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What is a Trust Receipt?

By Jessica Reed
Updated: Feb 16, 2024
Views: 38,278
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A trust receipt is a written legal document between a bank and a person borrowing from that bank. It states that the bank will give merchandise to the borrower but the bank will still retain the title to the merchandise and can repossess it if the buyer does not uphold the terms decided upon in the trust receipt. The borrower must keep the merchandise and any profits made from that merchandise separate from normal business expenses and if the bank repossesses the items, the borrower will return the items or the money made from selling the merchandise.

Typically, items used in trust receipts are large items with serial numbers that are easy to record and keep track of. For example, automobiles, TVs, large appliances, and trailers can all be given to a borrower by signing a trust receipt. The borrower then promises to pay the loaner back an amount of money worth the property loaned to him.

The trust receipt concept is similar to a loan where the borrower provides a type of collateral to the bank or other business loaning him the money. This type of loan is considered a secure loan because an item, known as the collateral, is listed as part of the arrangement. If the borrower does not repay the loan, the lender has the right to take the collateral item and sell it to cover the money the borrower owed him. Collateral includes items such as houses, cars, or any other expensive items. The difference between a trust receipt and a standard loan is that in a trust receipt the items being borrowed, and any money made from selling them, also serve as the collateral for the loan.

Three parts make up the actual trust receipt. The first part simply states that the borrower owes a specific amount to the lender, that the lender is giving a specific amount to the borrower, and that the borrower promises to pay the lender back or allow it to collect on the items he put up for collateral. The second part lists all the items the lender gave the borrower and includes serial numbers and other information to allow the lender to repossess the items if the borrower does not pay back the money owed. Finally, the last part lists all the terms and conditions that apply to the agreement. After each party reviews the document, they sign it and it goes into effect.

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Discussion Comments
By tlcJPC — On Jun 19, 2011

I know that with most other kinds of long term loans and such that the borrower's credit score is a major factor in the approval process. And then it is sometimes even used in determining what terms and conditions a consumer is offered. Is this the same with a trust agreement?

If so, what kind of credit scores are we looking at needing to have? My credit is not the worst in world, but it certainly isn’t the best either. My husband and I have experienced some financial upset due to issues that were not our fault but that have affected our credit history negatively anyway.

I’m always looking for new ways to explore and learn about the financial world, and using a trust receipt is something that I am largely unfamiliar with.

By mabeT — On Jun 18, 2011

I’m wondering what sets a trust receipt apart from other secured style personal loans, or rather why a person would go with the former rather than the latter.

For instance, a secured loan is what most of us use to buy our homes, cars and any number of other high end items with. This is also the ideal type of consolidation loan to go after when exploring the concept of debt relief.

Secured loans provide lower rates because they come with collateral. It really isn't unusal to see some of these rates below five percent. This is opposed to an unsecured loan without collateral, which bring rates that go above twelve and thirteen percent.

What are the advantages of going with a trust agreement rather than a secured personal loan?

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