Loan origination fees: Everything you need to know

When you take out a loan, you may have to repay more than just the principal and interest. Some lenders also include an origination fee, an upfront fee to process a new loan application, including underwriting and verifying new borrowers.

While you don’t pay an origination fee directly, they can still add hundreds of dollars in extra costs to your loan. The exact amount of the fee you’ll pay depends on your credit health and overall financial profile. Do your research, compare loans with and without origination fees, prequalify with multiple lenders and run the numbers to minimize the impact of an origination fee.

What is a personal loan origination fee?

Also called an administration or application fee, an origination fee is a common charge when you borrow a personal loan. It is a percentage of your original loan amount and covers the costs of processing your application. If you can’t avoid an origination fee, you can pay it in one of two ways: roll the fee into your loan’s balance or take it out of the funds you receive.

Greg McBride, Bankrate’s chief financial analyst, says that having the fee taken out of the loan principal may be the only way some people can afford a personal loan. “For a lot of borrowers, it’s much more convenient to have it come out of the loan proceeds simply because they may be strapped for cash to begin with.”

How a loan origination fee works

Lenders set origination fees between 1 percent to 10 percent of the loan amount, though some bad credit lenders will charge an origination fee up to 12 percent. This means that if you borrow a $10,000 personal loan with an origination fee of 5 percent, you will receive $9,500 from your lender.

You can use this knowledge to your advantage when applying. If you know you will need exactly $10,000, for example, you can apply for a slightly larger amount. This way, you won’t have to worry about falling short of your actual funding goal. You can also have the fee tacked on to your loan amount, although this may mean paying interest on the fee in addition to the principal.

Unlike a late fee, you don’t pay the origination fee out of pocket. Instead, it is deducted from your loan before you receive it or added on to the total amount you borrow. If a lender tries to make you pay an origination fee before you receive your loan, it is a sign of a personal loan scam.

How are personal loan origination fees determined?

The amount you will pay in fees is determined by factors such as:

• Your credit score
• Your assets
• Your liabilities
• Your total income

Not all loans have origination fees, but don’t assume these offers are always the cheaper choice. If you’re considering a personal loan without an origination fee, pay close attention to the loan’s other costs.

Lenders still need to make money, so they may try to make their money back through higher interest rates or prepayment penalties instead. In some instances, a loan with an origination fee could still have a lower overall cost. Always use a personal loan calculator and compare lenders based on the annual percentage rate (APR), which includes any set fees you pay, to determine which lender has the better offer.

Is a loan origination fee worth it?

For lenders that charge origination fees, that cost is a required loan expense — though you may be able to negotiate a lower rate. However, origination fees are not always a deal-breaker. For instance, origination fees on a loan could mean a lower overall interest rate because lenders with no origination fees may raise their interest rates to make up the difference.

The origination fee is only one small part of determining your overall loan costs. Your credit score, type of loan and location may also play a role in how much you pay.

• Your credit score: Arguably the biggest factor that impacts loan rates is your credit score. Someone with a good credit score (670 and above) is more likely to receive a competitive interest rate than someone with bad credit.
• Loan type: Most personal loans are unsecured, fixed-rate loans, but there are some lenders that allow you to secure your loan with an asset, which could help you qualify for a lower APR.
• Your location: Loan rates vary based on where you live, although if you choose to work with a national bank or online lender, this may play less of a role in your cost.

An origination fee may be worth it if you aren’t able to qualify for a better rate elsewhere. If you do need to pay an origination fee, carefully compare the APR of each lender you qualify with to ensure you’re picking the best loan with the lowest overall cost.

How can you save on origination fees?

Origination fees are often attached to loans to help lenders make money. One of the best ways to save on an origination fee is to get estimates from lenders that don’t include them in their loans. Credit unions often have membership requirements to join, but they also typically don’t charge origination fees.

Another way to save on origination fees is to negotiate the amount owed. You may not be successful, but it can’t hurt to try. If a lender knows you may choose another option if the fee isn’t reduced or waived, it might be enough to get the fee adjusted.

How to compare loans with an origination fee

Comparing loans with an origination fee will help you save money over time and ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.

1. Get multiple quotes

As with any loan, it’s important to shop around to make sure you’re getting a good rate. Look at the best personal loan rates and find a lender that can provide what you need. Ask your loan provider if an origination fee is required, and review the full terms and conditions of your loan to avoid hidden costs.

2. Look at the APR

Your loan’s annual percentage rate (APR) is based on the interest rate, but it also accounts for other costs, including personal loan origination fees. When figuring out the total cost of repaying your loan, don’t include the origination fee on top of the APR. If you do, you’re probably estimating a higher cost than what you would pay.

For example, let’s say you compare personal loans from two lenders. Both offer 10 percent interest and a loan term of five years. However, the first loan offer has an origination fee of 3 percent, while the second comes with a fee of 5 percent. The interest rate stays the same for both loans, but the APR for the first loan will be significantly lower than that of the second.

3. Consider the length of your loan

In general, the shorter your loan term is, the lower your interest rate will be. However, shorter loans usually have higher monthly payments. If the origination fee is folded into the payment on top of the interest and principal, you might be more inclined to opt for a loan without an origination fee or one that takes the fee out of the loan amount in order to keep costs down.

Bottom line

Origination fees aren’t a guaranteed cost when you borrow a personal loan, but they are very common. If you don’t have excellent credit, it’s likely that the lenders you qualify for charge at least a small origination fee.

With an average personal loan rate sitting at over 12 percent, it is crucial to compare lenders by total cost. Use the loan’s APR, not its simple interest rate, when determining which option is best for you.