Loan Comparison Calculator Find the Lower-Cost Offer

Compare any two loan offers side by side — same amount, different rates and terms — to see which truly costs less.

Quick answer: The cheaper loan is not always the one with the lowest payment. Compare APR, term, fees, total interest, and payoff flexibility to find the lower all-in cost.

SWReviewed by SwitchWize Research Desk · Last reviewed July 17, 2026
Loan A Monthly Payment
$484
Loan A Monthly Payment
$484
Loan A Total Repaid + Fees
$23,212
Loan B Monthly Payment
$424
Loan B Total Repaid + Fees
$25,437
Total repayment plus upfront fees
Loan A Savings vs Loan B
$2,226
Diagnostic

Loan A savings versus Loan B are $2,226. A positive result favors Loan A; a negative result favors Loan B.

This comparison includes scheduled principal-and-interest payments plus the upfront lender fees entered above. It excludes late fees, optional products, and prepayment effects.

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What to do next

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Your action plan
  1. 1

    Compare the leading option against your current setup

    Compare two fixed-rate loan offers using entered contractual rates, terms, and lender fees with a signed all-in cost difference.

  2. 2

    Pressure-test one alternate scenario before deciding

    Assumptions change the answer, especially when rates, taxes, or timing matter.

  3. 3

    Use the linked guide or product page for the next step

    Turn the result into a prioritized action instead of treating it as a one-off number.

Compare loan offers

This is an educational estimate, not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Tax rules, rates, and eligibility change and depend on your full situation. Confirm with a qualified professional or the provider before acting.

Calculator action path

Turn this result into a decision

Every SwitchWize calculator connects to a product comparison, rate context, guidance, alerts, and Money Map.

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Reviewed Aug 23, 2026 · Methodology

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

Should I choose a lower payment or lower total cost?
A lower payment may help cash flow but can increase total cost through a longer term. Compare affordability and total cost, then verify prepayment terms and other conditions in each disclosure.
What is the difference between APR and interest rate?
The interest rate is the contractual rate used to calculate interest. APR is a standardized borrowing-cost measure that includes certain fees. This tool uses entered interest rates and separate fees; do not enter an APR as the rate and then add the same fees again.
Is the Loan Comparison Calculator — Find the Lower-Cost Offer free to use?
Yes. SwitchWize calculators are free, and you do not need an account to run scenarios or view the result.
Does using the Loan Comparison Calculator — Find the Lower-Cost Offer affect my credit score?
No. Using a calculator does not trigger a credit check. A credit impact can occur only if you apply directly with a lender, card issuer, or provider.
Are the results personalized financial advice?
No. Calculator outputs are educational estimates based on the inputs you enter. Review assumptions and confirm terms directly with providers before making a financial decision.
What should I do after seeing the result?
Use the recommendation module on this page to compare loan offers, or run Money Map to compare this loans & credit decision with your other opportunities.
How does SwitchWize choose related offers?
Related offers are matched by the calculator surface (loans) and ranked using SwitchWize data such as rate, fees, trust signals, product fit, and switching friction. Paid relationships do not change organic ranking order.
How fresh are the rates and offers shown?
Rate and offer data is reviewed on a recurring cadence and every offer module shows review context or links to the methodology and disclosure pages.
Where can I see the ranking methodology?
The SwitchWize methodology page explains how rate freshness, editorial review, affiliate disclosure, and category ranking factors work.
Can Money Map use this result?
Yes. Money Map is the broader diagnostic path: it compares savings, mortgage, cards, and debt so you can see whether this calculator result is your highest-impact next move.

Why This Matters

A lower payment does not mean a lower-cost loan. A longer term with a slightly lower rate can cost $3,000 more in total interest. This calculator shows total cost, not just monthly payment.

How to Use It

  1. 1Enter the amount financed
  2. 2Enter each contractual interest rate and term
  3. 3Add each offer’s upfront lender fees
  4. 4Compare like-for-like total repayment plus entered fees
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