App version: 0.1.0

What Is a Balloon Payment? How Does It Work?

What Is a Balloon Payment? How Does It Work?
Sheryl Nance-Nash
Sheryl Nance-NashUpdated January 11, 2023
Share this article:
Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.
A balloon payment is a payoff option on a loan that allows you to make a larger-than-usual lump sum payment at the end of the loan’s term. This, in turn, can lower your earlier payments.A balloon payment structure is sometimes offered on home mortgages, auto loans, and business loans. Is it a good deal for the borrower? Sometimes. However, balloon loans also come with some significant risks.Read on for a closer look at how balloon loans work, when you might consider getting one, along with alternative ways to reduce your loan payments.

What Is a Balloon Payment?

A balloon payment is just like its name suggests – it balloons, or inflates, at the end of the loan. With this set-up, you typically make regular (often monthly) payments over the term of the loan, then pay a significantly larger sum at the end of the loan’s term. Balloon payments are most commonly used for business loans, though they are also available on some auto loans and mortgages.

How Does a Balloon Payment Work?

A balloon payment loan works just like any other installment loan. The only difference is that the amount of the final payment is usually substantially higher than the previous payments. The balloon payment may simply be a weighted payment amount. In many cases, though, the installment payments go towards interest only and the balloon payment covers the entire principle. With this set-up, the interest you pay each month is typically a fixed amount, since the principal balance does not change.While balloon payments allow you to reduce the size of your regular loan payments, these loans tend to come with shorter terms than traditional installment loans, which means the final, large payment may be due after a few months or years. Balloon loans represent an increased risk to the lender (who must trust that you will come through in the end). As a result, they can be more difficult to qualify for than traditional loans. Typically, lenders will only offer a balloon payment to individuals and businesses with excellent credit, solid cash savings, and stable income streams. 

How Are Balloon Payments Used in Mortgage Loans?

A balloon mortgage allows you to get a lower monthly payment than you would with a traditional mortgage. For example, an interest-only mortgage loan is a type of balloon loan that allows you to defer paying down principal for five to 10 years and instead make interest-only payments.In some cases, borrowers will try to sell the home or refinance before the balloon payment deadline. But this approach isn’t without risk. If the value of your property goes down or you experience a job loss or other financial hardship, you may not be able to sell or refinance before the balloon payment comes due. If you can't make the payment, you risk losing your home to foreclosure.However, if you plan only to live in a home for a few years or you're planning to flip the property, a balloon mortgage might be worth considering. You could then use the proceeds from the sale of the home to make the balloon payment.

How Are Balloon Payments Used in Auto Loans?

Though not common, balloon payments are sometimes offered by auto lenders. Like other balloon loans, this type of auto financing allows you to pay less at the beginning, then make a much larger final payment.A balloon auto loan might be helpful for someone who has an urgent need to purchase a vehicle (perhaps to earn money) but may not have the current income to support higher monthly payments. Once the borrower has a steady income, they would be able to make the balloon payment.Just as with other types of balloon loans, however, this type of car loan comes with risks. If your income doesn’t increase, you may not be able to pay the lump sum when it comes due. If you skip your balloon payment, your lender could repossess your vehicle, send you to collections, or both. Either way, you risk damaging your credit, which could make it difficult for you to get financing in the future.

How Are Balloon Payments Used in Business Loans? 

A balloon business loan can be an attractive option to a business with short-term financial need or that is looking to purchase commercial real estate. It enables you to get the capital you need to grow your business while you wait for that big payday from a customer. For example, a balloon business loan might work better than other types of small business loans if you’re looking to purchase new office, warehouse, or retail space before selling your old space, since the delayed payment set-up can give you time to sell the old property.Of course, balloon loans pose the same risks to businesses as to consumers. If your company doesn't have a guaranteed source of income, it can be dicey to take on a loan that demands a large lump sum payment. While refinancing may be an option to get out of a balloon payment, there's no guarantee that a lender will grant you a new loan. If you’re unable to make your balloon payment, the lender may begin legal action to collect their money, which can include seizing business or personal assets. And they may report negative information to credit reporting agencies, causing damage to your business credit and possibly your personal credit as well.Recommended: Average Interest Rates on Business Loans 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Balloon Payments

As with all types of financing, balloon payments come with pros and cons. Here’s a look at how they stack up.
Advantages of Balloon PaymentsDisadvantages of Balloon Payments
Lower initial payments than you’d get with a traditional installment loanIf used to purchase an asset, you may build little to no equity despite regular payments
Frees up money you can put towards other uses Have to come up with high final payment
Can work well if you expect your income or revenues to increase over time Could lead to further debt or default

Advantages of Balloon Payments

One of the biggest advantages of balloon payments is the lower initial payment amounts. During the fixed period, monthly payments are generally smaller than they would be for a traditional installment loan, which could be helpful if you have limited income or annual business revenueSmaller upfront payment requirements can also allow you to borrow more than you would otherwise be able to manage. Also, if you own a business, the lower payments can free up capital for other uses that could pay off by the time the balloon payment is due. A delayed large payment could also mesh well if you expect your salary or business revenues to increase over time. 

