SoFi

Of all the details that come across your plate when you’re buying a home, one of the questions you might be asking is, “How does buying a house affect taxes?” The short answer? Buying a home could reduce your overall tax liability if you itemize deductions and pay a large amount of mortgage interest.

There are other conditions that need to be met, and it is possible that the amount of taxes you owe will stay the same. Of course, it’s always best to consult with a tax advisor for your individual situation.

To give you a general idea about how buying a home in 2023 affects taxes, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how tax breaks work, what you can deduct, what you can’t deduct and whether or not it will make sense to itemize deductions.

Does Buying a House Help With Taxes?

It’s possible that buying a house can help with taxes — but only for tax filers who itemize their deductions. In 2020, the most recent year with data available, more than 87% of Americans took the standard deduction rather than itemizing. This signals that it may be unlikely you’ll have enough deductions for itemizing to make sense. Of course, if it can reduce your taxes, it’s worth looking into.

You might also be wondering, “How does buying a house in cash affect taxes?” If you don’t have a mortgage, you’re not paying interest, so you’re not able to take the home mortgage interest deduction. But you’re still able to deduct property taxes if you itemize. Remember to consider this even if your property taxes are part of your mortgage payments.

How Do Homeowner Tax Breaks Work?

Tax breaks start as programs passed into law and funded by the U.S. Congress. However, it is up to individual homeowners to find and file the correct paperwork to take advantage of these tax breaks.

Tax breaks come to homeowners as either tax credits or tax deductions.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Programs

The Difference Between Tax Deductions and Tax Credits

The difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit is where it lies on IRS form 1040 and how much it reduces your final tax bill or refund. This will make more sense after we explain each.

Deductions On IRS Form 1040, deductions are compiled before being subtracted from your income. This is done before tax is calculated, so having deductions can reduce the overall amount of tax you owe. But because a deduction comes before tax is calculated, the reduction in tax liability is generally less than if the amount of tax owed was directly reduced by a credit (though this depends on the amount of each).

Credits Credits are subtracted from the amount of tax you owe. If you don’t owe tax but are instead receiving a tax refund, credits can increase the amount of money coming your way from the IRS. Generally speaking, credits put more money back in your pocket. You may have heard about a first-time homebuyer tax credit. A bill was introduced in 2021 that would have provided for this benefit, but as of June 2023 it had not passed into law.

Deductions are more common; however, with the revamp of the tax code in 2017 with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the standard deduction was increased substantially and fewer people find the need to itemize. Nevertheless, it’s probably a good idea to add “keep track of possible tax deductions” to your list of New Year’s financial resolutions.

What Are the Standard Deduction Amounts for 2023?

It’s important to know the standard deduction amounts so you know if taking the home mortgage loan interest deduction will make financial sense for you.

•   For single filers: $13,850

•   For head of household: $20,800

•   For married people filing jointly: $27,700

If the amount of mortgage interest you pay is far below the threshold for choosing the standard deduction, you may not be able to find enough deductions for itemizing to make sense. The increased standard deduction in 2017 made this especially true, but there are certain scenarios where you should still itemize deductions.

Recommended: What Is a Gift Tax Return and When Is It Due?

Who Should Itemize Deductions

You should itemize deductions if the amount of your deductions is more than the standard deduction. If you have any of the following situations, you may have enough qualified deductions for itemizing to make sense.

•   If you have large medical or dental expenses that are not paid for by an insurance company

•   If you paid a large amount of interest on your mortgage

•   If you donated large sums to charity

•   If you can claim a disaster or theft loss

•   If you cannot take the standard deduction

•   If you can qualify for large amounts of the “other itemized deductions” found on the IRS forms

It’s hard to say if your individual situation will make sense for itemizing deductions. It may be worth it to consult with a tax professional.

Which Home Expenses Are Tax Deductible?

When you’re looking for home expenses that are tax-deductible, the IRS defines it very narrowly. The costs that are deductible include:

•   State and local real estate property taxes up to $10,000

•   Home equity loan interest if you used the funds from a home equity loan on your property

•   Mortgage interest deduction up to defined limits:

◦   For loans taken out after December 15, 2017: You can deduct home mortgage interest on the first $750,000 of debt (for married couples filing jointly) or the first $375,000 of debt for a married person filing separately.

◦   For loans taken out prior to December 15, 2017: You can deduct home mortgage interest on the first $1,000,000 of debt (for married couples filing jointly) or the first $500,000 for separate filers.

Which Home Expenses Are Not Tax Deductible?

Most home expenses, unfortunately, are not tax deductible. These include things to budget for after buying a home. The IRS specifically outlines these living expenses that cannot be claimed as a deduction:

•   Utility expenses, like gas, water, electricity, garbage, sewer, internet, etc.

