(a) State four differences between a loan and an overdraft
(b) Explain six factors to be considered by a bank manager before granting a loan.
(a) Four differences between a loan and an overdraft
| Bank Loan | Bank Overdraft |
|---|
| A fixed sum is advanced and credited to the customer's account at once. | The customer is allowed to draw more than the balance in his current account, up to an agreed limit. |
| Interest is charged on the whole amount borrowed for the whole period. | Interest is charged only on the amount actually overdrawn and for the period it is used. |
| It is usually granted for a fixed (often longer) period and repaid in instalments. | It is a short-term facility repayable on demand or within a short period. |
| Security/collateral is normally required. | It may be granted with little or no security, often to trusted current-account holders. |
(A further difference: a loan may be granted to any customer, but an overdraft is available only to current-account holders.)
(b) Six factors considered by a bank manager before granting a loan
- Character of the borrower: The manager considers the honesty, integrity and past repayment record of the customer to judge his willingness to repay.
- Purpose of the loan: The loan should be for a genuine, productive and legal purpose that is capable of generating income to repay it.
- Ability to repay: The income, cash flow and financial standing of the borrower are examined to be sure he can repay the loan with interest.
- Security/collateral offered: The manager looks at the value and marketability of the security pledged, which the bank can sell if the borrower defaults.
- Amount required and the borrower's own contribution: The size of the loan relative to the customer's own stake in the project is considered; a reasonable owner's contribution reduces the bank's risk.
- Period/duration of the loan: The length of time for which the loan is needed and the repayment plan are assessed to match the bank's lending policy.
(Other valid factors: the customer's existing relationship with the bank, prevailing government/central bank credit policy, and the profitability or viability of the project.)