Understand the True Cost of Borrowing
Compare interest, fees, net proceeds, and payment length before selecting an offer. Each guide covers a different decision or consumer question.
APR Explained Without the Fine Print
Learn why APR is more useful than a quoted monthly payment when comparing borrowing offers.
Comparing Two Repayment Plans
See how loan length changes monthly payments and total interest in a transparent illustrative comparison.
Origination Fees: The Amount You Receive vs. Owe
Understand why an origination fee may reduce the money deposited while leaving the full principal due.
Cost comparison: one-time fees versus installment interest
These examples use different structures to show why a dollar fee cannot be compared with an installment APR without considering time.
| Illustrative structure | Principal | Charge or interest | Total repayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-day single payment; $15 per $100 | $300 | $45 | $345 |
| 12-month installment; 24% nominal annual rate, no fees | $1,000 | $134.72 | $1,134.72 |
| 14-day single payment; $10 per $100 | $300 | $30 | $330 |
What this means: These are not equivalent borrowing periods. Compare APR, dollar cost, payment schedule, and total payments together.
Reference: CFPB consumer guidance. Figures are educational examples, not actual 89 Cash lender offers or guaranteed terms.