Origination fee: Overview, definition, and example
What is an origination fee?
An origination fee is a charge that lenders impose on borrowers for processing a new loan or credit application. It covers the administrative costs associated with evaluating and underwriting the loan. The fee is typically expressed as a percentage of the total loan amount and is paid upfront, either at the time of loan approval or at the closing of the loan.
For example, if you take out a $10,000 loan with a 2% origination fee, you would be required to pay $200 as the origination fee.
Why is an origination fee important?
Origination fees are important because they represent the lender's cost for processing the loan application. For borrowers, it's an essential factor to consider when evaluating the overall cost of borrowing. Since this fee is often charged upfront, it increases the initial amount needed to secure a loan. Borrowers should factor in origination fees when calculating the total cost of a loan, as they can significantly affect the loan’s affordability.
For lenders, origination fees help offset administrative expenses and compensate for the time and resources spent in evaluating the borrower's creditworthiness.
Understanding origination fees through an example
Let’s say you apply for a personal loan of $5,000, and the lender charges an origination fee of 3%. This means you will have to pay $150 upfront in addition to the $5,000 loan amount. The lender might either deduct this fee from the total loan amount, meaning you only receive $4,850, or require you to pay the fee separately at closing.
In another example, if you’re taking out a mortgage for $200,000 with an origination fee of 1%, you would pay $2,000 as part of the loan process. This fee is typically added to the closing costs.
Example of an origination fee clause
Here’s how an origination fee clause might appear in a contract:
“The Borrower agrees to pay an origination fee of [Insert Percentage] of the loan amount, due at the time of loan closing. This fee covers the costs associated with processing and underwriting the loan.”
Conclusion
An origination fee is a one-time charge that borrowers pay to cover the lender’s costs for processing and underwriting a loan. While it can be a significant cost, it is often necessary for securing the loan and should be factored into the overall cost of borrowing. Borrowers should carefully consider origination fees, as they can affect the total amount paid over the life of the loan.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.