As a numerical example of how interest rate and APR are different, let’s say that you’re obtaining a $20,000 personal loan with a three-year term, with an interest rate of 6.99%, and a $500 origination fee. The APR of your loan is 8.67% -- significantly higher than the stated interest rate. By comparing the loan's APR to its interest rate, you can learn how much of your costs will be interest charges, and how much will be other fees. For example, when you receive a loan estimate from a mortgage lender, the interest rate will be listed on the first page, under "Loan Terms," while the APR will be found on page three under "Comparisons." An APR is also a percentage, but it also includes all the costs of financing, including the fees and charges that you have to pay to get the loan. The APR for a given loan is typically higher than the mortgage interest rate. An APR is never used to calculate your monthly payment.