Microcredit is the extension of small loans to the poor, who sometimes lack the necessary collateral or credit history to receive it from traditional sources. Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) loan money to the poor so that they have access to cash, and receive it back with interest. If the borrower repays the loan on time, he will have access to a second, larger loan, and so on. Microfinance helps the poor help themselves. MFIs give borrowers the money to help them create or expand their businesses.