Borrowing costs: the true cost of lending

A loan is a flexible solution to many financial shortages. But how do loan costs actually break down? Most people think of costs only in terms of APR, which is highlighted in advertising. But this interest rate is only part of the true cost of a loan.

More and more consumers are falling victim to hidden fees and cost traps. A precise knowledge of the composition of the cost of credit is therefore essential. Because this is the only way to compare the offers of different lenders and to determine the actual amount of the credit costs.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the different types of loan fees that can be incurred when you take out a loan. This includes not only interest, but also processing fees, account management fees, late fees and early repayment fees. With this knowledge you are optimally prepared for the search for a suitable loan and can protect yourself from unpleasant surprises.

Read on to understand the true cost of lending.

The initial cost of taking out a loan

Anyone wishing to take out a loan must not only consider the monthly installments, but also the initial costs incurred when taking out the loan. These can vary in amount depending on the lender and type of loan.

The initial costs include, for example, processing fees, commissions for intermediaries or notary fees for the notarization of the loan agreement. The credit check can also be associated with costs if it is carried out by an external agency.

To compare the cost of borrowing, it is therefore important to look not only at the APR, but also at the initial costs. A loan with a low interest rate can be more expensive than a loan with a higher interest rate and lower initial costs due to high initial costs.

• Examples of initial costs may include:
• Processing fees
• Commissions for intermediaries
• Notary fees
• Credit check fees

Anyone wishing to take out a loan should therefore find out about the initial costs in advance and compare different offers in order to find the most favorable loan for themselves.

Overview of ongoing costs of loans

Loans are an important way of financing projects, purchases or investments. But in addition to interest, there are other costs that should be considered when taking out a loan. Ongoing costs of loans include:

• Account management fees
• Administrative costs
• Insurance costs
• Processing fees

The amount of these costs can vary greatly depending on the lender and type of loan. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the running costs when selecting a loan.

In the case of installment loans, the ongoing costs are often stated as the annual percentage rate of charge (APR). In addition to interest, this figure includes all other costs incurred as part of the loan. For construction financing, the ongoing costs are usually stated as a debit interest rate or nominal interest rate; in this case, the additional costs must be determined separately.

If you keep an eye on the running costs, you can save a lot of money when taking out a loan. Especially for long-term loans such as construction financing, even small differences in costs can be noticeable in the long run.

Credit costs at a glance: What are repayment costs?

When you take out a loan, you not only have to pay interest, but also other costs, which consist of various fees and charges. One of the most important types of loan costs is repayment costs. This term refers to all the fees and costs that you will incur in connection with the repayment of the loan.

Example: If you take out an installment loan, you not only have to pay the interest on the loan amount, but also the monthly installments, which consist of the repayment of the loan and the repayment costs.

Typical repayment fees include:

• Fees for credit administration and processing
• Processing fees
• Commissions for the credit broker
• Prepayment penalties for early repayment of the loan
• Default interest in case of late repayment

However, more and more credit institutions are waiving some of these repayment costs in order to attract customers. It is therefore worthwhile to compare the credit costs in detail to find the most favorable offers.

Additional costs when granting a loan

When taking out a loan, it is not only the interest rate and term that need to be considered, but also additional costs that are often overlooked. This includes, for example, processing fees, account management fees, costs for credit insurance, additional insurance or residual debt insurance.

Processing fees are often referred to as origination fees or premiums and usually consist of a percentage of the loan amount. Account maintenance fees are usually incurred monthly and should be taken into account when calculating the total costs.

• Costs for credit insurance may also apply.
• Additional insurance to cover repayment of the loan in the event of unemployment or illness is not always a good idea.
• Residual debt insurance can be useful in some cases, but should be carefully examined.

It is therefore very important to carefully examine and compare all costs before taking out a loan. Especially in the case of a long term, additional costs can have a significant impact on the total costs.

Comparing the different offers can help keep costs under control and find a good deal on a loan.

Comparing the cost of credit

Banks and credit card companies offer different credit cards, and each provider has its own terms and fees. Credit fees are made up of several factors, including the interest rate, annual fee, foreign use fees and cash withdrawal fees.

The interest rate is one of the most important factors in the cost of credit. It determines how much you will have to pay on your credit card debt if you do not repay it in full each month. Most credit cards have variable interest rates depending on the level of the prime rate.

The annual fee is another charge that applies to many credit cards. Some banks and credit card companies charge this fee every year, while other cards have a zero-fee strategy.

Other important costs that may be incurred when using credit cards include foreign transaction fees and cash withdrawal fees. If you use your credit card abroad, foreign transaction fees may apply. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, there may be additional fees that vary by bank or credit card company. It pays to check these fees in advance.

• Summary: When getting a credit card, focus on costs such as interest rate, annual fee, foreign transaction fees and cash withdrawal fees. Carefully comparing credit card offers can help determine the lowest borrowing costs, saving you money in the process.