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When you take out a loan or apply for a credit card, your lender will determine the annual percentage rate (APR) you'll pay. You may be offered a fixed rate or variable rate, or you may be able to choose between the two. A fixed-rate APR offers some advantages over a variable-rate APR, as well as a few disadvantages. Learning the differences can help you understand your interest charges and, in some cases, choose the option that's best for you.
What Is a Fixed APR?
APR, expressed as a percentage, is the rate you pay to borrow money. On a loan, the APR typically includes your interest rate and any fees or additional costs associated with taking out the loan. With a credit card, your interest rate and APR are the same.
A fixed APR is determined at the time of loan approval and typically doesn't change over the life of a loan. All federal student loans and fixed-rate mortgages have fixed APRs, as do many auto loans and personal loans. Some credit cards offer fixed rates, but to find a fixed-rate credit card, you'll probably have to look for an alternative to a major credit card issuer, such as a credit union.
Fixed rates on credit cards could change, but they must remain fixed for at least a year. If at some time a card's rate does change, the issuer or lender must provide 45 days' notice before the change occurs. In that case, the higher rate will likely only be applied to purchases or transactions made after the change.
Pros and Cons of Fixed APRs
Fixed APRs come with both advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- A fixed APR protects you from rising interest rates because it will stay the same even if market rates climb.
- You know exactly what your monthly payment will be, including all fees and other charges, for the life of the loan. (A credit card's fixed rate could change, but you must be given notice first.)
Cons
- You won't benefit if market rates decrease since the APR is fixed.
- Loans are generally less flexible under the terms of a fixed-rate agreement.
- You may pay more in interest over the life of the loan if market rates decrease over your loan term.
What Is a Variable APR?
Variable APRs change with indexed interest rates, such as the prime rate. If rates increase, so will your APR. Variable APRs may start out lower than on a fixed-rate loan, but can end up higher over time depending on market rates. You may find variable APRs on private student loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), personal loans and credit cards. Adjustable-rate mortgages always carry variable APRs.
With most credit cards, your APR will typically move up or down after a change to the prime rate. On some loans there are limits on how much and how often your rate can change, but it may go up or down every six to 12 months.
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Pros and Cons of Variable APRs
Just like fixed-rate APRs, variable-rate APRs have pros and cons to consider.
Pros
- Your loan payments may drop when interest rates fall.
- When you first take out your loan, the variable rate may be lower than a fixed-rate APR.
- You may qualify for upfront perks like a 0% introductory rate for a promotional period.
Cons
- Generally, if interest rates rise, so will your loan payments.
- Because of changing rates, you may find it more difficult to forecast a budget.
- If rates rise quickly, you may be at greater risk of missing payments or defaulting on your loan.
Which Is Better: Fixed or Variable APR?
With certain loans and credit cards, you may not have the choice of which type of APR you get. If you can choose between a fixed or variable APR, it's important to consider the specifics of each loan as well as your personal financial situation. Factors that can influence your decision, include:
- Risk tolerance: If you shudder at the thought of rising interest rates, choose a fixed-rate APR. On the other hand, if you have the disposable income to pay a little more each month if your monthly payment increases, you might choose a variable APR in the hope that rates (and your payment) will decrease.
- Current interest rates: If you think interest rates will continue to rise, you might lock into a fixed-APR loan, which can provide more stability over the loan term. However, if rates are on the decline, you might save money (at least in the short term) by choosing a variable APR.
- Peace of mind: A fixed APR doesn't usually change. That's good news if you're on a tight budget.
The Bottom Line
When comparing the terms on a credit card or loan, find out first if the product has a fixed or variable APR. If you're applying for a loan, use the APR calculator to determine the APR based on the interest rate, fees and terms.
To see how much you'll qualify for and to get the best APR possible on your loan, get your Experian credit report and FICO® Score☉ to see how you'll look to a lender—free.