A Cash Credit (CC) is a short-term source of financing for a company. In other words, a cash credit is a short-term loan extended to a company by a bank. It enables a company to withdraw money from a bank account without keeping a credit balance. The account is limited to only borrowing up to the borrowing limit. Also, interest is charged on the amount borrowed and not the borrowing limit. To learn more, check out CFI’s Credit Analyst Certification program.
Important Features of Cash Credit
1. Borrowing limit
A cash credit comes with a borrowing limit determined by the creditworthiness of the borrower. A company can withdraw funds up to its established borrowing limit.
2. Interest on running balance
In contrast with other traditional debt financing methods such as loans, the interest charged is only on the running balance of the cash credit account and not on the total borrowing limit.
3. Minimum commitment charge
The short-term loan comes with a minimum charge for establishing the loan account regardless of whether the borrower utilizes the available credit. For example, banks typically include a clause that requires the borrower to pay a minimum amount of interest on a predetermined amount or the amount withdrawn, whichever is higher.
4. Collateral security
The credit is often secured using stocks, fixed assets, or property as collateral.
5. Credit period
Cash credit is typically given for a maximum period of 12 months, after which the drawing power is re-evaluated.
Example of Cash Credit
Company A is a phone manufacturer and operates a factory where the company invests money to purchase raw materials to convert them into finished goods. However, the finished goods inventory is not immediately sold. The company’s capital is stuck in the form of inventory. In order for Company A to meet its expenses while waiting for its finished goods inventory to convert into cash, the company takes a cash credit loan to run its business without a shortfall.
Advantages of Cash Credit
1. Source of working capital financing
A cash credit is an important source of working capital financing, as the company need not worry about liquidity issues.
2. Easy arrangement
It can be easily arranged by a bank, provided that collateral security is available to be pledged and the realizable value of such is easily determined.
3. Flexibility
Withdrawals on a cash credit account can be made many times, up to the borrowing limit, and deposits of excess cash into the account lower the burden of interest that a company faces.
4. Tax-deductible
Interest payments made are tax-deductible and, thus, reduce the overall tax burden on the company.
5. Interest charged
A cash credit reduces the financing cost of the borrower, as the interest charged is only on the utilized amount or minimum commitment charge.
Disadvantages
1. High rate of interest
The interest rate charged by a loan on cash credit is very high compared to traditional loans.
2. Minimum commitment charges
A minimum commitment charge is imposed on the borrower regardless of whether the company utilizes its cash credit or not.
3. Difficulty in securing
The short-term loan is extended to the borrower depending on the borrower’s turnover, accounts receivable balance, expected performance, and collateral security offered. Therefore, it can be difficult for new companies to obtain.
4. Temporary source of finance
The loan is a short-term source of financing. A company cannot rely on it for an extended period of time. After the expiration of the loan, it must be renewed under new terms and conditions.
Other Resources
Thank you for reading CFI’s explanation of Cash Credit. To keep learning and advancing your career, the following CFI resources will be helpful:
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