Consumer credit Belgium : real cost, monthly payment & APR
Calculate the real cost of your consumer credit (car, renovation, personal loan): monthly payment, total interest and the impact of the term. Free and instant.
Your credit
≈ 4 years
Preferably enter the APR (annual percentage rate): it includes the costs and allows a fair comparison between lenders.
Enter the amount borrowed to estimate the cost of your credit.
Understanding the cost of consumer credit
Consumer credit, instalment loan, car loan, renovation financing, is repaid through constant monthly payments. Beyond the monthly payment, the real indicator is the total cost of credit: the sum of the interest you will pay over the whole term.
The APR: the only figure that matters for comparison
Two offers at the same "rate" can cost very differently depending on the fees. The APR (annual percentage rate) includes the interest and the mandatory costs: it is the legal comparison indicator. Enter your offer’s APR in the simulator for an estimate closest to the real cost.
A rate capped by law
In Belgium, consumer credit is regulated: legal maximum rates (set by royal decree and published by the FPS Economy) cap the APR depending on the type and amount of credit. A serious lender cannot exceed this cap, be wary of an offer that approaches or exceeds it.
Term: the trade-off between monthly payment and total cost
Extending the term reduces the monthly payment but increases the total interest cost; shortening it does the opposite. Vary the term in the simulator to visualise this trade-off and choose the balance that suits you.
For a property purchase, this is not the right tool: use our mortgage loan simulator, which accounts for the long term and borrowing capacity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the APR and the nominal rate?
The nominal rate (debit rate) is the interest rate alone. The APR (annual percentage rate) adds all the mandatory costs of the credit: it measures the real cost and lets you compare two offers on an identical basis. Always compare APRs, never nominal rates alone.
Is there a legal maximum rate in Belgium?
Yes. For consumer credit, the APR is capped by legal maximum rates set by royal decree (FPS Economy) and reviewed periodically, depending on the type and amount of credit. A lender cannot exceed this cap.
How do I reduce the cost of my credit?
Three levers: negotiate a lower APR, shorten the term (less interest in total, but a higher monthly payment), and borrow only what you need. At equal amount and term, comparing several lenders can save several hundred euros.
Is this different from a mortgage loan?
Yes. Consumer credit finances a good or project (car, renovation, personal) without mortgage collateral, over shorter terms. A mortgage loan finances real estate, with the property as collateral. For real estate, use our mortgage loan simulator instead.
Does the calculation include insurance and fees?
No. The tool calculates the capital + interest monthly payment from the rate you enter. Outstanding balance insurance or administrative fees add to the real cost, which is why reasoning in APR matters.
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