Tarjeta vs. carta
The Spanish words tarjeta and carta both translate to the English word card, but they are used in different contexts, indicating distinct types of cards.
Tarjeta
A1This term is generally used to refer to cards that carry some personal or business information or have a specific purpose - like a credit card, business card, or a membership card.
Pago con mi tarjeta de crédito.
(I pay with my credit card.)
Me ha dado su tarjeta de visita.
(He gave me his business card.)
Tengo una tarjeta de membresía para el gimnasio.
(I have a membership card for the gym.)
Carta
A1While carta does translate to card, it is predominantly used to mean a piece of paper containing a written message, similarly to letter in English. However, it can also refer to certain kinds of cards such as those used in board games or magic tricks.
Escribí una carta de amor para mi novia.
(I wrote a love letter for my girlfriend.)
Los magos usan cartas para sus trucos.
(Magicians use cards for their tricks.)
Jugamos un juego de mesa que requería el uso de cartas.
(We played a board game that required the use of cards.)
Summary
Tarjeta and carta, although both can mean card in English, are used in different contexts in Spanish. While tarjeta refers mainly to functional cards such as credit or membership cards, carta primarily signifies a piece of written correspondence but can also denote certain playing or game cards.