Cash Credit

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.

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include a clause that requires the borrower to pay a minimum amount of interest on a predetermined amount or the amount withdrawn, whichever is higher.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.

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 lowers 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 as 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.