•   Home repairs

•   Insurance

•   Homeowners association or condo fees

•   Cost of domestic help

•   Down payment and earnest money

•   Closing costs

•   Depreciation

Potential tax deductions are one thing to factor into your financial considerations as you think about whether you are ready to buy a home, but they certainly aren’t what should be driving your decision to make a purchase.

How Much House Can You Afford Quiz

The Takeaway

It is possible for the amount of tax you owe to be lower after you become a homeowner — but only with certain conditions met. You’ll want to do the math and compare what your taxes will look like when you itemize deductions vs. when you take the standard deduction. That will be the best way to tell how buying a house will affect your taxes.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

What is the tax break for buying a house in 2023?

If you itemize deductions on your federal return, you can claim a deduction for your mortgage interest paid on a home bought in 2023, along with state and local taxes paid in 2023.

Will my tax return be higher if I bought a house?

While there are a lot of factors that go into a tax return, generally speaking, if the deductions that come from homeownership reduce your tax liability compared to previous years while all other factors remain the same, then you should owe less (or even get money back).

What are the major tax changes for 2023?

For tax years 2022 and beyond, you can no longer claim mortgage insurance premiums as a deduction. Beyond the tax deductions that come with homeownership, major changes to taxes for 2023 include reduced amounts to the child tax credit, earned income tax credit, and the child and dependent care credit.

---

Photo credit: iStock/marchmeena29

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

SOHL0423006

Read more

For most Americans, mortgages are a necessary part of life. Without them, we couldn’t afford the homes where we start a life and perhaps a family. To pay for that cost, you likely need a mortgage.

However, the cost of a mortgage goes well beyond the amount of the loan. There are both upfront and ongoing costs that will be a factor in the cost of the mortgage. In this article, we will look closer at a $400,000 mortgage and what the monthly cost might look like.

Total Cost of a $400K Mortgage

To determine the total cost of a $400,000 mortgage, we must consider more than just the $400K price tag. Upfront and ongoing costs are involved, which are factors in what you ultimately pay.

💡 Quick Tip: SoFi’s Lock and Look ⁺ feature allows you to lock in a low mortgage financing rate for up to 90 days while you search for the perfect place to call home.

Upfront Costs

There are several upfront costs related to your mortgage. Common upfront costs include:

•   Closing costs: From mortgage origination fees and application fees to home inspection and appraisal, you must pay closing costs upfront. These are generally equal to 3% to 6% of the home principal amount.

•   Down payment: Different mortgage types have different down payment requirements. However, depending on the mortgage type, you might be able to put as little as 3% down. First-time homebuyers can sometimes put less down.

•   Property taxes: You may have to pay at least some money toward property taxes at the outset. For example, you might be required to pay six months’ property taxes.

Long-Term Costs

Long-term costs will likely be the largest cost associated with your home purchase. Here are some long-term costs to consider:

•   Mortgage payments: This is the monthly payment against the loan that financed the home purchase.

•   Home maintenance: Homeowners often do work on their homes, from the purely aesthetic to the absolutely necessary. However, these projects can be costly.

•   Property taxes: In most states, you must pay property taxes to your state or municipality. Property taxes can run into the thousands per year.

•   Homeowners insurance: Homeowners insurance isn’t a huge expense, relatively speaking. But the average cost of Progressive’s homeowners policy is between $83 and $138 per month.

Estimated Monthly Payments on a $400K Mortgage

The monthly payment on a $400K mortgage won’t always be the same. Certain factors like the down payment, annual percentage rate (APR), and term will affect how much you pay per month.

For instance, suppose you have a fixed 30-year $400K mortgage at 5% APR. In this case, your monthly payment would be $2,147. If you have a fixed 15-year $400K mortgage at 4.5% APR, your monthly cost would be $3,059. Keep in mind that these estimates don’t include escrow costs. There are also different types of mortgages, such as fixed and adjustable-rate. Your loan repayment may vary significantly depending on the type.

Monthly Payment Breakdown by APR and Term

Certain factors affect how much you pay per month on your mortgage. The biggest factors are typically your APR and mortgage term. Generally, a higher APR increases your monthly payment, as does a shorter repayment term. Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment. Here are a few examples of how these calculations may vary depending on the APR and term:

Interest rate	15-year term	30-year term
3%	$2,762	$1,686
3.5%	$2,859	$1,796
4%	$2,958	$1,909
4.5%	$3,059	$2,026
5%	$3,163	$2,147
5.5%	$3,268	$2,271
6%	$3,375	$2,398
6.5%	$3,484	$2,528

How Much Interest Is Accrued on a $400K Mortgage?

As mentioned, the interest accrued on a $400,000 mortgage depends on several factors. However, the most important are the mortgage term and the APR. Generally, a shorter repayment term will result in higher monthly payments but less interest overall. For example, when comparing a 15-year vs. 30-year mortgage, we see that the 15-year mortgage results in less interest, despite higher monthly payments.

