Credit authorizers, checkers, and clerks process and authorize applications for credit, including credit cards. Although the distinctions among the three job titles are becoming less, some general differences remain. Credit clerks typically handle the processing of credit applications by verifying the information on the application, calling applicants if additional data are needed, contacting credit bureaus for a credit rating, and obtaining any other information necessary to determine applicants' creditworthiness. If the clerk works in a department store or other establishment that offers instant credit, he or she enters applicant information into a computer at the point-of-sale. A credit rating will then be transmitted from a central office within seconds to indicate whether the application should be rejected or approved.

Some organizations have credit checkers, who investigate a person's or business's credit history and current credit standing prior to the issuance of a loan or line of credit. Credit checkers also may telephone or write to credit departments of businesses and service companies to obtain information about an applicant's credit standing. Credit reporting agencies and bureaus hire a number of checkers to secure, update, and verify information for credit reports. These workers often are called credit investigators or reporters.

Credit authorizers approve charges against customers' existing accounts. Most charges are approved automatically by computer. When accounts are past due, overextended, or invalid, or show a change of address, however, sales persons refer transactions to credit authorizers located in a central office. These authorizers evaluate the customers' computerized credit records and payment histories to quickly decide whether or not to approve new charges.

Credit scoring is a major development that has improved the productivity of these workers, thus limiting employment growth. Companies and credit bureaus now can purchase software that quickly analyzes an applicant's creditworthiness and summarizes it into a "score." Credit issuers then can easily decide whether to accept or reject the application depending on the score, speeding up the authorization of loans or credit. Obtaining credit ratings also is much easier for credit checkers and authorizers, as businesses now have computer systems that are directly linked to credit bureaus that provide immediate access to a person's credit history.

The job outlook for credit authorizers, checkers, and clerks is sensitive to overall economic activity. A downturn in the economy or a rise in interest rates usually lead to a decline in demand for credit. Even in slow economic times, however, job openings will arise from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation for various reasons.

(See the introductory statement on information and record clerks for information on working conditions, training, requirements, and earnings).

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