Credit balance

1. Financial accounting.

This is either a liability or capital within the balance sheet, or revenue within the profit and loss account (or income statement).

Credit balance miscommunication

A common miscommunication between the functions of accounting and treasury is the different use of debits and credits. Accountants/controllers are used to posting journal entries where from a balance sheet perspective a debit signifies an increase in value, and a credit a reduction in value. However, for treasury staff a credit is an increase in value, and a debit a reduction. This simple difference is often cause for some awkward conversations between both professions.

The Group Treasurer, An ACT guide to the first 100 days, Page 9.

2. Banking.

In banking a credit balance - in the bank's records - is one which stands in favour of the customer. The bank owes money to the customer.

(Contrasted with a debit balance in the bank's records. Being a balance standing in favour of the bank.)

See also

• Balance
• Balance sheet
• Capital
• Cash balance
• Credit
• Debit balance
• Income statement
• Liabilities
• Profit and Loss account