A method and apparatus for executing a transaction using a credit card includes the steps of: maintaining a credit card account associated with the credit card, the credit card account having a credit limit and a transaction balance indicative of an aggregate of previously authorized transaction amounts in a predetermined period; maintaining a cash account associated with the credit card, the cash account having a cash balance; receiving a request for authorization for a new transaction amount against the credit card account in exchange for goods or services; and authorizing the requested transaction amount when the aggregate of the credit limit and cash balance less the transaction balance exceeds the requested transaction amount.