Fifteen-year mortgages often have lower APRs than 30-year mortgages as well. A lower APR also means you pay less interest. However, 15-year mortgages typically have much higher monthly payments than 30-year mortgages.


💡 Quick Tip: Generally, the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better loan terms you’ll be offered. One way to improve your ratio is to increase your income (hello, side hustle!). Another way is to consolidate your debt and lower your monthly debt payments.

$400K Mortgage Amortization Breakdown

Once approved for a fixed-rate mortgage, you typically pay the same amount each month. However, most of the money you pay will go toward interest in the first few years. Eventually, you can expect to pay more toward the principal than interest. For instance, here is an example of a 30-year $400,000 mortgage with a 6% APR:

Year	Beginning balance	Interest paid	Principal paid	Principal paid
1	$400,000.00	$23,866.38	$4,912.05	$395,087.95
2	$395,087.95	$23,563.41	$5,215.01	$389,872.94
3	$389,872.94	$23,241.76	$5,536.66	$384,336.28
4	$384,336.28	$22,900.27	$5,878.15	$378,458.13
5	$378,458.13	$22,537.72	$6,240.70	$372,217.43
6	$372,217.43	$22,152.81	$6,625.62	$365,591.81
7	$365,591.81	$21,744.16	$7,034.27	$358,557.54
8	$358,557.54	$21,310.30	$7,468.13	$351,089.42
9	$351,089.42	$20,849.68	$7,928.74	$343,160.67
10	$343,160.67	$20,360.65	$8,417.77	$334,742.90
11	$334,742.90	$19,841.46	$8,936.96	$325,805.94
12	$325,805.94	$19,290.25	$9,488.17	$316,317.76
13	$316,317.76	$18,705.04	$10,073.38	$306,244.38
14	$306,244.38	$18,083.74	$10,694.69	$295,549.69
15	$295,549.69	$17,424.11	$11,354.31	$284,195.38
16	$284,195.38	$16,723.80	$12,054.62	$272,140.76
17	$272,140.76	$15,980.30	$12,798.13	$259,342.63
18	$259,342.63	$15,190.94	$13,587.49	$245,755.14
19	$245,755.14	$14,352.89	$14,425.53	$231,329.61
20	$231,329.61	$13,463.16	$15,315.27	$216,014.34
21	$216,014.34	$12,518.55	$16,259.88	$199,754.47
22	$199,754.47	$11,515.67	$17,262.75	$182,491.71
23	$182,491.71	$10,450.94	$18,327.48	$164,164.23
24	$164,164.23	$9,320.54	$19,457.88	$144,706.35
25	$144,706.35	$8,120.42	$20,658.00	$124,048.35
26	$124,048.35	$6,846.28	$21,932.14	$102,116.21
27	$102,116.21	$5,493.56	$23,284.87	$78,831.34
28	$78,831.34	$4,057.40	$24,721.03	$54,110.31
29	$54,110.31	$2,532.66	$26,245.77	$27,864.55
30	$27,864.55	$913.88	$27,864.55	$0.00

What Is Required to Get a $400K Mortgage?

Getting a $400K mortgage usually requires sufficient income and a large enough down payment. The average down payment is 13%. If your income is on the low end, you might be able to make up for it with a larger down payment. Likewise, having a higher income may help if your down payment is small.

It may help to use a housing affordability calculator. This will give you a rough estimate of what you can afford based on your income, monthly expenses, and your down payment.

Your credit score can also be important when applying for a $400K mortgage. Credit scores help lenders determine how likely you are to repay your debts. Thus, a higher credit score can increase your approval odds. There is no definite rule, but a credit score of at least 620 can help when applying for a conventional loan. If you want to learn more about this process, there are mortgage resources that can help.

“If you have multiple debts, you want to make your minimum payments so you don’t hurt your credit score,” Kendall Meade, a Certified Financial Planner at SoFi said. “If you have cash left over after that, you should develop a strategy for which debts to pay off first,” she suggested.

How Much House Can You Afford Quiz

The Takeaway

Buying a home is the largest purchase most Americans make in their lifetime. Many costs come with buying a home, including upfront costs like a down payment and ongoing costs like monthly mortgage payments. Your mortgage payment is likely to be the largest monthly expense you have, and it can vary widely depending on the APR and mortgage term. On a $400,000 mortgage, the monthly payment could range from $1,600 to $2,600, as you can see above.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

How much house can I afford on a $120,000 salary?

How much house you can afford depends on several factors, and salary is just one of them. You must also consider your mortgage interest rate, down payment, and other debts. If you have $40,000 for a down payment, spend $3,500 per month (not including rent), and your APR is 4.5%, you can afford a home up to about $400,000.

How do you calculate monthly mortgage payments?

