Glossary

Default interest

Default interest is a higher rate a lender can apply once you breach the agreement — for example by missing payments — increasing the cost of arrears.

2 min read

Higher rateOn breach
Penalises defaultRaises the cost

Definition

Default interest is an elevated rate that kicks in when a borrower defaults — typically by missing payments or breaching a covenant. It compensates the lender for higher risk and encourages a swift cure. On business lending it must be a genuine estimate of loss rather than an unenforceable penalty, but it can still add materially to the cost of falling behind.

In plain terms

Fall behind and the meter can speed up: the rate on the debt rises just when you can least afford it.

Why it matters for your company

Contact your lender before you miss a payment — a planned arrangement beats triggering default interest. See grace period and arrears.

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