Disadvantages of Balloon Payments

If you use a balloon loan to purchase an asset, such as a home or car, you may build little to no equity in that asset despite making consistent payments. This is especially true if your installment payments are interest only. Lack of equity can make it difficult to refinance the loan.  These loans also tend to be riskier than traditional loans – both for individuals and businesses. If you can’t come up with the balloon payment at the end, you may need to refinance, potentially at a higher annual percentage rate (APR). If you aren’t able to refinance, you could end up defaulting on the loan.

4 Ways to Get Rid of a Balloon Payment

If you aren’t ready to make a balloon payment when it comes due, you may have some options. Here are four ways to potentially get rid of a balloon payment.

1. Extend the Loan

If you need more time to come up with the balloon payment, you may be able to negotiate an extension with your lender. Similar to refinancing, an extension changes the terms of your original loan. With an extension, however, you typically don’t receive an entirely new deal. You’ll just be changing the date of the balloon payment. Keep in mind that there may be fees involved and you can typically only get a short-term extension.

2. Sell the Asset

If you used the balloon loan to buy an asset, such as a property or a car, you may be able to sell that asset to come up with the cash needed for the balloon payment.

3. Pay the Principal Upfront

One effective way to get rid of, or reduce, a balloon payment is to increase your installment payments so that they include some of (or more of) the principal. This can also lower your interest costs. Just check to make sure there aren’t any prepayment penalties or fees.

4. Refinancing the Loan

Another way to avoid making a balloon payment is to refinance the loan with a different lender before it’s due. You could then use the proceeds from the new loan to make the balloon payment. Moving forward, you would make payments on your new loan.

Balloon Payment vs Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)

You’re likely considering a balloon mortgage because you want the luxury of lower payments. However, you might be able to achieve a similar result with an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). With an ARM, you typically pay a predetermined APR for a period of one to five years. Usually, this rate is lower than what you would get with a comparable fixed-rate mortgage. Unlike balloon loans, though, the entire balance of an ARM doesn’t come due at once. Instead, the interest rate and payments adjust throughout the loan term. After the guaranteed rate period ends, the interest rate is re-calculated based on current market conditions, which means it could end up being higher or lower than the initial rate. Depending on the loan agreement, the APR may adjust multiple times over the course of the loan.An ARM can give you lower monthly payments, at least for the fixed period of the loan, but comes with risks. If interest rates rise, you’ll likely end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan than you would have if you had taken out a fixed rate mortgage. However, the lower initial monthly payment may be worth it if you’re stretching to afford the home and feel confident that your income is on the rise. Recommended: Fixed vs Variable Business Loan Rates 

Other Ways to Reduce Monthly Loan Payments

Getting a balloon payment is not the only way to lower your initial payments on a loan. Here are some other strategies you may want to consider.

Large Down Payment

The larger your down payment on a loan, the less you will need to borrow, and the less you borrow, generally the lower your monthly payment will be. A bigger down payment can also result in a lower APR, which could further lower your monthly payments.Recommended: Guide to Business Loan Down Payments 

Refinancing

You may be able to lower your payments on an existing loan by refinancing, which involves swapping your existing loan for a new one with more favorable terms. If you can get a new loan with a lower APR, your monthly payments will decrease, as will the total cost of your loan.

Longer Loan Term

Another way to pay less each month on a loan is to choose a longer term. If you already have a loan, you may be able to requalify for refinancing that extends your loan repayment term. Just be aware that a longer loan term means accumulating more interest charges over time. APRs on long-term loans can also be higher. As a result, this approach will typically increase the total cost of your loan.

The Takeaway

Balloon loans allow borrowers to have lower payments at the beginning of a loan in exchange for a larger – balloon – payment at the end of the loan's term.Whether you’re a consumer or a business owner, it's important to remember that balloon loans aren't actually more affordable — they simply spread the total cost out in a different way. If you’re interested in getting the best possible rate on a loan, it can be a good idea to shop around and compare different loan options from different lenders.  With Lantern by SoFi’s online lending tool, you can access multiple loan offers from small business lenders all in one plane and with just one short application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How exactly do balloon payments work?
What is an example of a balloon payment?
Are balloon payments a good idea generally?
Photo credit: iStock/skodonnell
LCSB1222006

About the Author

Sheryl Nance-Nash

Sheryl Nance-Nash

Sheryl Nance-Nash is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance, business, and travel. Her work has appeared in Money Magazine, Newsday, The New York Times, Business Insider, BBC.com, AARP the Magazine, ABCNews.com, Forbes.com, among others.
Share this article: