Rates, fees and loan costs
How personal loan interest, APR, origination fees, late fees and prepayment penalties work, with worked examples of what a loan costs over its term.
Personal Loan for Immigration and Visa Fees: A Guide
Immigration filing fees can run into thousands—here is how a personal loan stacks up and what to compare before you apply.
5 min readPersonal Loan for Legal Fees: What to Expect
A personal loan can cover attorney retainers, court costs, and legal bills — here is what to know before borrowing.
6 min readPaying Off a Personal Loan Early: How Much You Save
Extra payments on a simple interest loan reduce the balance interest is charged on. See computed savings and the checks to make before you send money.
7 min readPersonal Loan Late Fees and Grace Periods Compared
Late fee and grace period policies vary widely across lenders—here is what to compare before you sign.
5 min readPersonal Loan Amortization Schedule Explained, With Example
Your payment stays fixed, but the split between interest and principal shifts every month. See a computed schedule and what extra payments do.
7 min readIs Personal Loan Interest Tax Deductible? IRS Rules
Interest on a personal loan used for personal expenses is generally not deductible. Business and investment uses can change the answer, with documentation.
7 min readPersonal Loan Fees: Every Charge to Know Before You Sign
Not all personal loan costs show up in the APR — here's every fee to check before you agree to a loan.
7 min readHow Personal Loan Interest Is Calculated: Formula & Example
Personal loan interest is usually simple interest on your remaining balance. Here is the formula, a worked example and what changes each month.
7 min readPrepayment Penalties on Personal Loans: Spot Them Before You Sign
Some lenders charge a fee if you pay off your loan early — here is how to find it in the contract and compare around it.
5 min readOrigination Fees vs. APR: How to Compare Loan Offers
The loan with the lowest interest rate is not always the cheapest. Here is how to compare fees, APR and total cost on equal footing.
8 min readPersonal Loan Term Length: 24 to 84 Months Compared
The term you choose controls your monthly payment and the total you repay — here is what each option actually costs.
7 min readFixed vs. Variable Rate Personal Loans: Which Costs Less?
A variable rate can start lower, but your payment can change. See computed examples of what rate increases and decreases do to a personal loan.
8 min read