A factor analysis of retail credit application data

Abstract

22 variables relating to 1200 applications for credit in a nationwide finance company were intercorrelated and factor analyzed. Variables included personal-history information, financial condition and background of the applicant, and data relating to the current transaction. The 6 factors which emerged were identified as: Size of Present Transaction; Applicant Stability; Previous Use of Credit; Personal Income; Loan Duration, and Domestic Work Pattern. Variable communalities were extremely low, with only 1 exceeding .50. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)