How each repayment method works
Amortizing loan (equal monthly payments)
Most mortgages and car loans work this way. You pay the same amount every month: P × r × (1+r)ⁿ ÷ ((1+r)ⁿ − 1), where P is the loan amount, r is the monthly rate (annual rate ÷ 12) and n is the number of months. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Equal principal
The principal is split evenly across the term and interest is charged on the remaining balance. The first payment is the largest and each one after is smaller. Total interest is lower than an amortizing loan.
Interest-only (balloon)
You pay interest only and repay the full principal at maturity. Total interest equals loan amount × annual rate × years.
Example: 300,000 at 6.5% for 30 years
- Amortizing: 1,896.20 a month, total interest about 382,637
- Equal principal: 2,458.33 in the first month and falling, total interest about 293,314
- Interest-only: 1,625.00 a month, total interest 585,000