Fixed vs floating interest rates: 8 key differences

3 min read Feb 9, 2024

Choosing a Home Loan can be a pivotal decision in your financial journey and among all the critical choices to make, is the type of interest rate you opt for, i.e. fixed rate or floating rate. This decision can significantly impact your repayment plan and overall financial planning.

Fixed interest rate loan

A fixed interest rate loan is a type of loan where the borrower pays a set interest rate that does not change for the duration of the loan agreement. This means that the borrower can anticipate the same interest expense each month, making it easier to manage budgets and plan for long-term financial commitments. Fixed interest rate loans offer stability and protection against fluctuating market conditions, providing a predictable financial environment for the repayment period.

Floating interest rate loan

A floating interest rate loan is a type of debt instrument where the applicable interest rate moves up and down with the market or an index. This means the interest rate, and consequently, the EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments), can fluctuate over the period of the loan. Like the RBI-set repo rate, a benchmark interest rate ties these loans. The loan rate adjusts with the benchmark's movement.

At the outset, floating rates, often lower than fixed rates, save on initial interest costs. However, they carry the risk of increasing over time, which can raise the cost of borrowing. This type of loan is prevalent in mortgage financing and is chosen by borrowers who are willing to take the risk of interest rate changes in exchange for the potential of a lower rate overall.

Difference between fixed vs floating interest rate loan

The core distinction between a fixed and floating interest rate lies in their response to the financial market. While fixed rates provide a shield against market volatility, floating rates move in tandem with market changes. This difference impacts the total interest paid over the loan period and influences the EMI amount.

Floating interest rates: Pros and cons

Understand the benefits and challenges of choosing an interest rate that varies with the market, offering potential savings but requiring adaptability.

Pros of floating interest rates:

• Potential for lower rates: Floating rates often start lower than fixed rates and can decrease further, potentially leading to significant savings over the loan term.
• Market adaptability: These rates adjust with market conditions, offering the possibility of reduced payments when market interest rates drop.
• Flexibility: Ideal for those who can manage fluctuating EMIs, offering more adaptability in a dynamic economic environment.
• Prepayment benefits: Typically, loans with floating rates come with fewer prepayment restrictions, allowing for greater flexibility in loan management.

Cons of floating interest rates:

• Uncertainty in repayments: Due to rate variability, EMIs can increase, making financial planning more challenging.
• Risk of higher rates: If market rates rise, borrowers face higher repayments, which can strain budgets.
• Requires financial vigilance: Borrowers must stay informed about market trends to anticipate changes in their repayment amounts.
• Complexity for first-time borrowers: Those new to borrowing might find managing the variability of floating rates more complex.

Fixed interest rates: Pros and cons

Discover the advantages and limitations of opting for a fixed interest rate, providing predictable repayments but potentially higher costs over time.

Pros of fixed interest rates:

• Stability in repayments: The interest rate remains constant, offering predictable and stable monthly payments.
• Ease of budgeting: Fixed rates simplify budget planning as your EMI remains the same throughout the loan tenure.
• Protection from rate hikes: Offers peace of mind as borrowers are not affected by rising market interest rates.
• Simplicity for new borrowers: Easier to understand and manage, especially for those new to loans and mortgages.

Cons of fixed interest rates:

• Higher initial rates: Generally, fixed rates are set higher than the initial floating rates.
• No benefit from rate drops: Borrowers miss out on potential savings if market interest rates decrease.
• Prepayment penalties: Fixed-rate loans often include prepayment penalties, limiting the flexibility to pay off the loan early.
• Less flexibility in refinancing: Refinancing to take advantage of lower market rates can be more challenging and costly.

Conclusion

Navigating through the choices of a fixed interest rate and floating interest rate for a Home Loan can seem daunting at first. However, understanding the nuances between a fixed interest rate vs floating interest rate can empower you to make a decision that aligns with your financial goals. Whether you lean towards the stability of a fixed rate vs floating rate or the potential cost-effectiveness of a floating rate and fixed rate, the decision ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and the economic environment.

If you're on the brink of making this pivotal decision, consider the Axis Bank Home Loan, which offers a comprehensive range of options catering to both fixed vs floating Home Loan preferences. Whether your preference lies with a fixed or floating rate, Axis Bank caters to your needs, making it a lender worth considering as you embark on the path to homeownership.

FAQ's

What is the difference between fixed vs floating interest rates?

The primary difference between fixed and floating interest rates is that fixed rates remain unchanged throughout the loan tenure, ensuring predictable repayments, while floating rates fluctuate with market trends, potentially offering lower rates but less predictability.

Is a fixed interest rate or a floating interest rate better?

Whether a fixed interest rate or floating interest rate is better depends on individual financial stability, market conditions, and tolerance for risk; fixed rates offer stability, while floating rates can adapt to potentially lower market rates.

When do customers prefer fixed Home Loan interest rate?

Customers often prefer a fixed Home Loan interest rate when they seek consistent repayment amounts without the uncertainty of market fluctuations, especially in a rising interest rate environment.

Why should you choose floating interest rates?

Choosing floating interest rates can be advantageous in a declining interest rate market, offering the potential for lower overall interest costs and flexibility to benefit from reduced rates.

Fixed or floating interest rate - which is better?

Deciding which is better - floating interest rate or fixed interest rate - hinges on personal financial goals, market predictions, and risk appetite; floating rates offer potential savings in a falling rate scenario, while fixed rates provide payment stability.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.