To calculate monthly mortgage payments, you must know the loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. The easiest way to calculate your payment is to plug these numbers into an online mortgage calculator.

What is the average total monthly mortgage payment?

The national median monthly mortgage payment in the United States is $1,964 as of February 2023, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

---

Photo credit: iStock/MihailDechev

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

⁺Lock and Look program: Terms and conditions apply. Applies to conventional purchase loans only. Rate will lock for 91 calendar days at the time of preapproval. An executed purchase contract is required within 60 days of your initial rate lock. If current market pricing improves by 0.25 percentage points or more from the original locked rate, you may request your loan officer to review your loan application to determine if you qualify for a one-time float down. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this offer at any time with or without notice to you.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

SOHL0323007

Read more

If you’re planning to buy a higher-priced home, you may be looking to finance your purchase with a jumbo loan. And you’re probably also wondering about the difference between a jumbo and a conventional loan.

A jumbo loan is necessary to purchase a home where the loan amount is above the conforming loan limit values set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Conforming loan limits change every year. For 2023, the limit for a single-unit property is $726,200 for most counties across the U.S. In high-cost areas, this amount increases to $1,089,300.

If you’re buying a home below this amount, you can finance with a traditional, conventional, conforming mortgage, or perhaps through one of several first-time home buyer programs. But if you need a mortgage that goes above the conforming loan limit, you’re going to be looking at a jumbo loan, so it’s time to get familiar with how to qualify and how the costs compare to other loans.

Recommended: The Cost of Living by State

What’s the Difference Between Jumbo and Conventional Loans?

Here’s a surprise: There isn’t really a difference between a jumbo and a conventional loan. Jumbo loans are conventional. “Conventional” simply means that a loan isn’t backed by a specific government agency such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Many people get tangled up in the terminology. While jumbo loans are conventional, they are not “conforming.” Though the terms conventional and conforming are often used interchangeably (and mistakenly), a conforming loan is one that falls within the FHFA limits, meaning the lender can sell it to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to increase its liquidity. (Again, in 2023, the amount is $726,200 for most areas in the U.S., but can go up to $1,089,300 for high cost of living areas. If you’re wondering about your specific region, have a look at the conforming loan levels by state.)

💡 Quick Tip: One answer to rising house prices is a jumbo loan. Apply for a jumbo loan online with SoFi, and you could finance up to $2.5 million with as little as 10% down. Get preapproved and you’ll be prepared to compete in a hot market.

A jumbo loan exceeds these limits and is, thus, non-conforming. So when you’re comparing jumbo loans against other loans, you’re really comparing non-conforming loans against conforming loans. Other differences that affect borrowers are summarized in the table below:

	Conforming Loan	Jumbo Non-conforming Loan
Loan amount	Below $726,200 for most areas, $1,089,300 for high-cost areas	Above $726,200 for most areas, above $1,089,300 for high-cost areas
Loan type	Fixed or variable rate	Fixed or variable rate
Down payment	Can be as low as 3%	Usually 10% or more
Credit score	660+	700+
Income requirements	Lower income requirements	Higher income requirements. For example, a payment on a $726,200 mortgage at 6.7% interest would be $4,969. In order for your payment to not exceed 28% of your monthly income (the margin of safety, you would need to make $17,746 per month or $212,952 per year.
Cash reserves or assets	Not required	6 to 12 months may be needed
How the loan is backed	Backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac	Not backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac

How to Qualify for a Jumbo Loan

Requirements for jumbo loans are more stringent than those for other types of loans. Because these types of mortgages can’t be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the lender takes on more risk should the borrower default.

These requirements include:

•   Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. You need plenty of income to qualify for a jumbo loan. Qualified mortgages require a DTI of 43% or lower.

•   High credit score. Lenders want to be sure you’ll repay the loan, especially since it’s a much larger amount. A credit score of 700 or above is recommended.

•   Assets. Lenders look for cash that can be used to pay the mortgage. To be safe, you may want to put aside enough money to cover the mortgage for 6 to 12 months.

What to Know About Jumbo Loan Mortgage Rates

Prospective jumbo loan borrowers often wonder, “Are jumbo loan rates higher than other loans?” Jumbo conventional loans don’t automatically have higher interest rates and can be competitive with conforming conventional loan interest rates. They fluctuate with market conditions. Sometimes, they’re even lower than conventional loan interest rates.

You may be able to check your jumbo loan rate with your lender before submitting a full application.

Jumbo Loan Closing Costs

With a larger loan amount, you can also expect jumbo loan closing costs to be higher. While many closing costs are fixed, there are others that are larger due to percentage-based compensation closing costs.

Should I Choose a Jumbo Mortgage?

