What is the Difference Between APR and Note Rate?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between APR and note rate lies in the fees and charges they include. Here are the key differences:

  • Interest Rate: The interest rate is the cost you will pay each year to borrow the money, expressed as a percentage rate. It does not reflect fees or any other charges you may have to pay for the loan.
  • Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The APR is a broader measure of the cost of borrowing money than the interest rate. It reflects the interest rate, any points, mortgage broker fees, and other charges that you pay to get the loan. For that reason, your APR is usually higher than your interest rate.

Some other points to consider when comparing APR and note rate:

  1. The Federal Truth in Lending Act requires that every consumer loan agreement disclose the APR. Since all lenders must follow the same rules to ensure the accuracy of the APR, borrowers can use the APR as a good basis for comparing certain costs of loans.
  2. When comparing loan options, be sure you understand any differences between the terms. Be careful when comparing the APRs of adjustable-rate mortgage loans, as the APR does not reflect the maximum interest rate of the loan.
  3. Be cautious when comparing the APRs of fixed-rate loans with the APRs of adjustable-rate loans, or when comparing the APRs of different adjustable-rate loans.

In summary, the interest rate is the cost of borrowing the principal, while the APR includes additional fees and charges associated with the loan. Comparing the APRs of different loans can help you understand the total cost of borrowing, allowing you to make an informed decision when choosing a loan.

Comparative Table: APR vs Note Rate

The difference between APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and Note Rate lies in the costs they cover. Here is a table to illustrate the differences:

Term Explanation
APR The APR includes the interest rate plus any additional fees or expenses associated with the loan, such as origination fees, discount points, and other fees. It provides a more comprehensive view of the total cost of borrowing money.
Note Rate The Note Rate is the basic interest rate on your loan, calculated as a percentage of the loan balance at the time of closing. It does not include additional fees or expenses.

The main differences between APR and Note Rate are:

  1. The APR includes the interest rate and other fees associated with the loan, providing a more accurate picture of the total cost of borrowing money.
  2. The Note Rate is the basic interest rate on your loan, without considering additional fees or expenses.

When evaluating a loan, it is essential to consider both the APR and the Note Rate. The APR is a more accurate representation of the true cost of borrowing money, while the Note Rate is the basic interest rate you will pay on the loan. Remember that the APR will always be higher than the Note Rate, as it includes additional fees and expenses.