" comes from the Latin credere, meaning to believe or trust, and is spelled c-r-e-d-i-t. The word "card" is spelled c-a-r-d. When you write about the physical payment card or the account it represents, use this two-word form in all contexts except formal titles or headings where style guides may call for different capitalization.
The most common misspelling is "credit card" written as one word ("creditcard"), which is incorrect in English. Another frequent error is spelling "credit" as "credit" or "creddit". Neither of these variations appears in standard dictionaries or financial documents.
When you see "Credit Card" with capital letters, that is title case — used in headings, document names, or formal titles. The spelling itself does not change. For example, a bank might call a product "The Premium Credit Card" or "Business Credit Card," but the underlying spelling remains the same two words.
Key Takeaways
- Credit card is always two words: "credit" and "card," never one word or hyphenated.
- The word "credit" is spelled c-r-e-d-i-t, not "credit" or "creddit."
- In titles and headings, you may capitalize both words, but the spelling stays the same.
- Related terms like "credit score," "credit limit," and "credit history" follow the same two-word pattern when "credit" modifies another noun.
Related credit terms and how to spell them
Several words commonly appear alongside "credit card" in financial writing, and spelling them correctly matters when you are filling out forms, writing emails to your bank, or reading account statements. Credit score is two words and refers to a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness. Credit limit is also two words and means the maximum amount you can borrow on your card. Credit history is two words and describes your record of borrowing and repaying money over time.
The word creditor (one word, spelled c-r-e-d-i-t-o-r) refers to a person or organization that lends money or extends credit. This is different from "credit card" because it names the lender, not the payment tool. Similarly, creditworthiness (one word) describes whether a lender believes you will repay borrowed money.
When you see the abbreviation "CC," that stands for credit card and is often used in informal writing or on forms. The full spelling, however, remains "credit card" in formal documents, statements, and official correspondence.
Common spelling mistakes to avoid
The most frequent error is writing "credit card" as "credit card" with an extra "d" in credit — "creddit card." This happens because people sometimes double the final consonant when they are unsure of the pronunciation. The correct spelling has only one "d" at the end of "credit."
Another mistake is reversing the letters in "card" to spell it "crad" or leaving out the "r" entirely. Remembering that "card" rhymes with "hard" and "yard" can help you keep the spelling consistent. A third error is writing "credt" or "crdit" by accidentally omitting the vowel "e" in the middle of "credit."
Some people write "credit-card" with a hyphen, treating it as a compound word. While hyphenated forms sometimes appear in older texts or specific style guides, the standard modern spelling in financial and everyday writing is two separate words with no hyphen.
When to capitalize credit card
In most sentences, "credit card" appears in lowercase: "I used my credit card to pay the bill." You capitalize it only when it is part of a proper noun — the official name of a specific product or service. For example, "Chase Sapphire Credit Card" or "American Express Business Credit Card" would capitalize both words because they are part of the product's trademarked name.
In headings and titles, style guides differ. Some publications capitalize all major words, so "How to Choose a Credit Card" would have both words capitalized. Others use sentence case, where only the first word is capitalized: "How to choose a credit card." The spelling itself never changes — only the capitalization does.
How spelling matters on official documents
When you fill out forms, apply for a card, or correspond with your bank, spelling "credit card" correctly shows attention to detail and professionalism. Banks and credit card companies use consistent spelling in their own documents, statements, and terms of service, so matching that standard helps ensure your communication is clear and professional.
If you are writing a complaint letter, a dispute request, or any formal correspondence with your card issuer, correct spelling makes your message easier to process and file. Customer service representatives and automated systems may search for specific terms, and spelling errors could cause your message to be misdirected or delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it "credit card" or "credit-card"?
It is "credit card" — two words with no hyphen. While older texts or some style guides may use a hyphen, the modern standard in financial writing and everyday use is two separate words.
How do you spell the word "credit"?
Credit is spelled c-r-e-d-i-t. A common mistake is doubling the "d" to spell it "creddit," which is incorrect. Remember: one "d" at the end, and the vowel "e" appears twice — once near the beginning and once in the middle.
Should I capitalize "credit card" in an email to my bank?
Use lowercase "credit card" in the body of your email unless it is part of a specific product name. For example: "I have a question about my credit card" is correct, but "I have a question about my Chase Sapphire Credit Card" capitalizes the product name.
What is the difference between "creditor" and "credit card"?
A creditor is a person or organization that lends money — spelled as one word, c-r-e-d-i-t-o-r. A credit card is the payment tool itself — spelled as two words. Your credit card issuer is a creditor, but the card itself is not.
Can I write "CC" instead of spelling out "credit card"?
In informal writing, emails, or text messages, "CC" is acceptable shorthand. In formal documents, statements, or official correspondence, spell out "credit card" in full. Check the context and your audience to decide which is appropriate.