What must credit card companies provide as part of their billing practices?

Credit card companies are required to provide monthly billing statements that include at least 21 days' notice before the payment due date. This requirement ensures that consumers have sufficient time to review their statements, verify the charges, and make the necessary payments before any late fees are incurred or interest accrues. The 21-day notice rule is designed to promote transparency and help consumers manage their finances effectively.

The other options do not reflect standard requirements for credit card billing practices. For instance, while email statements can be a convenient option for consumers, they are not mandated. Likewise, immediate credit approval is not stipulated as part of billing practices and may vary by lender based on other factors, such as creditworthiness. Lastly, the requirement does not insist on online accounts exclusively; consumers can still receive paper statements if they choose to. Therefore, the necessity for monthly billing statements with 21 days' notice stands as the correct and key component of credit card companies' billing practices.