Free tools for US family loans
Family Loan Calculators & AFR Tools
Plan repayments, check current IRS AFR rates, find a minimum family-loan rate, estimate below-AFR interest and explore whether money is better treated as a gift or a documented loan.
Choose a calculatorStart with your question
Choose the right family loan tool
Each free tool answers a different question. Use one on its own, or compare all five before agreeing to lend or give money.
Family Loan Calculator
Calculate monthly, every-two-weeks or weekly repayments, total interest, payoff date and a full payment schedule. Compare 0%, the current AFR or a custom rate.
Calculate repayments 02 Check the IRS benchmarkApplicable Federal Rate (AFR) Rates
See the current month’s short-, mid- and long-term IRS rates and understand which term band generally applies to a fixed-term family loan.
View current AFR rates 03 Choose the right structureGift vs Loan
Compare the practical questions behind giving money and expecting repayment, including repayment intent, written terms, interest and gift-tax reporting.
Compare gift vs loan 04 Find the federal benchmarkMinimum Interest Rate for a Family Loan
Find the current IRS AFR for the loan term, compare repayments and answer the question: what is the minimum interest rate I should charge?
Find the minimum rate 05 Choose a fair family rateWhat Interest Should I Charge Friends or Family?
Compare 0%, the current AFR and a custom rate, including repayments, total interest and estimated below-AFR interest context.
Compare interest ratesQuick guide
Which family loan calculator should I use?
Start with the Family Loan Calculator to model the amount, interest rate, term and payment frequency.
Use the AFR Rates page to find the current IRS short-, mid- or long-term benchmark.
Use Gift vs Loan to work through whether repayment is genuinely expected and how the arrangement will be documented.
Use the Minimum Interest Rate calculator to identify the relevant AFR benchmark and model the resulting repayments.
Use the Friends and Family Interest Rate calculator to compare 0%, AFR and a proposed custom rate.
One clear starting point
Turn a family money conversation into a workable plan
Family loans can be flexible, but the numbers and expectations still need to make sense. These tools help you explore repayments, the federal tax benchmark, the interest to charge, below-AFR context and the gift-versus-loan question before you record the arrangement in Chipkie.
- Model repayments before anyone commits
- Find the relevant monthly AFR term band
- Clarify whether repayment is genuinely expected
- Compare 0%, AFR and a custom family-loan rate
- Carry the agreed loan into free Chipkie tracking
Common questions
Family loan calculator FAQs
What does a family loan calculator show?
It estimates repayments from the amount, annual interest rate, term and payment frequency. Chipkie’s US calculator also shows total interest, total repaid, payoff date, a full schedule and general AFR context.
Which Applicable Federal Rate applies to a family loan?
The IRS publishes AFRs monthly. For a fixed-term loan, the relevant rate generally depends on the month the loan is made, its term band and the compounding period used. Check the current AFR page for the latest table.
Can I make an interest-free loan to a family member?
You can agree to a 0% rate, but federal below-market-loan rules may impute interest or create gift-tax considerations. Compare the 0% scenario with the current AFR and consider qualified tax advice for your circumstances.
What is the difference between a gift and a family loan?
A gift does not carry a genuine expectation of repayment. A loan does. Written terms, a repayment schedule and the parties’ conduct can help show what was intended, while tax and legal treatment depends on the facts.
Does Chipkie lend money?
No. Chipkie is a SaaS tool that helps friends and family plan, document and track money they lend to each other. Free repayment tracking is available, with optional paid products where offered.
What is the minimum interest rate I should charge on a family loan?
For a US fixed-term loan, start with the Applicable Federal Rate for the month, term and compounding period. AFR is a federal tax benchmark rather than a universal state-law minimum or maximum.
What interest rate should I charge friends or family?
Compare the current AFR with 0% and the custom rate you are considering. Then weigh affordability, the loan term, opportunity cost, state rules and the payment schedule before agreeing on a rate.
From calculation to clarity
Ready to turn the numbers into a plan?
Set up and track a family loan for free. Add a written Chipkie Loan Contract only when the arrangement needs one.