Fee vs rate calculator

    Higher fee, lower rate — or no fee, higher rate?

    Compare up to 5 mortgage products side-by-side. We factor in the remaining balance when your deal ends — not just the monthly payment — to give you the true total cost.

    Includes remaining balance No signup needed Instant comparison Under a minute
    You're comparingMortgage products — fees vs. rates over your fixed term

    Compare up to 5 mortgage products

    Lenders often let you pick a higher fee for a lower rate, or no fee with a higher rate. The right choice depends on your loan size and the length of the deal — we'll do the maths.

    How we calculate true total cost

    Monthly payments over your fixed term + the arrangement fee + the remaining mortgage balance when the deal ends. A lower rate pays off more capital, so it leaves you with less to remortgage — we capture that here.

    01

    Your mortgage

    Loan amount*
    The total amount you want to borrow.
    Fixed term*
    The length of the introductory deal.
    Mortgage term (years)*
    Total length of the mortgage.
    02

    The products you're comparing

    Product A
    Product B
    No signup · Anonymous · Free

    Things to keep in mind

    What this calculator covers — and what it doesn't.

    True total cost includes: Monthly payments over the fixed term, the arrangement fee paid upfront, and the remaining mortgage balance — calculated using your selected-year mortgage term.

    Other costs to factor in: Valuation fees, legal fees, and any early repayment charges if you switch before the fixed period ends. We don't include these here.

    Adding the fee to the loan: Most lenders let you add the arrangement fee to your mortgage balance, but you'll pay interest on it over the full term. This calculator assumes the fee is paid upfront.

    For guidance only. Please consult a mortgage advisor for personalised advice.

    Frequently asked questions

    Common questions about mortgage fees and rates.

    01Should I choose a lower rate with higher fees or higher rate with no fees?
    It depends on your loan amount, fixed term, and mortgage term. A lower rate means smaller monthly payments and — crucially — a lower remaining balance when the deal ends. Our calculator accounts for both effects, showing the true total cost so you can compare accurately.
    02What is the break-even loan amount?
    The break-even loan amount is where the true total cost of both products is identical. Above this amount, the lower-rate product (with its higher fee) saves money overall. Below it, the fee-free option is cheaper.
    03Why does the remaining balance matter?
    When your fixed deal ends, you still owe the remaining balance. A lower interest rate pays off more principal during the deal, leaving you with a smaller balance to remortgage. Ignoring this can lead to the wrong choice — especially for short fixed terms like 2 years.
    04Are mortgage arrangement fees worth paying?
    Mortgage arrangement fees can be worth paying if they secure a significantly lower interest rate, especially on larger loans. For example, on a £300,000 mortgage, a 0.3% rate difference saves roughly £50/month in payments and reduces your remaining balance by over £1,000 after 5 years.
    05Can I add the mortgage fee to my loan?
    Yes, most lenders allow you to add the arrangement fee to your mortgage balance. However, this means you'll pay interest on the fee over the full mortgage term, which increases the true cost. Our calculator shows the total cost assuming you pay the fee upfront.

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    Important: The information and tools provided on this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, you should seek independent financial advice to ensure your specific circumstances are fully taken into account before committing to any course of action.

    Rates and product terms can change at any time — always verify with the lender before applying. Our calculators provide estimates based on the inputs you give and modelling assumptions; actual lender decisions and figures may differ. Some content on this site, including property and area summaries, is generated with the help of AI and may contain errors — please verify anything material. We link to lender, broker and third-party websites we don't control and aren't responsible for their content.

    How we make money: Free for users. We earn a referral fee from brokers and lenders when you proceed — the amount varies by partner and products taken, and is never paid by you. What we earn never shapes what you see — we're focused on one thing: helping you save on your mortgage.

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