Interest Rate Floor Language

An interest rate floor is similar to an interest rate cap agreement.

Interest rate floor language.

Falling rates in what is already a low interest rate environment are bringing renewed attention to lender rate floors. An interest rate floor is an agreed upon rate in the lower range of rates associated with a floating rate loan product. An interest rate floor reduces the risk to the bank or other party receiving the interest. For example an adjustable rate mortgage may have an interest rate floor stating that the rate will not go below 3 5 even if the formula used to calculate the interest rate would have it do so.

The rate floor language added to the end of the definition typically says but if this rate is negative libor shall be zero for purposes of this credit agreement. Lenders have always quoted a floor or minimum rate on deals. Similarly an interest rate floor is a derivative contract in which the buyer receives payments at the end. The minimum interest rate that may be charged on a contract or agreement.

A zero floor is not an issue under an interest rate cap. An interest rate floor is an agreement between the seller or provider of the floor and an investor which guarantees that the investor s floating rate of return will not fall below a specified level over an agreed period of time. Hedge with interest rate caps instead of swaps. Choose fixed rate loans over floating rate loans with hedges.