Go Together Loans

Personal Loan Referral and Education

Understanding APR and Loan Fees

Understand how APR and fees describe borrowing costs, and what to check in a provider's written disclosures.

  • ✓Free educational resource
  • ✓Not a lender
  • ✓Availability varies

APR, or annual percentage rate, is a way to express the yearly cost of borrowing that can include interest and certain fees. It can help compare credit products, but it does not answer every question about a loan. Check how the provider calculates and presents APR, and review the disclosures for the interest rate, fees, payment schedule, and total repayment. Compare figures for the same borrowing amount and repayment period where possible.

Fees may be charged in different ways. A fee could affect the amount you receive, the amount you owe, or the cost of maintaining or repaying an account. The names and treatment of charges can vary, so read the provider's contract and disclosures rather than relying on a label or summary. Ask when each charge applies, whether it is avoidable, and what happens if you pay late or change your repayment plans. A provider can explain its own terms; we cannot interpret a specific contract for you.

APR is useful as one comparison point, not a guarantee of what a particular person will pay or a substitute for reading all terms. Costs and product availability vary by provider, state, and profile. Go Together Loans is not a lender and does not set rates or fees. Take time to understand the complete cost before deciding.

Good to know

Understanding APR and Loan Fees — FAQs

General information only. Ask the lender about the terms of a specific offer.

+ Is APR the same as the interest rate?
No. APR can include interest and certain fees, while an interest rate describes the interest charged on borrowed money. Review both figures and the full disclosures.
+ Are all fees included in APR?
Not necessarily. How costs are treated can depend on the product and applicable rules. Check the provider's disclosures for each fee and ask how it affects what you receive or repay.

Information and resources

Understand the terms before you decide

Read the lender's complete disclosures. Availability and terms vary by state, lender and credit profile.