What are Variable Rate Loans? A variable rate loan is a type of loan where the interest changes according to changes in market interest rates. Unlike a fixed-rate loan, where borrowers pay a constant interest rate, a variable rate loan comprises varying monthly or quarterly payments that change according to market interest rate changes. Lenders...
What are Secured vs Unsecured Loans? When planning to take out a personal loan, a borrower can choose between secured vs unsecured loans. When borrowing money from a bank, credit union, or other financial institution, an individual is essentially taking a loan. The bank has the discretion to decide whether to require the borrower to...
What is an Amortizing Loan? An amortizing loan is a type of credit that is repaid via periodic installment payments over the lifetime of a loan. Installments are typically monthly payments, but not always. Each periodic payment includes both a principal portion and an interest portion. Amortization refers to the reduction in loan principal outstanding....
What are Restrictive Covenants? Restrictive or negative covenants are a type of non-financial covenants that limit the borrower from engaging in a certain activity or keep it from exceeding a predetermined limit. They are called “negative” debt covenants because they impose restrictions or create certain boundaries for the borrower that it is not supposed to...
What is a Standby Fee? Standby fee is a term used in the banking industry to refer to the amount that a borrower pays to a lender to compensate for the lender’s commitment to lend funds. The borrower compensates the lender for guaranteeing a loan at a specific date in the future. In exchange, the...