Rate changes matter
Even a small difference in annual rate can materially change total interest over several years.
Money
Estimate the monthly payment, total amount repaid, and total interest for a fixed-rate loan.
Monthly payment
$0A lower monthly payment can look attractive, but a longer term may increase the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan.
For a standard fixed-rate amortizing loan, each payment covers interest and part of the principal. The payment stays constant while the interest portion gradually falls.
Even a small difference in annual rate can materially change total interest over several years.
Stretching a loan over more months often reduces the monthly payment while increasing total interest.
No. It estimates principal and interest only unless those costs are included in the loan amount.
Yes. At 0% interest the principal is simply divided by the number of monthly payments.