creditcred·it1 /ˈkredɪt/ noun1[uncountableU]COMMERCE an arrangement with a shop, supplier etc to buy something now and pay for it laterThey are saving for new furniture - instead of buying on credit.
Sales were helped by the introduction of interest-free credit.
→ trade credit2[countableC, uncountableU] an amount by which a payment is reduced, relating for example to goods you have returnedYou can return the product within 30 days and get full credit toward the purchase of another.
→ see also letter of credit 3the credit side [uncountableU]ACCOUNTING the right-hand side of each account in DOUBLE-ENTRY BOOKKEEPING, the side used for increases in LIABILITIES (=the amount of debt that must be paid) or REVENUEsEvery time an entry is made on the debit side, another entry of equal value must be made on the credit side somewhere in the books.
4in credit British EnglishBrEBANKING if you are in credit, you have money in your bank account; be in the blackThere are no bank charges if you stay in credit.
5[uncountableU]BANKING another name for CREDIT HISTORYIf your credit is good and you drive less than 15,000 miles a year, you should consider leasing your car rather than buying one.
6 (also bank credit) [countableC, uncountableU]BANKING an arrangement with a bank for a loan, or bank lending in generalThe company is to get an additional $225 million in credit with no strings attached.
In the economic recovery, bank credit is absolutely critical, particularly for small businesses.
The bank said it would continue to extend credit (=make loans available) to the publishing group to keep it in business.
→ bank giro credit → confirmed irrevocable credit → consumer credit → documentary credit → export credit → extended credit → long-term credit → medium-term credit → personal credit → revolving credit → secured credit → short-term credit → unsecured credit7[countableC, uncountableU]TAX an amount of money given to you by the authorities, or an amount that you do not have to pay, which normally you would have to payThe couple may claim a credit of $800 for child care against their tax bill.
→ emission credit → investment tax credit → pollution credit → tax credit → see also carbon credit