In AB, what should I know about accelerated payments for car loans?
In Alberta, opting for accelerated payments on your car loan is a highly effective strategy to significantly reduce the total interest paid and shorten your loan term. This typically means converting your standard monthly payment into a bi-weekly schedule, where you pay half your monthly amount every two weeks. Because there are 26 bi-weekly periods in a year, you effectively make one extra monthly payment annually compared to a standard 12-month schedule. For example, a $400 monthly payment becomes $200 paid 26 times, totaling $5200 per year instead of $4800. This consistent extra contribution directly targets the principal, leading to substantial interest savings over the life of the loan and allowing you to own your vehicle outright much sooner. This payment option is widely offered by lenders across Canada, including in Alberta, and is particularly advantageous in the current (2025) economic environment where minimizing borrowing costs remains a priority. By embracing accelerated payments, consumers gain significant financial benefits, enhancing their long-term financial health and achieving debt freedom faster.