Overdraft

Overdraft facility is more or less similar to ‘cash credit’ facility. Overdraft facility is the result of an agreement with the bank by which a current account holder is allowed to draw over and above the credit balance in his/her account. It is a short-period facility. This facility is made available to current account holders who operate their account through cheques. The customer is permitted to withdraw the amount of overdraft allowed as and when he/she needs it and to repay it through deposits in the account as and when it is convenient to him/her. Overdraft facility is generally granted by a bank on the basis of a written request by the customer. Sometimes the bank also insists on either a promissory note from the borrower or personal security of the borrower to ensure safety of amount withdrawn by the customer. The interest rate on overdraft is higher than is charged on loan. The following are some of the benefits of cash credits and overdraft :-

• Cash credit and overdraft allow flexibility of borrowing, which depends upon the need of the borrower. 
• There is no necessity of providing security and documentation again and again for borrowing funds. 
• This mode of borrowing is simple and elastic and meets the short term financial needs of the business.