Credit Management

Credit Policy in Receivable Management

Concept of Credit Policy

The discharge of the credit function in a company embraces a number of activities for which the policies have to be clearly laid down. Such a step will ensure consistency in credit decisions and actions. A credit policy thus, establishes guidelines that govern grant or reject  credit to a customer, what should be the level of credit granted to a customer etc. A credit policy can be said to have a direct effect on the volume of investment a company desires to make in receivables.

A company falls prey of many factors pertaining to its credit policy.… Read the rest

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Credit Management – Managing Trade Credit and Accounts Receivable in Business

“The purpose of any commercial enterprise is the earning of profit, credit in itself is utilized to increase sale, but sales must return a profit.” –  Joseph L. Wood

The primary objective of management of receivables should not be limited to expansion of sales but should involve maximization of overall returns on investment. So, receivables management should not be confined to mere collection or receivables within the shortest possible period but is required to focus due attention to the benefit-cost trade-off relating to numerous receivables management.

Principles of  Credit Management

In order to add profitability, soundness and effectiveness to receivables management, an enterprise must make it a point to follow certain well-established and duly recognized principles of credit management.… Read the rest

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Deciding on the Right Credit Card

How much is the joining fee and the annual fee?

Generally, a credit card with a higher annual fee enjoys more benefits like higher credit limit, higher accident insurance cover, accessibility to airport lounges, travel discounts etc. OF at least the used to be the case. With cutthroat competition between the card issuing banks, players are ready to waive joining fees and also one-year membership fees for anyone. Grab these offers, or negotiate this for yourself.

How much is the Add-on card fee?

If you are interested in buying add-on cards for your children, spouse or friend, ask for the add-on card fee.… Read the rest

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Credit Card Industry in India

The credit card industry in India has registered an encouraging growth in recent times, but the usage pattern of credit cards remains a point of concern, those in the industry say. Seven years back, India had a base of around five lakh credit cards. There has been a seven-fold increase, with the number of cardholders touching over 38 lakh. These figures point towards the fact that the credit card industry in India is growing at a brisk annual rate of 30 per cent and is expected to grow at a similar rate in the coming years. This fortifies the view that conservative purchasing ideas are giving way to the big in-thing.… Read the rest

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What Is Plastic Money?

A plastic money card is a thin card that contains identification information such as a signature or picture, and authorizes the card holder to charge purchases or services to the card holder’s account. Today, the information on the card is read by automated teller machines (ATMs), banks, and the internet.

It all started in the 1920s, when individual companies (such as oil companies and hotels) issued these “plastic money cards” for purchases made at their businesses. However, these cards could not be used outside of the company.

In the 1950s a “universal card” was introduced by Diners Club, INC.… Read the rest

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Case Study: MasterCard’s Business Model

What is MasterCard?

But what does MasterCard exactly do? It provides credit, debit, and prepaid cards from over 25,000 financial institutions. However, MasterCard is primarily a credit card company and specializes in the innovation of these cards throughout the world. It is a also a payment solutions company and through its three tiered business model as franchisor, processor and adviser, the company has developed a new world for its card holders and merchants. The company provides marketing, approval, and transaction services for a variety of payment products in more than 210 countries and territories.

Regardless of the type of card, all of them act under the “four-party” payment system.… Read the rest

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