Money basics

The vocabulary: APR, APY, AER, interest, inflation and the rest.

Everything here is written for the Australia. Terminology, protection limits and regulators differ between markets, so a guide from another country will not transfer cleanly.

Answer
What Is a Comparison Rate?
Australian lenders must publish a comparison rate alongside the interest rate. It folds in fees — but it is calculated on a standard example, not on your loan.
Updated 25 August 2026 · 3 min read
Answer
What Is APR, and Does It Apply in Australia?
APR is a US and UK term. Australian lenders quote an interest rate and a comparison rate instead — here is how they line up.
Updated 25 August 2026 · 2 min read