noun

creditor

/ˈkredɪtər/ · say it: KRED·i·tur

a person or institution owed money

In Banking & Finance

In more detail

1. (noun) a person or organization that lends money or allows you to buy something and pay later

2. (noun) a person or organization that you owe money to

Examples

1. The bank is the main creditor on the loan.
2. When you buy on credit, the store becomes your creditor.

How to use creditor

A creditor is a person or institution to whom someone owes money. Use it in financial and business contexts to refer to those extending credit or awaiting payment. It contrasts directly with debtor (the one who owes). The term is neutral and applies equally to banks, suppliers, or individuals owed money.

Common phrases

creditor nations
foreign creditors
creditor countries
pay your creditors
owe creditors
main creditor

Synonyms

lender · creditor organization · money lender · supplier

Opposites

debtor · borrower

Word family

credit · credulous · accredited

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse creditor with debtor; remember that the creditor is the one owed money, while the debtor is the one who owes it.

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