Career-PathGPS
← All education and training
Career

Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks

Typical education: High school diplomaHigh pressure

What they do

Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts. Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. May interview applicants to obtain personal and financial data, determine credit worthiness, process applications, and notify customers of acceptance or rejection of credit.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Enterprising: Leading, persuading, selling and starting new projects or businesses.
  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $50,080 Median per year · $24.08/hr Most earn $30,260–$72,700

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Evaluate customers' computerized credit records and payment histories to decide whether to approve new credit, based on predetermined standards.
  • File sales slips in customers' ledgers for billing purposes.
  • Prepare credit cards or charge account plates.
  • Keep records of customers' charges and payments.
  • Relay credit report information to subscribers by mail or by telephone.
  • Examine city directories and public records to verify residence property ownership, bankruptcies, liens, arrest record, or unpaid taxes of applicants.

Job outlook

United States
7% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 900 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Credit intermediation and related activities13.3%
  • Furniture and home furnishings retailers11.1%
  • Management of companies and enterprises10.6%
  • Merchant wholesalers, durable goods6.9%
  • Other nondepository credit intermediation6.5%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diploma

This is an entry-level job. Many people start right after high school, and the work is usually learned on the job, so you can begin working in it soon after you finish school.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    Build strong math, reading, and computer skills so you can review applications, check numbers, and explain decisions clearly.

  2. Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks

    Entry level, learned on the job

    Start by reviewing customer credit applications, checking credit histories, and approving or flagging charges, while learning the company's rules and tools.

Where it can lead

  1. Loan Interviewers and Clerks

    2-4 years of experience first

    You would interview loan applicants, collect financial details, and help decide whether to approve a loan, which usually takes a certificate or added training in lending.

  2. Credit Analyst

    1-2 years of experience first

    You would study financial records in more depth and recommend how much credit to extend, which usually requires a bachelor's degree in a field like finance or accounting.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take math and statistics classesStrong number skills help you check credit information accurately and quickly.
  • Take a business, accounting, or computer classThese classes teach you how financial records and spreadsheets work, which you'll use daily in credit roles.
  • Join a business or finance clubClub activities help you build teamwork, presentation, and money-management skills that employers look for.
  • Get a part-time job that handles money or customersA cashier or retail job teaches accuracy, customer service, and careful record-keeping.
  • Practice writing and speaking clearlyYou'll need to explain credit decisions in plain language to customers who may be upset or confused.

In college

  • Take accounting, finance, or business coursesCourses in accounting and personal finance build the knowledge behind evaluating credit and creditworthiness.
  • Learn spreadsheet software wellAdvanced Excel skills help you organize, check, and analyze account data, which is common in credit and billing work.
  • Seek a campus job in the billing or financial aid officeWorking with student accounts gives you hands-on experience with payments, applications, and customer questions.
  • Look for a summer internship or part-time role at a bank or credit unionReal experience with loan or credit applications makes your resume stand out for credit clerk jobs and later moves into lending.
  • Consider a customer service or data-entry certificationA short certificate can show employers you're accurate and dependable, especially if you don't have much work history yet.

Tips for getting started

  • Get comfortable with spreadsheets and basic math now, since checking numbers and spotting errors is a big part of this job.
  • Practice clear, polite communication, because you may explain approvals or rejections to customers who are worried about their credit.
  • Look for entry jobs at banks, credit unions, or retail stores that offer credit cards. These give you real exposure to credit work and customer accounts.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

Related careers