If you have the option to choose between a jumbo loan vs. a conforming loan, (such as when you have enough money to reduce the principal loan amount so that it qualifies as a conforming loan), you’ll want to ask yourself if it’s worth it to put down the extra money to qualify for a conforming conventional loan. There are some specific scenarios where a jumbo loan vs. a conforming loan makes sense.

💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show the real estate agent proof that you’re preapproved for a mortgage. SoFi’s online application makes the process simple.

When to Choose a Jumbo Mortgage

Borrowers who should consider jumbo mortgages:

•   If you’re looking for a luxury home

•   If you’re buying a vacation home

•   If you live in a high-cost area

•   If you have a great credit score

•   If you have a strong DTI ratio

•   If you have plenty of income

When to Choose a Conventional Mortgage

Borrowers who should consider conventional mortgages:

•   If you have moderate income

•   If you’re looking for a moderately priced home

•   If the mortgage amount is below the conforming loan limits

•   If you need a down payment lower than 10%

•   If your cash reserves after your down payment will be limited

If you’re close to the conforming loan limits, you may also want to consider a piggyback mortgage. If you’re able to obtain a piggyback loan, you may be able to buy your home with a conventional, conforming mortgage instead of a jumbo loan.

How it works: A piggyback loan allows you to take a second loan to “piggyback” off the first mortgage with the purpose of lending you enough money to avoid a jumbo mortgage or the PMI that comes with a down payment less than 20%. It’s essentially a second mortgage, and you’ll be making a second payment to cover it.

The Takeaway

When it comes to whether or not to choose a jumbo loan, the decision may be made for you based on the price of the home you want to buy. Mortgages above the conforming loan limit need jumbo loan financing. If you want a conforming, conventional loan, you’ll need to get a mortgage below $726,200 for most areas in the U.S. and $1,089,300 for high cost of living areas.

When you’re ready to take the next step, consider what SoFi Home Loans have to offer. Jumbo loans are offered with competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, and down payments as low as 10%.

SoFi Mortgage Loans: We make the home loan process smart and simple.

FAQ

Are jumbo rates higher than a conventional mortgage?

Jumbo rates fluctuate with market conditions. They may be on par with rates of loans that fall within the limits for conforming loans set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (so-called conforming loans). Sometimes, they’re even lower.

What is the downside of a jumbo mortgage?

Possible downsides of a jumbo mortgage include requirements for a higher down payment, higher credit score, more cash reserves, and a higher monthly payment because of the higher home price.

Do jumbo loans have PMI?

Private mortgage insurance is not always required on jumbo loans. Whether or not PMI is needed will depend on your lender and the size of your down payment.

---

Photo credit: iStock/courtneyk

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOHL0423001

Read more

Whether you’re borrowing money from a lender or depositing money in a savings account, interest rates will play into your financial picture. And understanding exactly how they work is crucial to making the best possible decisions for your money.

Here’s the scoop.

Interest Rate Definition

Interest rate is the cost of borrowing or the payoff of saving. Specifically, it refers to the percentage of interest a lender charges for a loan as well as the percentage of interest earned on an interest-bearing account or security.

Interest rates change frequently, but the average personal loan interest rate is dependent on several factors, including the amount borrowed, credit history, and income, among others. A borrower with an excellent credit score and a dependable income, for instance, will likely be considered low risk and may be offered a lower interest rate. On the flip side, some vehicles like payday loans are considered riskier for lenders and tend to have higher interest rates.

Recommended: What Is a No-Interest Loan? A Personal Loan Guide

How Interest Rates Work

Whether you’re borrowing or saving money, the interest rate is applied to the balance during set periods of time called compounding periods.

For borrowers, this extra charge can add to outstanding debt. For savers, savings interest can be one way to earn money without much effort.

Let’s look at some specific examples.

You might take out a personal loan with an APR of 5.99%. That means you’ll pay an additional 5.99% of the loan balance each year in addition to the principal payments, which is paid to the lender for servicing the loan.

Or, if you hold a high-yield savings account that offers a 1% APY return, you can expect that account to grow by 1% of its balance each year.

Of course, the interest you might earn in a savings account is usually substantially lower than what you might earn on higher-risk investments.

And when it comes to any of the multiple uses of a personal loan, paying interest means you’re paying substantially more than you would if you were able to cover the expense out of pocket.

Fixed vs Variable Interest Rates

Lenders charge fixed or variable interest rates. What’s the difference between the two? Let’s take a look.

As the name suggests, fixed interest rates remain the same throughout a set period of time or the entire term of the loan. Fixed rates can be higher than variable rates. Borrowers who prefer more predictable payments — or are borrowing when interest rates are low — may decide to go with a fixed-rate loan.

