Finance company is a firm that loans money to people who promise to repay the loan with interest in a specified period of time. Borrowers must offer some guarantee that they will repay the loan, such as a lien on their salary or personal possessions (see Lien). Some finance companies also offer credit card services that let the holder buy merchandise. They also make loans to merchants and manufacturers. A merchant may offer the finance company a purchaser's contract to buy goods on installment payments as security for cash loans (see Installment plan). Some finance companies buy these contracts. Business people who need a loan can offer property, merchandise, or unpaid bills due to them as security. See also Loan company.