A non-amortizing loan is a type of loan in which the principal of the loan is not reduced by regular payments over the loan duration. Instead, the entire loan balance is repaid as a lump sum at the end of the loan period. Interest-only and balloon payment loans are the most popular examples of non-amortizing loans.

Interest-only loans are a type of non-amortizing loan in which the borrower pays only the interest on the loan balance throughout the loan period. Monthly payments on an interest-only loan must be enough to cover the interest accruing on the remaining loan balance. When the loan term ends, however, the entire remaining loan balance must be paid in a lump sum.

Balloon payment loans are another type of non-amortizing loan. In this type of loan, the borrower pays lower regular payments over the loan period, but must also pay a large lump sum at the end of the loan term. The size and timing of the lump sum payment is negotiated with the lender at the time of loan origination and is known as a “balloon payment”.

Non-amortizing loans are attractive to some borrowers because they have lower monthly payments than traditional amortizing loans. By deferring most of the loan repayment until the end of the loan period, borrowers can use the additional cash flow for other purposes.

Non-amortizing loans are also attractive to some investors and lenders because they generally have higher interest rates than traditional amortizing loans, as the lender is taking on more risk by not receiving regular payments.

However, non-amortizing loans are not suitable for all borrowers. For example, borrowers may find it difficult to come up with the lump sum balance at the end of the loan period, either due to insufficient savings or simply because the balance has grown too large. As such, it is important for all borrowers to understand the terms of any loan before agreeing to it.