Pros of Fixed Interest Rates	Cons of Fixed Interest Rates
Rates won’t increase	Fixed rates can be higher than variable rates
Predictable monthly payments	Borrowers would need to refinance to get a lower rate, which may involve paying more in fees
Consistent payment schedule can make budgeting easier	Borrowers won’t benefit if interest rates decrease

Variable interest rates change periodically, depending on changes in the market. This means the amount of your payments will vary. Generally speaking, variable-rate loans can be riskier for consumers, so they tend to have lower initial rates than fixed-rate loans. However, it’s important to note that when interest rates rise, so can the cost of borrowing. When borrowers decide to renegotiate from a variable-rate to a fixed-rate loan, they may face additional fees and a new loan length.

A variable-rate loan may be a good move for borrowers who plan to pay off the loan quickly or can take on the risk.

Pros of Variable Interest Rates	Cons of Variable Interest Rates
Monthly payments may go down when interest rates decrease	Interest rates fluctuate depending on changes in the market
Rates can be lower (at first) than fixed-rate loans	Repayment amounts can vary, which can make budgeting difficult
Borrowers may receive better introductory rates when taking out a loan	May face extra fees and extended payoff time if you renegotiate to a fixed-rate loan

Types of Interest

While all interest does one of two things — accrue as a result of saving money or in payment to the bank for a loan — it can be calculated and assessed in different ways. Here are a few common types of interest rates explained.

Simple Interest

Simple interest is interest that is calculated, simply, based on the balance of your account or loan. This is unlike compound interest, which is based on the principal balance (the original money you borrowed) as well as interest accrued over time.

Most mortgages and auto loans are calculated using simple interest. That means you won’t pay additional interest on any interest charged on the loan.

For example, let’s say a driver takes out a simple interest loan to pay for a new car. The loan amount is $31,500, and the annual interest rate on the loan is 4%. The term of the loan is five years. The driver will pay $580.12 per month. After five years, when the loan is satisfied, they will have paid a total of $34,807.23.

Compound Interest

Compound interest, on the other hand, means that interest is charged on not only the principal but also whatever interest accrues over the lifetime of that loan.

Say you take out an unsecured personal loan in the amount of $20,000 to pay for home remodeling. The loan is offered to you at an interest rate of 6.99% compounded monthly, and you must also pay an upfront fee of $500 for the loan. You’ll pay it back over the course of five years.

Over the course of those 60 payments, you’ll pay $3,755.78 in interest, not including the $500 extra you paid in fees. Each month, you’ll pay back some of the principal as well as the interest charged to you.

By the time you’re done with your home remodel, you’ll have paid $24,255.78 altogether, and that’s on a personal loan with a fairly low rate. In other words, you’ll have paid 20% more for the project than you would have if you’d funded it out of pocket.

Recommended: Simple Interest vs. Compound Interest

Amortized Interest

Amortizing loans are common in personal finance. If you have a home loan, auto loan, personal loan, or student loan, you likely have an amortizing loan.

Amortization is when a borrower makes monthly (usually equal) payments toward the loan principal and interest. Early payments largely go toward the calculated interest, while payments closer to the end of the loan term go more toward the principal.

The interest on an amortized loan is calculated based on the balance of the loan every time a payment is made. As you make more payments, the amount of interest you owe will decrease.

To see how payments are spread out over the life of the loan, borrowers can consult an amortization schedule. A mortgage calculator also shows amortization over time for a loan.

But here’s a look at a sample calculation:

Let’s say you take out a $200,000 mortgage over 10 years at a 5% fixed interest rate. Your monthly payments will be $2,121.31. Next, divide the interest rate by 12 equal monthly payments. That equals 0.4166% of interest per month. This means that in the first month of your loan, you’ll pay $833.33 toward interest and the remaining $1,287.98 toward your principal.

Now, how about the second month? To calculate what you’ll owe, deduct your monthly payment from the starting balance. (This will give you the “balance after payment” for the chart.) Be sure to add to the chart the $833.33 you paid in interest and the $1,287.98 you paid toward the principal. Repeat the calculation of monthly interest and principal breakdown for the rest of the chart, which includes 12 months of payments.

Date	Starting Balance	Interest	Principal	Balance after payment
July 2023	$200,000	$833.33	$1,287.98	$198,712.02
August 2023	$198,712.02	$827.97	$1,293.34	$197,418.68
September 2023	$197,418.68	$822.58	$1,298.73	$196,119.95
October 2023	$196,119.95	$817.17	$1,304.14	$194,815.80
November 2023	$194,815.80	$811.73	$1,309.58	$193,506.23
December 2023	$193,506.23	$806.28	$1,315.03	$192,191.19
January 2024	$192,191.19	$800.80	$1,320.51	$190,870.68
February 2024	$190,870.68	$795.29	$1,326.02	$189,544.66
March 2024	$189,544.66	$789.77	$1,331.54	$188,213.12
April 2024	$188,213.12	$784.22	$1,337.09	$186,876.03
May 2024	$186,876.03	$778.65	$1,342.66	$185,533.37
June 2024	$185,533.37	$773.06	$1,348.25	$184,185.12

Precomputed Interest

Loans that calculate interest on a pre-computed basis are less common than loans with either simple or compound interest. They’re also controversial and have been banned in some states. Precomputed interest has been banned nationally since 1992 for loans with terms longer than 61 months.

