Hi booklover!
Let me help you in tracking the credit card transactions.
Yes, you should create a credit card account and not a bank account on your Chart of Accounts. Please note that these two account types are different.
Also, you can enter the purchases or credit card charges using the Enter Credit Card Charges option. For the payment, you can simply write a check.
Please check this link: Set up, use, and pay credit card accounts. This has the detailed steps from setting up the account to recording the transactions and payments.
Also, this article will explain more on how to reconcile your accounts: Reconcile an account in QuickBooks Desktop.
Keep on posting if you need more clarifications in tracking transactions. I'll assist you!
