What type of loan is characterized by paying only interest during the term?

The type of loan that is characterized by paying only interest during the term is known as a straight term loan. In this lending structure, borrowers make periodic interest payments without reducing the principal amount borrowed until the term ends. This means that throughout the loan's duration, the borrower is not paying down the principal balance, making it an option for those who may anticipate being able to handle a lump-sum payment at the end of the loan term.

In contrast, other loan types, such as installment loans, generally involve both principal and interest payments made over a set period. A balloon loan consists of lower payments initially but requires a larger payment at the end, and a conventional loan might also involve regular payments of both principal and interest from the beginning of the loan term. Understanding these differences clarifies why a straight term loan uniquely fits the described characteristics of only paying interest during the loan term.