However, when accounts are past due, overextended, invalid or show a change of address, sales persons refer transactions to credit authorizers located in a central office. Authorizers evaluate the customers' computerized credit records and payment histories and quickly decide whether or not to approve new charges. Authorizers may enter address changes and credit extensions into computer credit files. Loan interviewers help potential borrowers fill out the loan application. Interviewers investigate the applicant's background and references, verify information on the application, and forward any findings, reports or documents to the appraisal department.
Interviewers inform the applicant whether the loan has been accepted or denied.
However, during particularly busy periods, they may work overtime. For credit clerks handling residential real estate, the busy periods are spring and summer and at the end of the month. For credit authorizers, busy periods are during the holiday shopping seasons and on store sale days. In fact, temporary workers are often hired as credit authorizers during peak workloads. In retail establishments, authorizers may work nights and weekends during store hours.