What is loan amortization

When you take a loan, whether it’s for a home, car, or any other purpose, the word “amortization” comes multiple times. But what does loan amortization really mean, and how does it impact your EMIs and loan repayment strategy? Let’s understand in detail.

Understanding Loan Amortization

Think of eating a mango – you can't eat it all at once, so you enjoy it slice by slice. Loan amortization works the same way. Instead of paying back the whole loan at once, you repay it in smaller, regular payments over time.

What Exactly is Loan Amortization?

In simple words, amortization is a repayment method where each EMI you pay covers two parts:

  1. Principal Amount: The actual amount you borrowed.

  2. Interest: The cost the lender charges for borrowing the money.

Over time, the portion of your EMI going towards the principal increases, while the interest portion decreases.

Key Point: In the beginning of your loan, most of your EMI payment goes towards interest. Over time, a bigger portion of your EMI starts paying off the actual loan amount (the principal).

How Does Loan Amortization Work?

Let’s get into the details. Suppose you borrow ₹50 lakhs to buy your dream home with an interest rate of 8% for 20 years. Your EMI might look like a constant figure every month, but behind the scenes, the composition of principal and interest keeps changing.

Breakdown with an Example

Here’s how it works in the first few years:

  • Year 1: You pay more interest because the loan amount is still large.

  • Year 10: The interest portion starts to decrease, and more of your EMI goes towards reducing the principal amount.

  • Year 20: By the end of the tenure, your payments mostly contribute to the principal, with little interest left.

Example Calculation: For a loan amount of ₹50 lakhs with a 20-year tenure at an 8% interest rate, your EMI would be around ₹41,822. In the first year, about ₹40,000 might go towards interest and only ₹1,822 to the principal. By the 10th year, more will contribute to the principal.

The Loan Amortization Schedule

A loan amortization schedule is a table that shows how each EMI is split between interest and principal throughout the loan term. It helps you see how your loan will be paid off over time.

Components of the Amortization Schedule:

  1. EMI Amount: The fixed monthly payment.

  2. Interest Paid: The interest portion of each EMI.

  3. Principal Paid: The principal portion of each EMI.

  4. Outstanding Loan Balance: The remaining loan amount after each EMI.

Example Schedule for ₹10 lakhs Loan at 10% Interest (5-Year Tenure)

Month EMI (₹) Disbursement Letter Month Month

Month

EMI (₹)

Interest (₹)

Principal (₹)

Outstanding Balance (₹)

1

21,247

8,333

12,914

9,87,086

2

21,247

8,226

13,021

9,74,065

3

21,247

8,117

13,130

9,60,935

60

21,247

177

21,070

0

An amortization schedule provides a clear view of how your loan is reducing over time.

Why is Loan Amortization Important?

Understanding loan amortization has several benefits:

1. Helps in Financial Planning

Knowing how much interest you pay in the early years helps you plan extra payments and manage your finances more effectively.

Consider making prepayments when possible to reduce the interest burden and shorten your loan tenure.

2. Tax Benefits Awareness

Home loan borrowers can claim tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act. Understanding amortization helps in calculating your eligible deductions.

3. Evaluating Loan Options

When comparing loans, an amortization schedule can help you decide which option has a lower overall cost.

Don’t just focus on the EMI. Look at the total interest paid over the tenure.

Factors That Affect Loan Amortization

  1. Interest Rate: Higher rates mean more interest paid over the loan term.
  2. Loan Tenure: A longer tenure reduces your EMI but increases the total interest paid.
  3. Loan Amount: A larger loan amount increases both EMI and total interest.

Calculating Loan Amortization

You can calculate loan amortization using formulas, but online calculators make it easier. Just enter the loan amount, interest rate, and tenure to get the schedule.

Amortization Formula

The formula to calculate EMI is:

EMI=P×r×(1+r) to the power n/ (1+r) to the power n −1

Where:

  • P = Principal loan amount
  • r = Monthly interest rate (annual rate divided by 12)
  • n = Number of EMIs

Summary

Aspect

Details

Definition

Repayment in equal installments over time

EMI Composition

Principal + Interest

Impact Over Time

Interest portion decreases, principal increases

Amortization Schedule

Detailed breakdown of each EMI

Importance

Financial planning, tax benefits, loan comparison

Prepayment Effect

Reduces interest burden and/or loan tenure

 

Conclusion

Loan amortization may seem complicated, but it's important for every borrower to understand. It affects how you repay your loan and helps with financial planning. Always check the amortization schedule before taking a loan and think about prepayment options to reduce interest costs. By understanding amortization, you can make better financial decisions.

How can EazyBankLoan help you in taking a loan?


We understand that getting a loan can be very stressful with confusing documents, unclear communication, and various other challenges. That is why we take care of your loan application process, saving you time and hassle by handling the paperwork and communicating with the loan providers.

 

Check the details at EazyBankLoan

 

Need help? Reach out at support@eazybankloan.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.What is the main advantage of loan amortization?

●The main advantage is the structured repayment plan, making it easier to manage your finances and budget for EMIs.

2.Can I reduce my loan tenure through prepayments?

●Yes, making prepayments can significantly reduce your loan tenure and save on interest.

3.How do I check my loan amortization schedule?

●You can get it from the lender easily.

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