What factor primarily determines the amount of interest paid on a loan?

The primary factor that determines the amount of interest paid on a loan is indeed the borrower's credit history. A strong credit history indicates to lenders that the borrower is responsible and likely to repay the loan on time, which can lead to lower interest rates. Conversely, a poor credit history suggests a higher risk to lenders, who may charge higher interest rates to compensate for the potential of default. This dynamic is crucial because it directly affects the cost of borrowing; a borrower with a higher credit score can secure loans at more favorable terms and ultimately pay less in interest over the life of the loan.

While factors like loan duration, loan amount, and type of collateral play roles in determining overall loan terms, they do not impact the interest rate as fundamentally as credit history does. Loan duration might influence the total interest paid over time, and collateral can secure a loan but does not directly affect the perceived risk associated with the borrower’s ability to repay. Therefore, understanding and maintaining a good credit history is essential for minimizing loan costs and securing favorable borrowing conditions.