This method of computing interest is also known as the Rule of 78 and was originally based on a 12-month loan. The name is taken from adding up the numbers of the months in a year (or a 12-month loan), the sum of which is 78.

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 11 + 12 = 78

Interest is calculated ahead — precomputed — for each month and added to each month’s payment, giving more weight to interest in the beginning of the loan and tapering off until the end of the loan term. In the case of a 12-month loan, the first month’s interest would be 12/78 of the total interest, the second month’s interest would be 11/78 of the total interest, and so on.

Here’s an example: Let’s say a borrower takes out a personal loan with a 12-month term that will accrue $5,000 in interest charges. According to the Rule of 78, here’s what the borrower would pay in interest each month:

Month	Fraction of total interest charged	Monthly interest charge
1	12/78	$769
2	11/78	$705
3	10/78	$641
4	9/78	$577
5	8/78	$513
6	7/78	$449
7	6/78	$385
8	5/78	$321
9	4/78	$256
10	3/78	$192
11	2/78	$128
12	1/78	$64

A loan with precomputed interest has a greater effect on someone who plans to pay off their loan early than one who plans to make regular payments over the entire life of the loan.

APR vs APY

Whether compound or simple, interest rates are generally expressed as APR (Annual Percentage Rate) or APY (Annual Percentage Yield). These figures make it easier for borrowers to see what they can expect to pay or earn in interest over the course of an entire year of the loan or interest-bearing account’s lifetime.

However, APY takes compound interest into account, whereas usually APR does not — but on the other hand, APR takes into account various loan fees and other costs, which APY might skip.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)	APY (Annual Percentage Yield)
Expresses what you pay when you borrow money	Expresses what you earn on an interest-bearing account
Factors in base interest rate over the course of one year	Factors in base interest rate over the course of one year
Factors in fees and other loan costs	Does not factor in fees and other loan costs
Does not factor in compounding	Factors in compounding

Recommended: APY vs. Interest Rate: What’s the Difference?

How Are Interest Rates Determined?

Lenders use several factors to determine the interest rate on a personal loan, including details about your financial background and about the loan itself. What kind of financial questions can you expect?

When lenders talk about a borrower’s creditworthiness, they’re usually referring to elements of your financial background. This may include:

•   Your credit history

•   Your income and employment

•   How much debt you already have

•   Whether you have a cosigner

The loan terms can also affect the rate. For example, personal loan rates can be affected by:

•   The size of the loan

•   The duration of the loan

Loan term is something borrowers should be thinking about as well. A longer loan term might sound appealing because it makes each monthly payment lower. But it’s important to understand that a longer-term loan may cost you significantly more over time due to interest charges.


💡 Quick Tip: In a climate where interest rates are rising, you’re likely better off with a fixed interest rate than a variable rate, even though the variable rate is initially lower. On the flip side, if rates are falling, you may be better off with a variable interest rate.

Interest Rates and Discrimination

Generally speaking, the higher your credit score and income level, the easier it is to qualify for loans with better terms and lower interest rates — which, of course, can make it more difficult for people in lower socioeconomic positions to climb their way out.

Discriminatory lending has had a long history in the U.S. Before federal laws protecting against discrimination in lending practice, lenders would regularly base credit decisions on factors such as applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, and other group identifiers rather than their creditworthiness.

The practice of “redlining” was begun in the 1930s as a way to restrict federal funding for neighborhoods deemed risky by federal mortgage lenders. It persisted for decades, and the detrimental effects can still be felt today by residents of minority neighborhoods.

Since residents of redlined neighborhoods were excluded from approval for regular mortgage loans, they were forced to look for other financing options, which were often exploitive. If they could not find any lender willing to loan to them, they continued renting, unable to gain equity in homeownership.

The Takeaway

The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money — it’s a percentage of the total amount of the loan. It can also refer to the rate at which interest is earned on money in a savings account, certificate of deposit, or certain investments. The amount of interest you’ll pay is usually expressed using percentages, which will be listed as either APR (Annual Percentage Rate) or APY (Annual Percentage Yield), depending on which kind of financial product you’re talking about.

Lenders charge fixed or variable interest rates. Fixed interest rates remain unchanged for a set period of time or for the life of the loan, and may be a smart choice for borrowers who want a predictable payment schedule or are taking out a loan when interest rates are low. Variable interest rates can change depending on the market, which means the payment amount will vary. Though potentially riskier, these loans may offer lower initial rates. However, when interest rates rise, so can the cost of borrowing.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

FAQ

What is the definition of interest rate?

