Another was to use foreign currency: the bank could lend, or accept a bill of exchange, in one currency and collect its debt in another, building a hidden rate of interest into the exchange rate.

If a subscriber defaults in payment of money or property under a subscription agreement entered into before incorporation, the corporation may collect the amount owed as any other debt.

Debt collectors either work on consignment for creditors, keeping 20% to 25% of what they collect, or buy portfolios of unpaid debt from creditors and then try to collect enough to make a profit.