Private Credit Execution
Private Credit Jargon Explained: Terms, Fees, Covenants, And Security
Private credit deals fail less often because of price and more often because borrowers misunderstand structure.
This guide translates the most common private credit jargon into plain English so sponsors, acquirers, and CFOs can interpret term sheets and negotiate from a position of clarity.
Term Sheet Language
Facility Type
The legal form of the loan. Examples include term loan, revolving credit facility, unitranche, borrowing base facility, or delayed draw term loan.
Tenor
How long the loan runs before maturity. Shorter tenors generally price cheaper but require faster refinancing.
Amortization
Required principal repayments during the life of the loan. Many private credit facilities are interest-only with a balloon at maturity.
Use Of Proceeds
What the lender allows the borrower to spend the money on. Deviating without consent can trigger default.
Pricing And Fees
| Term |
Meaning |
| OID (Original Issue Discount) |
Upfront discount to par that increases lender yield. |
| Closing Fee |
One-time fee paid at funding. |
| Commitment Fee |
Fee on undrawn commitments. |
| Spread |
Credit margin added to the reference rate. |
| Floor |
Minimum reference rate regardless of market levels. |
| PIK Interest |
Interest added to principal instead of paid in cash. |
Security And Collateral
First Lien
Senior claim on collateral. Cheapest capital.
Second Lien
Junior claim behind first lien. Higher pricing.
Negative Pledge
Promise not to pledge assets to other lenders.
Share Pledge
Equity of borrower pledged as security.
Covenants
Leverage Ratio
Debt divided by EBITDA.
DSCR
Cash flow divided by debt service.
Liquidity Covenant
Minimum cash on hand.
Equity Cure
Right to inject equity to fix a covenant breach.
Controls And Accounts
Blocked Account
Cash controlled by lender.
Cash Dominion
Lender sweeps collections daily or weekly.
Where Financely Fits
Financely structures, underwrites, and distributes private credit and trade finance transactions to banks and private credit funds.
Learn more at What Is Trade Finance
, Trade Finance Services
,
and submit transactions via Submit Your Deal.
If you have a defined transaction with documentation and counterparties, submit your deal for feasibility review.