An interest rate is expressed as a percentage and is used to calculate how much interest you would pay on a loan in one year (APR), or how much you would earn on an interest-bearing account in one year (APY).

What is an example of an interest rate?

Simple, compound, or precomputed interest rates are types of interest rates commonly used.

What is the difference between interest and interest rate?

Interest is the money you’re charged when you take out a loan — or earn for leaving your money in a deposit account to grow. Interest rate is the percentage you’re being charged or are earning.

What happens when interest rates are high?

Interest rate increases tend to lead to higher interest rates on personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards. It can also mean costlier financing for borrowers.

Can you adjust the interest rate on a personal loan?

Possibly. One way to lower the interest rate on a personal loan is to refinance it with another lender.

---

Photo credit: iStock/Remitski

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOPL0723005

Read more

Attending community college is often a much more affordable choice than going to a four-year public or private university. Students and parents can save money both on tuition as well as travel and living expenses, especially if the student lives at home. This can translate into taking out smaller student loans and paying them off sooner after graduation.

Going to a community college also comes with other benefits. Here’s a closer look at why a college-bound student might consider choosing a community college.

What Is a Community College?

A community college, also known as a junior college or two-year college, provides a two-year course of study that either ends with an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree. Alternatively, it can provide the equivalent to the freshman and sophomore years of a four-year college, since credits can typically be transferred and used towards a bachelor’s degree.

Community colleges are located throughout the U.S. and come in varying sizes. You can find large community colleges with multiple campuses in urban and suburban areas, as well as small community colleges in rural settings.

Many community colleges also have technical and vocational programs with close links to local high schools, community groups, and employers.


💡 Quick Tip: Private student loans offer fixed or variable interest rates. So you can get a loan that fits your budget.

Benefits of Attending a Community College

Here’s a look at some of the advantages of going to a community college vs. a four-year college or university.

A Smoother Transition

The transition from high school to college can be challenging, but attending a community college can be easier for some people.

Community college classes are generally smaller and less intimidating. If you prefer smaller class sizes and not having to walk across a large campus daily with thousands (or tens of thousands) of students, then a community college may feel less overwhelming.

Transferring to a four-year college could also be easier for students who have taken classes from a community college.

If you are thinking about using community college as a stepping stone to a four-year school, you may want to find out if the school has a transfer relationship with any four-year colleges, and what GPA and grades are needed to successfully transfer.

If the school doesn’t have a relationship with a college you’re considering, you’ll want to make sure that the credits earned will count at that college.

Flexibility

One reason that many students opt for community college is the flexibility. You can typically take as many classes as you want, and it can vary from semester to semester.

Community colleges also give students the option to enroll when they want, unlike four-year universities, where you typically need to enroll by early fall.

Rolling admissions give students more flexibility in planning their studies, especially if they are working part time or need to save money to pay for tuition and books. The community college website will include key deadlines and requirements, such as transcripts from high school or another college, and any prerequisite classes.

The schedules at community colleges also tend to be more flexible, often allowing a student to work during the day and take classes in the evening.

A Possible Bachelor’s Degree

A growing number of states are allowing some community colleges to offer bachelor’s degree programs. This means students do not always have to transfer to another college after taking classes the first two years. While many of the degrees are focused on a particular industry or skill, community colleges are adding more degree options.

Obtaining a four-year degree at a community college could save a student the time of researching other universities and colleges, transferring credits, having to move, and potentially accruing more student loan debt.

Community colleges are updating the type of degrees offered to meet the needs of the workforce and often include ones in information management, nonprofit management, and health care.

Recommended: A Guide to Choosing the Right College Major

Price Tag

Community college tuition is typically significantly lower than tuition at public and private universities. Some states even offer free community college.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of tuition at an in-district community college is $3,400 per year. For out-of-state students, the average community college tuition is $8,210.

For comparison, yearly tuition at a public university averages $9,678 (for in-state students) and $27,091(for out-of-state students). The average student at a private college or university spends a total of $55,840 per academic year living on campus, $38,768 of it on tuition and fees.

Even if you don’t live at home while attending community college, you may be able to find housing that is less costly than living in a dorm or an off-campus apartment in a college town. Plus, taking classes at a nearby community college gives you the flexibility to work part time and earn some income you can use to cover your college expenses.


💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.

Financing a Community College Education

You can cover the cost of community college (and potentially two additional years at a traditional college after that) using a combination of savings, help from family, financial aid, and loans.

A great first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will let you know if you are eligible for financial aid, which includes grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans (which may be subsidized or unsubsidized).

You can also help pay for your community college tuition by working at a part- or full-time job while taking classes in the evenings.

If you still have gaps in funding, you may want to look into getting a private student loan. These are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and Public Service Loan forgiveness — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

---

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOIS0823028

Read more