What does the term "character" refer to in the context of lending?

In the context of lending, the term "character" refers to the borrower's willingness to make payments. This concept encompasses the reliability and trustworthiness of the borrower, which lenders evaluate to determine if the borrower is likely to honor their repayment obligations. A borrower with good character demonstrates a history of meeting financial obligations, maintaining a positive credit history, and showing responsibility in managing debts.

Lenders analyze character as part of the "Five Cs of Credit," which serve as criteria for assessing a potential borrower's creditworthiness. While capacity to pay, amount of capital, and the value of collateral are also important metrics, they relate more to the borrower's financial ability and the assurance of repayment rather than their commitment or intent to repay. Thus, the emphasis on willingness to make payments accurately captures the essence of "character" in the lending process.