When taking out a loan, there are many aspects to consider. Inevitably, you will have interest on the borrowed amount, which can be simple interest or compounded interest. 

Compounded interest is compounded daily, monthly, or annually. When compounding occurs, the interest is added to the amount owed. It can provide lower interest rates, but it’s also riskier than simple interest.

In this article, you will learn what compound interest is, how compound interest works, and what the benefits and drawbacks of compound interest are.  

What is Mortgage Compound Interest?

A mortgage is a loan that typically applies to real estate where the home works as collateral if the payments cannot be met. It’s possible to have compounding interest on a mortgage. What does this factor mean in a mortgage loan?

Mortgage compound interest means additional interest has been added to the initial loan. The longer unpaid loans sit, the more interest will accrue. When compounding interest on mortgages, you pay interest on top of interest.

If you don’t want to deal with compound interest, most traditional loans offer simple interest. This version has a fixed rate and provides a set amount to be paid back ahead of time. You never pay interest on top of interest with simple interest.

 What’s the Formula for Compound Interest?

How do you figure out compound interest? If you want to estimate the compound interest you will face over the years, you can utilize a formula to approximate the amount. Everything you need to find the answer is included in the agreed-upon loan terms.

Here are the components needed to calculate compound interest:

If you know these, you’re ready to calculate the owed amount. Now, what’s the formula for compound interest?

Here’s the formula for calculating compound interest: CI = P (1+r/n) ^nt – P. To solve, plug the described information into the designated spots. Then, divide the rate by the number of times compounded and add it to one. 

Next, multiply the number of times the interest compounds annually by the tenure. Combine this number and the parenthetical number. Then, multiply this number by the principal.

Interested in learning more about interest on your home loan? Find a local Total Mortgage branch near you and schedule a meeting with one of your mortgage advisors.  

How Does Compound Interest Work?

How does compound interest work? What is compound interest on a loan, and what can you expect if you borrow money with this designation attached? 

As mentioned previously, compound interest is interest on interest. Let’s take the example of compound interest in a savings account.

If you put $1,000 in a savings account with $10 interest that compounds annually, you will have $1,100 after the first year. Next year, you’ll have $1,210 and so on. You gain an added interest of 10% of the amount every year, which grows exponentially over time.

Compound interest can compound in three frequencies:

Each offers varying benefits and disadvantages.

Compound interest has both benefits and drawbacks. In the case of savings, you have the potential to grow your account without additional work. In a loan, it means you have more money to pay off. 

Pros and Cons of Compound Interest

As with any loan, some pros and cons come with the choice to take on compound interest. It’s critical to be familiar with the positive and negative effects to make an informed choice. You want to commit to the option that will help you feel the most secure in your ability to pay off the debt in the future.

Let’s talk about what you can anticipate with compound interest. There are many benefits, but there are also some disadvantages.

Pros of Compound Interest

There are many positive aspects to choosing compound interest in a loan, which is why many people go with this option when borrowing money. Depending on your financial situation, it may be the best choice for your investment in the future.

Here are a few pros of compound interest:

These make it easy to say yes to this addition to a loan.

The most critical thing to note with compound interest is that the quicker you pay off the loan, the less of an impact the compound interest will have. If you can, it’s critical to increase the frequency of your payments with compound interest.

Cons of Compound Interest

Now, let’s discuss the drawbacks that come with compound interest on a loan. These make it worth pausing for a moment to think about the effects of the choice in the long term.

Here are a few cons of compound interest:

These can be difficult to handle as a borrower.

Many head into a loan with compound interest under the assumption that they will have little trouble paying for the debt. As time goes on, the number increases. There’s not much wiggle room to fall behind if you have compound interest attached to a loan.

Which compound interest is the best if you have to choose? Monthly compound interest often has a lower rate than annual options.

Explore Total Mortgage’s Loan Options

What type of loan is best for you? Let us help! Explore one of Total Mortgage’s many locations to find the ideal loan options for you. We’re here to help you feel confident in your decision. You can also apply for a loan online and get a free quote.