APY vs APR What’s the Difference Between the Two, and why does it Matter?

Many people think that APY and APR are the same. But the reality is: It is not the case. People often use the terms APY and APR interchangeably. Both terms are used to calculate interest rates on investment or credit products. They also affect how much you will earn or pay if these are applied to your account balances.

In simple terms, Annual percentage yield (APY) takes compound interest into account, but Annual percentage rate (APR) does not. This means more frequently the interest compounds, the greater you will notice the difference between APR and APY.

Let’s dive more into the details.

How does APY Work?

APY stands for Annual Percentage Yield. It is the amount of interest individuals earn on a deposit or investment after a year which is indicated as a percentage of the initial investment. It is the perfect example of compounding interest, which means the interest you earn is reinvested, and this reinvested interest earns interest itself. It results in higher overall returns. APY is calculated using the formula –

APY = (1 + (interest rate/number of compounding periods)) ^compounding periods – 1.

Note: If you think of gaining returns from APY, ensure you hold the investment for a full year and reinvest the interest. If you withdraw the amount of interest or close the account before the completion of a year, you will get lower returns than the APY.

How does APR Work?

You pay back the original amount to someone whenever you borrow money, along with the interest rate. And this additional amount of interest rate depends on which type of loan you opt for and also depends on your financial situation. Other factors affecting the amount of interest are – credit score and length of the loan.

Why do APY and APR Matter?

Both APY and APR are important because they provide a more accurate picture of compounding. It impacts your finances over time. All in all, it helps you make informed decisions about your financial goals, investment, loans, and other financial products.

Basis of Differences

Let’s find out the differences between the APR and APY in detail.

Interest rate: APY gives you the cost you incur with a credit card or loan. Hence you want that cost to be as low as possible. While in APY, you check how much interest you can gain from a potential investment. Thus, it indicates that individuals want APY to be as high as possible.

Calculation: APY is the most accurate representation of the earning potential of an account. While APY is the amount that you owe. Both are calculated on interest rates.

Compounding: APR is charged on a loan or investment. And does not take the effect of compounding into account. For instance – If you borrow 1000 US Dollars at an APR of 10%, you will owe 1100 US Dollars at the end of the year. In comparison, APY is the total amount of interest you will earn or pay in a year. It clearly means that the effect of compounding is an important aspect of APY. So, if you invest 1000 US Dollars at an APY of 10%, you will earn 110 US Dollars amount of interest at the end of the year. It is different from the 100 US Dollars that you will earn with a simple interest rate of 10%. Some banking account services offer as high as 3.30% APY. Thus, choose wisely which scheme you want to opt for.

Businesses that benefit from high APY Accounts.

Real Estate Investors and Landlords: Real estate investors often have cash reserves. They use the same for down payments, renovations, or other expenses as far as their properties are concerned. Keeping the cash reserves in the APY account gets them more interest in growing their investment portfolio. Additionally, opening an APY account comes with many benefits, like no monthly fees, free online banking, etc. The investors can even earn additional income through an APY account which may help them greatly at the time of fluctuations.

Landlords can earn higher returns on their rental income if they deposit their funds into a high yield banking account like an APY savings account. It increases their overall earnings and provides them with a buffer against unexpected expenses.

Non-Profit Organizations: Non-Profit organizations can put their donor contributions to high APY savings accounts. In this way, they can earn more interest to let their funds grow more.

Freelancers or Self-Employed Individuals: Freelancers or self-employed people have irregular streams of income. And having cash reserves to cover expenses during slow periods is always advisable. They can deposit funds into an APY account. It is an excellent way to build a safety net for their business.

To Make a Long Story Short

It is essential to learn the concepts of APR and APY for the best benefit. Whether you are opting for a loan or credit card or want the best returns for your savings account, you should always know the meaning of the different rates quoted. Always keep APY in mind when thinking of opening a new savings account, as it will help you make the smartest financial choice.