The criteria lenders utilize to assess the creditworthiness of potential borrowers consist of Character, Capacity, and Capital. Character represents a borrower’s history of repaying debts, as evidenced by a credit report. Capacity refers to the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, generally evaluated based on income and existing debts. Capital encompasses the borrower’s assets and net worth, providing assurance to the lender that the borrower has resources to cover the debt if income is insufficient.
Understanding these factors is crucial for both borrowers and lenders. For borrowers, it provides insight into what aspects of their financial profile need strengthening to improve their chances of loan approval and secure favorable terms. For lenders, these factors offer a structured approach to mitigate risk and make informed decisions about extending credit. Historically, these considerations have evolved alongside the development of financial markets and risk management techniques, remaining foundational principles in credit evaluation.