The term "credit card purchases" refers to any transaction made using a credit card. This can include in-person purchases, online transactions or phone orders where payment is made through a credit card account. Credit cards allow consumers to borrow money from the issuer up to an approved credit limit to make purchases, and then pay back the amount they owe plus interest. When a consumer makes a purchase with their credit card, it's considered a "credit card transaction" or simply a "credit card purchase."