2. Read to Learn
Define credit and indicate three factors that affect the interest that is paid.
Name different groups in our economy who use credit.
Identify three advantages and disadvantages of using credit.

3. The Main Idea
Credit allows borrowers to purchase items that they otherwise could not afford. Consumers, businesses, and governments all borrow money. There are advantages and disadvantages to using credit.

4. Key Concepts
Credit: The Promise to Pay
Who Uses Credit?
The Pros and Cons of Using Credit

5. Key Terms
an agreement to obtain money, goods, or services now in exchange for a promise to pay in the future
credit
someone who lends money or provides credit
creditor

6. Key Terms
someone who borrows money or uses credit
debtor
interest
a fee for borrowing money

7. Key Terms
consumer credit
the type of credit used by people for personal use
commercial credit
the type of credit used by businesses

8. Key Terms
credit rating
a measure of a person’s ability and willingness to pay debts on time

9. Credit: The Promise to Pay
Consumers use credit to buy all kinds of goods and services.
credit
an agreement to obtain money, goods, or services now in exchange for a promise to pay in the future

10. Credit: The Promise to Pay
A creditor charges a fee to a debtor for using their money, which is called interest.
creditor
someone who lends money or provides credit
debtor
someone who borrows money or uses credit
interest
a fee for borrowing money

11. Credit: The Promise to Pay
The amount of interest to be paid is based on three factors:
The interest rate
The length of the loan
The amount of the loan

12. Who Uses Credit?
To a great extent, credit has replaced money as a means of making purchases.

13. Two types of credit are consumer credit and commercial credit.
Who Uses Credit?
Two types of credit are consumer credit and commercial credit.
consumer credit
the type of credit used by people for personal use
Businesses often pass the cost of credit on to consumers.
commercial credit
the type of credit used by businesses

14. Who Uses Credit?
The federal government uses credit to pay for many of the services and programs it provides to its citizens.
State and local governments use credit to pay for things such as highways, public housing, and water systems.

15. Credit Users
The credit card industry has terms for its customers. “Revolvers” are people who roll their balances over month to month, and never pay in full. “Rate surfers” or “gamers” are people who switch credit cards based on interest rates.

16. The Pros and Cons of Using Credit
To use credit effectively, the consumer must know its advantages and disadvantages.

17. Graphic Organizer Credit is convenient.
Advantages of Credit
Credit is convenient.
You can shop and travel without carrying cash.
You can buy items right away without saving.
Credit is useful in an emergency.
Credit can help you keep track of spending.
Credit contributes to economic growth.

18. Advantages of Credit
A good credit rating tells other lenders that you are a responsible borrower and a good credit risk.
credit rating
a measure of a person’s ability and willingness to pay debts on time

19. Disadvantages of Credit
Graphic Organizer
Disadvantages of Credit
Credit can be easy to misuse.
Items cost more when you use credit.
Using credit means you have committed some of your future income to your debt.
You cannot use credit after you reach your credit limit.
Late or missed payments lower your credit rating.

20. Factors to Consider Before Using Credit
Graphic Organizer
Factors to Consider Before Using Credit
Do you have the cash you need for the down payment?
Do you want to use your savings instead of credit?
Can you afford the item?
Could you use the credit in some better way?
Could you put off buying the item for a while?
What are the costs of using credit?

21. Annual Percentage Rate for Monthly Payments
Figure 25.1
Annual Percentage Rate for Monthly Payments

22. Credit Card Debt
The average American household carries a credit card balance of $7,500 to $8,000.

23. You work in the promotions department of a credit card company
You work in the promotions department of a credit card company. The company instructs you to set up a booth on college campuses in an attempt to get incoming freshmen to sign up for a card. You are told to offer a pre-approved line of credit with a higher-than-average interest rate.
Decision Making Would the fact that the majority of people you will be soliciting have limited, if any, disposable income affect your decision? Explain.

24. Answer
Answers should suggest that knowingly marketing a product to people who cannot afford it is referred to as predatory marketing because it preys on people’s needs regardless of their economic situation.

25. What is credit?
an agreement to get money, goods, or services now in exchange for a promise to pay in the future

26. What is the difference between commercial and consumer credit?
Commercial credit is used by business whereas consumer credit is used by the consumer.

27. Why is it important to have a good credit rating?
It shows that a consumer is a responsible borrower and a good credit risk.