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Definition · Glossary

Interest

Personal LoansLoan Types & Lenders
In plain English

Interest is the cost of borrowing money, expressed either as a regular payment or as a percentage rate. When you borrow, you repay the original amount (the principal) plus interest.

Example

Borrowing £1,000 at 10% interest per year means you owe £100 in interest after 12 months, before any principal repayment.

Don't get caught out
Common misunderstandings
  • Interest is charged on the outstanding balance — as you repay the principal, the interest charged reduces.
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