Good faith deposits, sometimes known as prepaid funds, are a type of security deposit that many business customers are required to leave with their creditor. These deposits are usually required by a creditor before they will extend credit to a customer and are typically based on a percentage of the total credit limit that is extended. The primary purpose of requiring the deposit is to ensure that the debtor meets the terms of the credit agreement. When a business customer fails to pay their dues on time, the creditor can draw from the customers deposit to recoup their losses.
The amount of good faith deposit required by creditors will vary depending upon the specific credit agreement, the size of the credit limit, and the customers creditworthiness. While smaller businesses may only be required to post a small initial deposit, larger businesses might keep a substantial deposit on account as security.
Good faith deposits are not the same as collateral, though they may share some similar characteristics. Collateral is typically a specific asset that is used as security against a loan; it is possible to repossess the asset in the event that the terms of the loan are breached. In contrast, a good faith deposit is usually held in a separate account and cannot be touched without the express consent of the creditor.
Unlike collateral, good faith deposits tend to be non-interest bearing. This means that the customer does not receive any interest on their deposit, and that the creditor does not need to worry about setting aside interest payments to the customer. This can be an important cost-saving measure for creditors, as well as an additional layer of assurance that their interests are well looked after.
If a business customer does not meet the terms of their credit agreement, the creditor will typically exercise its right to draw on the good faith deposit in order to make up for any losses. Depending on the terms of the agreement, creditors may also pursue other legal remedies in order to recoup their losses.
Good faith deposits are common in business to business transactions, but they can also be used in other circumstances. Some landlords, for example, require tenants to make good faith deposits at the beginning of the tenancy in order to ensure that they meet their obligations.
In conclusion, good faith deposits are a common practice in the business world, used by creditors to offer assurance that their debts will be met. They are not the same as collateral, since they are held in a separate account and cannot be touched without express consent. Additionally, they are generally non-interest bearing, meaning that creditors do not need to pay back any interest payments to the customer. Finally, if a customer breaches the terms of the agreement, the creditor may take from the good faith deposit to make up for any losses.