The primary purpose of credit cards is to obtain goods without paying cash on the spot. Credit cards are a form of payment that allows a consumer to make purchases or obtain services by borrowing money from a financial institution or credit card issuer. The credit card holder can use the card to pay for goods or services and is then required to pay back the borrowed money to the issuer, usually with interest. This allows the holder to make purchases without having to carry cash or use a debit card, and to pay for them over time.