goodcalcs
Loans & Credit · United States

Loan Comparison Calculator

Updated on 22 Oct 2026 · Checked by Aotob

On $20,000, loan A saves you $239 in total.

Loan A costs $3,705 in interest and fees, loan B $3,944.

Loan A costs less by

$239

Loan A a month$395.08
Loan A total cost$3,705
Loan B a month$385.73
Loan B total cost$3,944

Loan A costs less overall, but the other has the lower monthly payment.

Show the working

A: 395.08 × 60 − 20,000 + 0 = 3,705
B: 385.73 × 60 − 20,000 + 800 = 3,944

What people ask next

Side by side

Loan ALoan B
Rate6.9%5.9%
Term5 years5 years
Fees0800
Monthly payment395.08385.73
Total repaid23,70523,944
APR6.9%7.61%

Questions people ask

Should I compare by rate or total cost?

Total cost. A lower rate with high fees, or a longer term, can cost more overall.

Is a lower payment always better?

No. Stretching the term lowers the payment but adds interest. Choose the shortest term you can comfortably afford.

What else should I check?

Early repayment charges, whether the rate is fixed, and late payment fees.

Updated 22 Oct 2026Source: Standard financial maths (time value of money)Checked by AotobFees paid up front; fixed rates. Not financial advice.Report an issue