Interest vs. APR: What You Need to Know

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Understanding Interest and APR: A Guide by O1ne Mortgage

At O1ne Mortgage, we prioritize educating our clients about consumer credit and finance. This post aims to provide an objective view to help you make the best decisions regarding your mortgage needs. For any mortgage service inquiries, feel free to call us at 213-732-3074.

What Is Interest?

Interest is the cost a borrower pays to borrow money, typically expressed as a percentage of the amount borrowed. Whether you’re getting a mortgage, auto loan, student loan, or personal loan, you’ll pay interest on your balance until it’s fully repaid.

How Are Interest Charges Calculated?

Interest charges are calculated as a percentage of your loan amount. For example, if you borrow $30,000 to buy a car at an interest rate of 5% over 60 months, you would pay a total of $3,968 over the life of the loan. Credit card interest is calculated based on your average daily balance and the daily interest rate, which is your card’s annual rate divided by 365.

What Is APR?

An annual percentage rate (APR) is the true cost to borrow money, including the loan’s interest rate plus any additional charges such as origination fees, closing costs, mortgage insurance, and mortgage points. APR provides a more comprehensive view of the total cost of a loan.

How Is APR Calculated?

APR is calculated by adding all fees associated with the loan to the interest. For example, a $10,000 personal loan with an interest rate of 13% and an origination fee of $400 repaid over three years has an APR of 15.77%. For credit cards, APR is the same as the loan’s interest rate and doesn’t include fees.

What’s the Difference Between Interest and APR?

While both interest rate and APR reflect the cost to borrow, APR gives you a more comprehensive view of what you’re paying. APR includes interest and all lender or broker fees, making it a more accurate way to compare loans. For example, if two loans have the same interest rate but different APRs, the loan with the lower APR is often the better deal.

Why Is APR Higher Than Interest?

APR is generally higher than interest because it includes not just the loan’s interest rate but also any fees associated with the loan. In some cases, such as when a loan has no fees, APR may be equal to the interest rate.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the difference between interest and APR can help you evaluate the best loan for you. What lenders charge you to borrow largely depends on your credit report and score. Before exploring loan options, check your credit score to understand where you stand. For any mortgage service needs, call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you make informed decisions and save money when you’re ready to borrow.

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