Tool · Finance

Real APR Calculator

The nominal rate a loan advertises is almost never what you pay. Discover the real cost including fees and compare loans with the only honest figure: the APR.

The interest a loan advertises (nominal rate) is almost never what you actually pay. The APR includes fees and payment frequency, and it's the only honest figure for comparing. Enter the details and calculate the real cost.

Loan amount (€)Nominal annual rate (%)Term (years)Arrangement fee (%)Other fees and fixed costs (€)

Result

Estimated real APR8.76 %

Monthly payment€202.76

Total to repay€12,265.84

Total interest€2,165.84

Fees and costs€100.00

Total cost of credit€2,265.84

The estimated real APR includes the arrangement fee and fixed costs spread over the term. The payment is calculated using the nominal rate only. Your official APR may differ depending on costs not included here (linked insurance, etc.).

Educational, indicative tool. This is not financial advice or a credit offer. Calculations are approximate; the official APR of each contract is set by the lender and includes items this tool may not cover. Always verify the figures in the pre-contractual information before signing.

Nominal rate vs. APR: the difference that costs you money

The nominal rate is the "pure" interest of the loan, counting nothing else. It's the big, attractive figure in the ads. The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) also includes fees, costs and how often you pay, which is why it reflects the real cost. Two loans with the same nominal rate can have very different APRs if one charges an arrangement fee and the other doesn't.

The practical rule: to compare loans, always look at the APR, never the nominal rate. And be wary of offers that highlight a tiny nominal rate and hide the APR in the small print.

To better understand how fees erode your money over the long term, try our Compound Interest Simulator.