Secured Creditors & Unsecured Creditors

What is the difference between secured creditors and unsecured creditors?

A "secured creditor" is one that has a lien on property such as a home or car. A lien is an interest in property that a creditor can use to satisfy a debt. Liens can be voluntary (mortgage or auto loan) or involuntary (a lien on property resulting from unpaid taxes or a judgment).

An "unsecured creditor" is a creditor who has no interest in any particular property of the debtor. Unsecured creditors are paid either voluntary by debtors or must receive a judgment through the court in order to collect on a debt. Obviously, the secured creditor has a much greater protection than an unsecured creditor in that the lien on the debtor's property is usually honored.