How is the 'Term' of a loan defined?

The 'Term' of a loan refers specifically to the period of time during which the loan must be repaid, encompassing the entire duration from the initial borrowing until the last payment is made. This term can vary widely depending on the type of loan and the agreement between the lender and borrower, typically ranging from a few years to several decades. Understanding the term is crucial for borrowers, as it directly affects their monthly payment amounts and the total interest paid over the life of the loan.

In contrast, the interest rate applied to the loan pertains to the cost of borrowing, while third-party service fees relate to additional costs incurred during the loan process. The amount paid for principal only does not capture the full scope of the loan agreement, which includes interest and other terms. Thus, focusing on the time frame that defines when the obligations to repay the loan must occur clearly identifies how the term of the loan is categorized.