// by seankriegler.com

Personal Loan Calculator

Calculate monthly payments, total interest, and compare loan offers including fees

Once-off setup fee
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Monthly Payment
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Total + Fees
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Total Interest
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Total Fees
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True Cost of Loan
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Effective Rate

// True Cost

The advertised rate isn't the full picture. Add initiation fees, monthly service fees, and credit life insurance. The true cost can be 20-30% higher than interest alone.

// SA Regulations

In SA, the National Credit Act caps interest rates. Personal loans max: repo rate + 21% (unsecured). Initiation fees are capped at R1,207.50 + 10% of amount above R1,000.

// Shorter Terms

A shorter loan term means higher monthly payments but dramatically less interest. A 24-month term at 15% costs far less in total than 60 months at the same rate.

// Compare Offers

Always compare the total cost of credit (TCC), not just the monthly payment or interest rate. A lower rate with high fees can cost more than a higher rate with no fees.