Investopedia

Subprime Credit

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Subprime Credit'

General term for borrowings of subprime debt, or loans made to people with less-than-perfect credit or short credit histories. Subprime credit includes the original borrowing itself, as well as any derivative products such as securitizations that are based on subprime loans and then sold to investors in the secondary markets.

A big portion of the total market for subprime credit is based on subprime mortgages, or home loans to borrowers of questionable creditworthiness.


Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Subprime Credit'

Subprime credit has highly debated pros and cons; on the plus side it allows people who wouldn't otherwise have access to credit to obtain loans for things like automobiles, homes and credit cards. On the negative side, subprime credit can come with very unfavorable terms based on high interest rates, excessive fees and short grace periods.

Securities that use subprime credit as collateral have become widespread in the marketplace, with billions of dollars in collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) owned by investors that are based on the cash flows from subprime credit.

Articles Of Interest

  1. Subprime Lending: Helping Hand Or Underhanded?

    These loans can spell disaster for borrowers, but that doesn't mean they should be condemned.
  2. The Fuel That Fed The Subprime Meltdown

    Take a look at the factors that caused this market to flare up and burn out.
  3. What is a subprime mortgage?

    A subprime mortgage is a type of loan granted to individuals with poor credit histories (often below 600), who, as a result of their deficient credit ratings, would not be able to qualify for ...
  4. What's On A Consumer Credit Report?

    A look at the various components and considerations that go into one's credit report and credit score.
  5. 7 Unconventional Ways Businesses Can Borrow Money

    Find out how your business can get the money it needs - even when the bank says "no".
  6. Should You Add A Securities License To Your Qualifications?

    Clients love planners who sell securities, but a securities license takes a lot of work. Learn if the stress and study are worth it.
  7. The Best Way To Buy Silver

    Discover whether ETFs or physical bullion is the best way for investors to get exposure to silver.
  8. Taxable Rewards To Be Aware Of

    Find which benefits from reward programs count as income in the eyes of the IRS.
  9. Financial Solutions For Young Women

    Break through the stereotypes and find out how to manage your life to meet your needs.
  10. Bloated Budget? How To Trim The Fat

    Blood, sweat and tears should belong in the gym, but your money deserves some training time too.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Validation Period

    The amount of time necessary for the premium on an insurance policy to cover the commissions, the cost of investigation, medical exams and other expenses associated with the issuance of the policy.
  2. Winner's Curse

    Because of incomplete information, emotions or any other number of factors regarding the item being auctioned, bidders can have a difficult time determining the item's intrinsic value. As a result, the largest overestimation of an item's value ends up winning the auction.
  3. Glocalization

    A combination of the words "globalization" and "localization" used to describe a product or service that is developed and distributed globally, but is also fashioned to accommodate the user or consumer in a local market.
  4. Disaster Loss

    A special type of tax-deductible loss, similar to a casualty loss, where a loss has been incurred by taxpayers who reside in an area that has been designated as a federal disaster area by the President.
  5. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.
  6. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
Trading Center