Compare up to 4 loan offers side-by-side to find the best deal
When shopping for a loan, comparing multiple offers is essential to finding the best deal. This calculator helps you evaluate up to four loan options side-by-side, showing you the monthly payment, total interest paid, and total cost over the life of each loan.
Mortgage Shopping: Compare offers from 3-4 lenders. A 0.5% rate difference on a $300,000 mortgage saves over $30,000 in interest over 30 years.
Auto Loans: Dealer financing vs. bank/credit union loans. Dealers may offer promotional rates but check the fine print.
Student Loan Refinancing: Compare your current federal loan terms against private refinancing offers. Consider losing federal protections like income-driven repayment.
Personal Loans: Rates vary widely based on credit score. Shop around and don't just accept the first offer.
Many borrowers focus solely on monthly payment, but the interest rate dramatically affects your total cost. For example, on a $300,000 30-year mortgage:
That's a $69,516 difference between the highest and lowest rate – more than the down payment on many homes!
Shorter loan terms have higher monthly payments but save significantly on interest. A 15-year mortgage typically has a rate 0.5-0.75% lower than a 30-year, plus you pay off the loan in half the time. However, the monthly payment is about 50% higher, so balance your cash flow needs with long-term savings.
Refinancing makes sense when:
Use this calculator to compare your current loan against refinancing offers. Factor in closing costs – typically 2-5% of the loan amount – to determine your breakeven point.
Watch out for:
Enter the loan amount, interest rate, and term for each loan offer you're considering. The calculator shows monthly payment, total interest, and total cost side-by-side. The "best" loan depends on your priorities – lowest monthly payment, lowest total cost, or a balance between the two.
Remember: A loan is a long-term financial commitment. Take your time, compare multiple offers, read the fine print, and choose the option that best fits your financial situation and goals.
Enter the loan amount, interest rate, and term for each loan you're considering. The calculator will show monthly payment, total interest, and total cost side-by-side so you can easily compare and choose the best option.
The lowest total cost is usually better in the long run. A longer loan term may have a lower monthly payment but costs significantly more in interest over time. Balance your budget needs with long-term savings.
Yes! This calculator works for any loan type: mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, student loans, or business loans. Just enter the terms for each offer to compare them side-by-side.
Even a 0.5% difference in interest rate can save thousands over a loan's lifetime. For a $300,000 30-year mortgage, a 0.5% rate difference saves over $30,000 in total interest.
Shorter terms save significantly on interest but have higher monthly payments. Choose based on your budget and financial goals. A 15-year mortgage can save over $100,000 in interest compared to a 30-year mortgage.
APR (Annual Percentage Rate) includes the interest rate plus fees and other loan costs. It's a better measure of the true cost of borrowing. Always compare APRs, not just interest rates.
Compare at least 3-4 offers from different lenders. Apply within a 14-45 day window (depending on the credit bureau) to have multiple inquiries count as a single hit to your credit score.
Refinancing is typically worth it when you can reduce your rate by 0.75% or more, or when your credit has improved significantly. Calculate your breakeven point by dividing closing costs by monthly savings.