1. What is APR?
APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is the true cost of borrowing expressed as a yearly rate. It includes interest plus lender fees, closing costs, points, and other charges.
2. How is APR calculated?
APR is the interest rate that equates the net loan proceeds (loan amount minus fees) to the present value of all future payments. It requires iterative calculation.
3. What is the difference between APR and interest rate?
Interest rate is the cost of borrowing principal only. APR includes interest plus fees. APR is always higher than or equal to the interest rate.
4. What fees are included in APR?
APR typically includes origination fees, discount points, closing costs, underwriting fees, and other lender charges. It does not include third-party fees like appraisals or title insurance in some cases.
5. What is a good APR?
A good APR is one that is competitive with other loan offers. Compare APRs across multiple lenders for the same loan type. Lower APR means lower total borrowing cost.
6. Is a lower APR always better?
Not always. A lower APR is better if you keep the loan long enough to recoup the fees. If you plan to sell or refinance soon, higher-rate loans with lower fees may be better.
7. What is the difference between APR and APY?
APR is used for borrowing (loans). APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is used for saving and investing. APY accounts for compounding; APR typically does not.
8. Does APR include compounding?
APR typically assumes simple interest for the loan term. Some APRs for credit cards include compounding. This calculator uses standard mortgage APR methodology.