MisterNice, the main difference between a charge card and a credit card is fairly simple. A credit card allows you to carry a balance from month to month, as they only require a minimum payment. A charge card (standard AMEX) makes you pay your balance in full every month. Beyond that is a different rate structure for how the issusing company makes it money. Amex typically charges a higher percentage of the purchase, which is likely why it is less universally accepted.