A co-maker is an individual who co-signs or guarantees a loan along with a primary creditor or borrower; such an individual may also be referred to as a the co-signer or guarantor of a loan. A co-maker can be held liable for any loans or obligations in the case that the primary borrower defaults. Additionally, the creditor can ask either the primary borrower or co-maker to service the debt. A co-signer is often required if an individual would not otherwise qualify for a loan due to poor credit rating or low or nonexistent income. Parents often co-sign for their children, particularly on private student loans or auto loans and apartment rental contracts. A co-maker can be a relative, friend or family member, provided that they assume responsibility that the payments for the debt will be made and assume potential liability if the primary borrower defaults on the loan.
