Borrower

The borrower is the individual or business applying for the loan. Borrowers are required to meet certain criteria, such as a minimum credit score, before they are eligible for approval.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

APR represents the total cost of borrowing, including interest and fees, expressed as an annual percentage. It provides borrowers with a clear understanding of the cost of a loan over a year. A higher APR indicates a more expensive loan.

Application Fee

This is a fee charged by lenders for processing a loan application. It covers the administrative costs of reviewing and processing the borrower’s request. Not all loan apps charge an application fee.

Hard Inquiry

A hard inquiry occurs when a lender checks a borrower’s credit report as part of the loan application process. This inquiry can affect the borrower’s credit score, and multiple hard inquiries within a short time may signal financial instability to potential...

Soft Inquiry

A soft inquiry happens when a borrower’s credit report is checked for reasons other than a loan application, such as for pre-approval offers or identity verification. Soft inquiries do not impact the borrower’s credit score.

Late Payment Fee

A late payment fee is a charge that a lender imposes when the borrower fails to make a scheduled payment on time. These fees can add up quickly and increase the total cost of the loan.