Car Loan Glossary basics

Interest Vs Apr: what does it mean in Canadian car loans?

In Canadian car loans, the Interest Rate represents the core percentage charged on the principal amount borrowed, reflecting the cost of using the lender's money, typically calculated annually on the outstanding balance. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR), conversely, is a more comprehensive measure that includes this nominal interest rate plus any mandatory fees or charges directly associated with obtaining the loan, such as administration fees, loan origination costs, or certain required insurance premiums, expressed as a single annual percentage. Under provincial consumer protection legislation across Canada, like Ontario's Consumer Protection Act or Alberta's Fair Trading Act, lenders are legally mandated to disclose the APR clearly and prominently, ensuring transparency and enabling borrowers to compare the true cost of credit from different financial institutions. This distinction is paramount for Canadian consumers because while the interest rate dictates the immediate borrowing cost, the APR provides the full, all-inclusive picture of the total cost of borrowing over the loan's term, allowing for an accurate, apples-to-apples comparison between various loan offers. Especially in a dynamic market like 202
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