Capped rate Your payments are variable and often linked to a base rate, but
fixed not to go above a set level (the 'ceiling' or 'cap') during the period of the
deal. At the end of the period, you are usually charged the lender's standard
variable rate. Changes in the Bank of England’s interest rate may influence the
lender’s rate. The impact depends on if it’s tracking a base rate or not.
Collared rate May be used in combination with a capped rate or a tracker (or
both). Your payments are variable but will not fall below a set level (the
'collar').
Interest rate types
Mortgages
Payment methods
Standard variable rate Your payments move up or down at the lender's
discretion. Their decision may be influenced by changes in the Bank of
England’s interest rate.
Tracker rate A variable rate loan with an interest rate that's equal to or a set
amount above or below the Bank of England or some other base rate. It tracks
(moves up or down with) that rate. Other base rates may still be influenced by
changes in the Bank of England’s rate. At the end of the deal period, the lender
usually charges you its standard variable rate.
Discounted interest rate Your monthly payments can go up or down, but you get a discount on the
lender's standard variable rate for a set period of time. At the end of the deal, you usually change
over to the full standard variable rate.
Fixed interest rate Your payments are set at a certain level for an agreed period. At the end of
that period, they'll usually switch you to the standard variable rate.