Several local businesses extend a line of credit to their customers.

Some even offer no payment or low payment loans.

But are those businesses changing their practices?

Action News reporter Gabe Osterhout tells us whether you can still count on store credit.

For decades, Olums in Vestal has offered people a line of credit to buy everything from furniture to appliances.

Magic Circle Credit offers an interest free time period for people to make payments.

Or, help spread payments out for up to two years.

"Because we don't deal with banks on Magic Circle Credit, we haven't had a need what so ever to cut back, it's lending as usual," says William Twelves, the director of furniture merchandising at Olums.

Express Auto Credit Corporation in the Town of Union is a buy here pay here car dealership.

"We supply financing for you. We don't go to outside lenders so if you have good credit, bad credit, no credit at all, we still have financing for you," Eagles says.

Eagles hasn't seen any negative impact from financing people even in these tough economic times.

He says his customers pay their bill on time.

And believes the practice of buy here pay here has helped business increase.

"We haven't seen a rise in people not making payments. We have good customers that make their payments on time. Maybe previously, they were put in a bad situation but now we're here to help," Eagles says.

Both businesses say they don't plan to change terms and qualifications despite the economy.

They'll do what they can to help get people back on the right financial track.

In the Town of Union, Gabe Osterhout, WBNG-TV Action News.

Regional President of M and T Bank Glenn Small says people should not be concerned about their purchasing power.

You're credit cards and ATM cards should continue to function.

Small also says people should not worry if they need a bank loan.

The process is no different now.

He adds, if you have good credit and a reasonable down payment, you should be able to get a loan anywhere.