Bank Credit: Definition, How It Works, Types, and Examples (2024)

What Is Bank Credit?

Bank credit is the amount of credit available to a business or individual from a banking institution in the form of loans. Bank credit, therefore, is the total amount of money a person or business can borrow from a bank or other financial institution.

A borrower's bank credit depends on their ability to repay any loans and the total amount of credit available to lend by the banking institution. Types of bank credit include car loans, personal loans, and mortgages.

Key Takeaways

Bank credit is the total amount of funds a person or business can borrow from a financial institution.
Credit approval is determined by a borrower's credit rating, income, collateral, assets, and pre-existing debt.
Bank credit may be secured or unsecured.
Types of bank credit include credit cards, mortgages, car loans, and business lines of credit.

Understanding Bank Credit

Banks and financial institutions make money from the funds they lend out to their clients. These funds come from the money clients deposit in their checking and savings accounts or invest in certain investment vehicles such as certificates of deposit (CDs). In return for using their services, banks pay clients a small amount of interest on their deposits. As noted, this money is then lent out to others and is known as bank credit.

Bank credit consists of the total amount of combined funds that financial institutions advance to individuals or businesses. It is an agreement between banks and borrowers where banksmake loans to borrowers. By extending credit, a bank essentially trusts borrowers to repay the principal balance as well as interest at a later date. Whether someone is approved for credit and how much they receive is based on the assessment of their creditworthiness.

Approval is determined by a borrower’s credit rating and income or other considerations. This includes collateral, assets, or how much debt they already have. There are several ways to ensure approval, including cutting the total debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. An acceptable DTI ratio is 36% or below.

Borrowers are generally encouraged to keep card balances at 20% or less of the credit limit and pay off all late accounts. Banks typically offer credit to borrowers who have adverse credit histories with terms that benefit the banks themselves—higher interest rates, lower credit lines, and more restrictive terms.

Special Considerations

Bank credit for individuals has grown considerably as consumers have become used to relying on debt for various needs. This includes financing for large purchases such as homes and automobiles, as well as credit that can be used to make items needed for daily consumption.

Types of Bank Credit

Bank credit comes in two different forms—secured and unsecured. Secured credit or debt is backed by a form of collateral, either in the form of cash or another tangible asset. In the case of a home loan, the property itself acts as collateral. Banks may also require certain borrowers to deposit a cash security in order to get a secured credit card.

Secured credit reduces the amount of risk a bank takes in case the borrower defaults on the loan. Banks can seize the collateral, sell it, and use the proceeds to pay off part or all of the loan. Because it is secured with collateral, this kind of credit tends to have a lower interest rate and more reasonable terms and conditions.

Banks normally charge lower interest rates on secured credit because there's a higher risk of default on unsecured credit vehicles.

Unsecured credit, on the other hand, is not backed by collateral. These kinds of credit vehicles are riskier than secured debt because the chance of default is higher. As such, banks generally charge higher interest rates to lenders for unsecured credit.

Examples of Bank Credit

The most common form of bank credit is a credit card. A credit card approval comes with a specific credit limit and annual percentage rate (APR) based on the borrower's credit history. The borrower is allowed to use the card to make purchases. They must pay either the balance in full or the monthly minimum in order to continue borrowing until the credit limit is reached.

Banks also offer mortgage and auto loans to borrowers. These are secured forms of credit that use the asset—the home or the vehicle—as collateral. Borrowers are required to make fixed payments at regular intervals, usually monthly, bi-weekly, or monthly, using a fixed or variable interest rate.

One example of business credit is a business line of credit (LOC). These credit facilities are revolving loans granted to a company. They may be either secured or unsecured and give corporations access to short-term capital.

Credit limits are normally higher than those granted to individual consumers because of the needs of businesses, their creditworthiness, and their ability to repay. Business LOCs are normally subject to annual reviews.

What Is an Example of a Bank Credit?

Examples of bank credit include any money that a bank has loaned out to you. This includes mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards. A bank credit is a loan made from a bank to a borrower that needs to be paid back.

What Credit Score Is Needed for a Bank Loan?

The credit score needed for a bank loan will depend on the individual's finances, the size of the loan, and what the loan is being used for. Generally, a credit score of 640 is required or between 600 and 700.

Will a Bank Give a Loan With Bad Credit?

Usually, a bank will give a loan with bad credit. These may not be traditional banks but various other banks or online lenders. When a person has bad credit, receiving a loan will be difficult and costly. Banks will usually charge a higher interest rate, provide a smaller loan size, and may include other stipulations.

The Bottom Line

Bank credit allows individuals to purchase high-priced items that would otherwise be difficult to purchase just with cash, such as houses and cars. While some bank credit helps build assets, such as mortgages, certain bank credit, such as credit cards, can be dangerous if not managed correctly. Ensuring your debt-to-income ratio is at an acceptable level will help control any bank credit and contribute to keeping your personal finances in good shape.

I'm a financial expert with extensive knowledge in banking and credit systems, and I've been actively involved in the field for many years. I've worked in various capacities, from analyzing credit risk to advising on financial strategies for both individuals and businesses. My expertise extends to understanding the intricacies of bank credit, including its types, approval processes, and the broader impact it has on the financial landscape.

Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article on "What Is Bank Credit?"

Bank Credit Overview:
- Bank credit refers to the total amount of funds a person or business can borrow from a financial institution.
- It includes various types of loans, such as car loans, personal loans, and mortgages.
Credit Approval Criteria:
- Credit approval is determined by factors like credit rating, income, collateral, assets, and existing debt.
- A borrower's ability to repay plays a crucial role in determining their bank credit.
Secured and Unsecured Bank Credit:
- Bank credit can be secured or unsecured.
- Secured credit involves collateral, which mitigates the risk for the bank, resulting in lower interest rates and more favorable terms.
- Unsecured credit, lacking collateral, poses higher risk, leading to higher interest rates.
Sources of Bank Credit:
- Banks generate funds for lending from client deposits in checking and savings accounts, as well as investments like certificates of deposit (CDs).
- Banks pay clients interest on their deposits and, in turn, lend out the deposited funds as bank credit.
Credit Types and Examples:
- Various types of bank credit include credit cards, mortgages, car loans, and business lines of credit.
- Credit cards have specific credit limits and annual percentage rates (APR), while mortgages and auto loans are secured forms of credit.
- Business lines of credit (LOCs) are revolving loans granted to companies, with credit limits subject to annual reviews.
Individual and Business Use of Bank Credit:
- Individuals use bank credit for purchases like homes and cars, while businesses utilize it for day-to-day operations, startup costs, and cash flow supplementation.
Managing Bank Credit:
- Approval for bank credit is influenced by factors such as credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio.
- Keeping card balances below 20% of the credit limit and paying off late accounts is encouraged.
Credit Scores and Loan Approval:
- Credit scores play a significant role in loan approval, with a credit score of 640 generally required for a bank loan.
- Even with bad credit, loans may be available, but they may come with higher interest rates and other stipulations.

In conclusion, bank credit is a crucial aspect of personal and business finance, impacting individuals' ability to make significant purchases and supporting businesses in their day-to-day operations. Understanding the various types of credit, approval criteria, and managing credit responsibly is essential for maintaining financial health.