Charge-a-plate meaning

Charge-a-plate was a precursor to modern credit cards, allowing customers to make purchases on credit at participating merchants.


Charge-a-plate definitions

Word backwards etalp-a-egrahc
Part of speech The word "charge-a-plate" is a noun.
Syllabic division charge-a-plate Syllable separation: charge-a-plate
Plural The plural form of charge-a-plate is charges-a-plate.
Total letters 12
Vogais (2) a,e
Consonants (7) c,h,r,g,p,l,t

What is Charge-A-Plate?

Charge-A-Plate is a pioneering system developed in the mid-20th century that revolutionized the way consumers made purchases on credit. It was one of the earliest forms of a credit card system that allowed customers to make purchases at participating merchants without the need for cash. The system was widely adopted by retailers and consumers alike, marking a significant shift in the way transactions were conducted.

How Does Charge-A-Plate Work?

The Charge-A-Plate system operated by issuing customers a small metal plate with their account number engraved on it. When making a purchase, the customer would present the plate to the merchant, who would then imprint the account number onto a sales slip. The customer would then sign the slip as a form of authorization, and the transaction would be completed. The merchant would later submit the sales slips to the Charge-A-Plate office for processing.

The Evolution of Credit Cards

Charge-A-Plate laid the groundwork for the modern credit card system that we are familiar with today. As technology advanced, the metal plates were replaced with plastic cards that featured magnetic stripes or chips for storing account information. This made transactions quicker and more secure, eliminating the need for imprints and manual processing.

Today, credit cards have become an essential part of everyday life for many people, offering convenience and flexibility in making purchases. However, it is essential to use them responsibly to avoid falling into debt.

While Charge-A-Plate may no longer be in use, its legacy lives on in the credit card systems we use today. It paved the way for innovations in payment technology and changed the way we shop forever.


Charge-a-plate Examples

  1. I forgot to charge-a-plate for my meal at the restaurant.
  2. Please remember to charge-a-plate for any expenses you incur during the business trip.
  3. She handed the waiter her charge-a-plate to pay for the drinks.
  4. My credit card company offers a charge-a-plate service for online purchases.
  5. The charge-a-plate system allows customers to buy now and pay later.
  6. I always keep a charge-a-plate handy for emergencies.
  7. He used his charge-a-plate to buy tickets to the concert.
  8. The shopkeeper asked if I wanted to charge-a-plate for my new dress.
  9. I prefer to charge-a-plate for big purchases rather than paying in cash.
  10. The charge-a-plate option is convenient for shopping online.


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  • Updated 28/04/2024 - 10:01:34