Closed-End Credit vs. an Open Line of Credit: What's the Difference?

Closed-End Credit vs. Open Line of Credit: An Overview

Depending on the need, an individual or business may take out a form of credit that is either open- or closed-ended. The difference between these two types of credit is mainly in the terms of the debt and the debt repayment.

Closed-End Credit

Closed-end credit includes debt instruments that are acquired for a particular purpose and a set amount of time. At the end of a set period, the individual or business must pay the entirety of the loan, including any interest payments or maintenance fees.

Common types of closed-end credit instruments include mortgages and car loans. Both are loans taken out for a specific period, during which the consumer is required to make regular payments. In loans like this, when financing an asset, the issuing institution usually retains some ownership rights over it, as a means of guaranteeing repayment. For example, if a customer fails to repay an auto loan, the bank may seize the vehicle as compensation for the default.

Open-End Credit

Open-end credit is not restricted to a specific use. Credit card accounts, home equity lines of credit (HELOC), and debit cards are all common examples of open-end credit (though some, like the HELOC, have finite payback periods). The issuing bank allows the consumer to utilize borrowed funds in exchange for the promise to repay any debt in a timely manner.

This type of credit usually has a fixed period to borrow funds. At the end of this "draw period," you may be allowed to renew the credit line. If you are not allowed to renew, then the plan will require either payment in full of the outstanding balance, or repayment over a fixed period.

The maximum amount available to borrow, known as the revolving credit limit, is often revisable. Account-holders can request an increase, or the lender might automatically raise it as a reward to a loyal, responsible customer. The lender might also reduce the limit if the customer's credit score has dropped drastically or a pattern of delinquent payment behavior begins. Some card companies, such as American Express and Visa Signature, allow most cardholders to go above their limit in case of an emergency, or if the overdraft is relatively small.

Line of Credit

A line of credit is a type of open-end credit. Under a line of credit agreement, the consumer takes out a loan that allows payment for expenses using special checks or, increasingly, a plastic card. The issuing bank agrees to pay on any checks written on or charges against the account, up to a certain sum.

Businesses, which can use company assets or other collateral to back the loan, often use this type of credit. Such secured lines of credit often have lower interest rates than unsecured credit, such as credit cards, which have no such backing.