Revolving Credit

Revolving credit is a type of credit that does not have a fixed number of payments, allowing the borrower to reborrow money as they repay the principal.
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What is Revolving Credit?

Revolving credit is a form of credit that provides a borrower with a specified maximum credit limit which they can utilize, repay, and subsequently re-borrow. Unlike installment loans, such as auto or mortgage loans, revolving credit doesn’t have fixed monthly payments or an end date. The most common types of revolving credit include credit cards, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and personal lines of credit.

Examples

  1. Credit Cards: A credit card is a revolving credit account. Cardholders have a defined credit limit and can continuously borrow up to that limit as long as they make minimum monthly payments.
  2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): This is a revolving credit secured against the equity in a borrower’s home. The borrower can draw funds up to the credit limit, repay, and redraw as necessary, within the draw period.
  3. Personal Line of Credit: This is a pre-approved loan amount that a borrower can access and use as needed. The funds can be withdrawn via bank transfer or check and only the amount used needs to be repaid with added interest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does interest work on revolving credit? A: Interest is calculated on the outstanding balance rather than the total credit limit. This means you only pay interest on the amount you borrow, not the full available credit.

Q: What is the impact of revolving credit on credit score? A: Revolving credit can positively or negatively affect your credit score. High balances and late payments can lower your score, while low balances and on-time payments can improve it.

Q: What are the benefits of revolving credit? A: The main benefits include flexibility in borrowing, the ability to manage cash flow more effectively, and having access to funds in emergencies.

Q: Can I convert revolving credit into an installment loan? A: Some lenders may allow converting revolving credit to fixed or installment loans, often for easier management or better interest rates.

Q: Is there a difference between a revolving credit and a line of credit? A: They are largely similar, both allowing repeated borrowing up to a limit. However, line of credit can sometimes specifically refer to a contractual arrangement like a HELOC or business LOC.

  • Credit Line: The maximum amount of credit a financial institution extends to a borrower.
  • Installment Loan: A loan where the borrower repays the loan in fixed amounts over a specified period.
  • Secured Loan: A loan in which the borrower pledges an asset as collateral.
  • Credit Score: A numerical expression based on a level analysis of a person’s credit files, representing the creditworthiness of an individual.

Online References

  1. Investopedia - What Is Revolving Credit?
  2. NerdWallet - How Revolving Credit Works
  3. Credit Karma - Revolving Credit Account

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “Credit Repair Kit for Dummies” by Steve Bucci
  2. “Your Score: An Insider’s Secrets to Understanding, Controlling, and Protecting Your Credit Score" by Anthony Davenport
  3. “Credit Management Kit for Dummies” by Justin Pritchard

Accounting Basics: “Revolving Credit” Fundamentals Quiz

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