What do consumers use to charge goods and services to their account?

The correct answer is that consumers use a credit card to charge goods and services to their account. A credit card allows individuals to borrow funds from a financial institution up to a specified limit in order to make purchases. When a consumer uses a credit card, they are essentially taking a loan from the credit card issuer, which they agree to pay back, typically on a monthly basis along with any applicable interest and fees.

Credit cards are designed to provide consumers with the flexibility to buy now and pay later, making them a popular choice for both small and large purchases. The credit available on the card acts as a line of credit which can be used repeatedly, as long as the balance is paid off or kept below the credit limit.

In contrast, a debit card is directly linked to a consumer's checking account, enabling them to spend only what they have in their account rather than borrowing. A charge card, while similar to a credit card, typically requires the balance to be paid in full each month and does not have a preset spending limit. Lastly, a smart card usually refers to a card embedded with a microchip for added functionality, but it is not specifically used for charging expenses in the same way a credit card is.