A borrower who does not meet the qualifications for standard credit and loan offers. Usually a subprime borrower has poor credit (a score under 650) due to late payments, collection accounts or public records. Lenders often grade them based on the severity of past credit problems, with categories ranging from "A-" to "D" or lower. Subprime borrowers can qualify for loans and credit, but usually at a higher interest rate or with special terms.

A borrower with bad credit, no credit bankruptcy or other types of credit problems.

A borrower with a less-than-perfect credit report due to late payments or a default on debt payments. Lenders often grade them based on the severity of past credit problems, with categories ranging from "A-" on down to "D" or lower.