Mortgage Dictionary

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Rate Cap

A rate cap is a protective measure in some adjustable-rate mortgages . Rate caps set limits on the amount that interest rates may rise or fall. There are two types of rate caps:

  • Periodic caps set limits on the amount that interest rates may rise or fall during a specified time period, often annually.
  • Lifetime caps set limits on the amount that interest rates may rise or fall over the life of the loan.
See also:   Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)