Compare two fee-inclusive loan scenarios
A lower advertised rate is only one part of a loan comparison. This tool places two principal-and-interest scenarios side by side using their loan amounts, rates, terms, upfront fees and monthly fees.
For a meaningful comparison, use the same amount and term unless you intentionally want to test different borrowing structures. Features such as offset accounts, redraw, portability and rate certainty may still matter beyond the displayed dollars.
How to read the results
Repayment including monthly fee combines the modelled loan repayment with that scenario’s entered monthly fee. Total interest is interest from the amortisation schedule, while Total cash cost adds principal, interest, upfront fees and monthly fees.
The headline difference is the difference between the two total cash costs. A lower calculated cost does not establish that a product is suitable, available, or better once features, eligibility and future rate changes are considered. Check that the fees are complete and that both scenarios describe comparable repayment types before relying on the comparison.
Worked example
Default Scenario A is $650,000 over 30 years at 6.34%, with a $600 upfront fee and $10 monthly fee. It shows a fee-inclusive monthly repayment of about $4,050, total interest of about $804,503 and total cash cost of about $1,458,703.
Default Scenario B uses 5.99%, a $1,200 upfront fee and $15 monthly fee. Its fee-inclusive repayment is about $3,908 and total cash cost about $1,408,044, so Scenario B is lower by about $50,659 under these fixed assumptions.
Assumptions and limitations
- Each scenario uses a constant interest rate for its entire term.
- The entered monthly fee is charged in every scheduled month and the upfront fee is charged once.
- Repayments are principal and interest and clear the loan within the entered term.
- Government charges, discharge costs, package fees, offset benefits and redraw effects are excluded unless entered as listed fees.
- Approval criteria, product availability and future pricing are not assessed.
Frequently asked questions
Does total cash cost include the amount borrowed?
Yes. It includes scheduled principal and interest payments plus the upfront and monthly fees entered.
Why compare the same term?
A shorter term can raise repayments while reducing interest, so matching terms helps isolate the rate and fee differences.
Are all loan features included?
No. The calculation covers only the inputs shown and does not value product features or future rate movements.
This calculator and supporting information provide general estimates only. They do not take account of every product rule, tax consequence or personal circumstance and are not financial, tax, credit or legal advice.