Frequently Asked Questions

Why are basis points important in the context of loans?

Basis points are crucial in the context of loans due to their significant impact on the cost of borrowing. Essentially, a basis point is one one-hundredth of a percent, or .01 percent. This might seem like a small figure, but when applied to large loan amounts, the difference can be substantial. For instance, if you're seeking a business loan, lenders might use basis points to determine the fees on your loan or to lock in a specific interest rate. This could also apply to other types of loans such as car loans, credit card loans, or student loans. To illustrate the importance of basis points, consider a scenario where you borrow $100,000 to expand your business. If your interest rate is 6 percent under certain conditions, your monthly payment would be $1,110.21, with total payments amounting to $133,224.60, and total interest being $33,224.60. However, if you don't agree to those conditions, your rate could increase to 6.25 percent. This would raise your monthly payment to $1,122.80, total payments to $134,736.12, and total interest to $34,736.12.