{{B}}The US Banking System{{/B}}
The US banking system is not as tightly centralized As European systems. At its head we find the Federal Reserve Board (the "FED"), which works through twelve regional Federal Reserve banks. The Board,{{U}} (31) {{/U}}responsibility is directly to the Congress, is an independent agency, not subject to the orders of the President. But of course, a large amount of cooperation does exist{{U}} (32) {{/U}}the White House and the Treasury on the one hand, and the Board on the{{U}} (33) {{/U}}.
Credit cards are issued by banks or certain organizations and may be used by the{{U}} (34) {{/U}}to have purchases (goods or services such as meals, accommodation and travel) charged to a bank account. The account is{{U}} (35) {{/U}}for the corresponding amount and the card holder is sent monthly statements of account.
Some credit cards are{{U}} (36) {{/U}} internationally by many stores, hotels and restaurants. Cards holders may also obtain cash{{U}} (37) {{/U}}presenting their card in a local bank, or by using automatic cash machine.
Credit cards are issued by banks to their clients and guarantee the solvency of the holders{{U}} (38) {{/U}}they pay by checks.
In the USA. it is frequent for stores to{{U}} (39) {{/U}}charge accounts for their customers. Instead of paying in cash the buyer only has to{{U}} (40) {{/U}}a numbered card for the purchase to be charged to his account.