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What is a Default Risk?

Ken Black
Ken Black

A default risk is defined as the possibility that a borrower will not be able to pay back the principle or interest associated with a loan. Banks often assess the default risk of a potential borrower before lending funds. The loan, if it is determined to have a high risk, may carry a higher interest rate or may be denied altogether.

In a secured line of credit, such as a home or car loan, the default risk is very important, but the lender also has options should the borrower be unable to repay. A home can be foreclosed on and a car can be repossessed, in the event of a loan default. However, this process is usually very labor intensive and can cost thousands of dollars to complete. In many cases, the lender may not get the full value of the loan repaid, but recovering at least a portion of the losses is a priority.

The possibility that a credit card user will not pay her bill is the default risk.
The possibility that a credit card user will not pay her bill is the default risk.

The biggest default risk involves unsecured lines of credit, such as credit cards. With an unsecured line of credit, it may be impossible for the lender to get back much of the investment, in case of a default. Credit cards and other unsecured lines of credit therefore carry a bigger risk when a default does occur. For this reason, these types of loans may be harder to acquire than other types that use the equity as collateral.

Credit card companies may offer low interest rates to people with a good credit history.
Credit card companies may offer low interest rates to people with a good credit history.

In some cases involving individuals with a low default risk, a credit card company may offer an interest rate as low, or nearly as low, as the borrower may be able to find with a secured loan. This is usually a marketing strategy used to attract consumers with a good credit history. However, if a payment is missed, or even late, the interest rate can triple, possibly even quadruple. Once the rate is increased, it may stay at that point throughout the life of the account.

If it is determined that a borrower has a high default risk, credit may be denied altogether.
If it is determined that a borrower has a high default risk, credit may be denied altogether.

To assess the default risk on individuals, lenders may use scores obtained by one of the three major credit bureaus in order to rank potential borrowers. A higher score indicates better a better credit rating and a lower risk for the lender. The average credit score in the United States is 723. However, lenders are under no obligation to offer a loan on extremely favorable terms, based on the consumer having a credit score higher than this.

Much like individuals, corporations and governments are also rated for default risk. Instead of a credit score, the default risk associated with these entities is graded from AAA to D. Anything below a BBB rating is considered a junk bond. The default risk with this type of bond is higher, but the interest rate is also higher. It is up to each individual investor to determine if the payoff outweighs the risk.

Discussion Comments

billjames56

i defaulted on a car loan, they took car, could not make default payments, went to court had to pay amount, garnish my wages. can they charge interest on the default amount? ty

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    • The possibility that a credit card user will not pay her bill is the default risk.
      By: Andrey Bandurenko
      The possibility that a credit card user will not pay her bill is the default risk.
    • Credit card companies may offer low interest rates to people with a good credit history.
      By: karam miri
      Credit card companies may offer low interest rates to people with a good credit history.
    • If it is determined that a borrower has a high default risk, credit may be denied altogether.
      By: bagraphix
      If it is determined that a borrower has a high default risk, credit may be denied altogether.