The concept of using a card for purchases was described in 1887 by Edward Bellamy in his utopian novel Looking Backwards. Bellamy used the term credit card 11 times in his novel, although this referred to a card for spending a citizen's dividend from the government, rather than borrowing, making it more similar to a debit card.
However - Modern credit card was first invented and implemented by a Brooklyn banker named John Biggins in 1946. By 1980s users started getting travel rewards for using credit cards.
Diners Club issued world's first credit card in USA in 1950 which can be used to pay restaurant bills.
It is called A Credit Card, because "credit" is what is extended to you at the time of the transaction and "debt" is your financial state after the transaction.
Sudhir Pai
Author - Think Like A Winner
9820073993 (Mumbai)