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When it comes to taking out a loan, transparency is everything, especially when repayment is tied directly to your paycheck. Payroll-linked loans offer a simple and responsible way to borrow, but you may want to know exactly how to calculate your loan repayment and what you have left to spend after you’ve paid it.

Whether you’re planning ahead or already have a loan, understanding your repayment structure can give you peace of mind, and help you take control of your financial future. Here’s a simple breakdown.

1. Understand Your Loan Terms

When learning how to calculate payroll-linked loan repayments, before jumping into calculations, gather the basics of your loan:

  • Loan amount
  • Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
  • Origination fee (if any)
  • Loan term (in months or pay periods)
  • Your payroll frequency (weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly)

Salarly is a payroll-linked loan company with capped interest at 29.99%. We offer transparent terms with no hidden fees. Your loan terms are clearly outlined in your agreement and available via your loan portal anytime.

2. Convert APR to Payroll Frequency

Most loan calculators show monthly payments, but with payroll-linked loans, repayments are deducted every time you’re paid. For how to calculate payroll-linked loan repayment:

Let’s say you’re paid biweekly (every two weeks). That means you’ll make 26 payments a year, not 12.

To convert your APR to a biweekly rate, use this formula:

Biweekly interest rate = (1 + APR) ^ (1/26) - 1
For example: Biweekly interest rate = (1 + 0.30)^(1/26) – 1 ≈ 0.0100 or 1.00%

You don’t have to solve this by hand, Salarly’s internal system does it for you. But it’s helpful to know how your rate is translated into a payroll-aligned structure.

3. Calculate the Cost of the Loan

If your loan includes an origination fee, add that to the amount you’ll repay.

Example:

  • Loan amount: $2,000
  • Origination fee: $25
  • Amount to repay = $2,000 + $25 = $2,025

Then, apply interest over the loan term based on your payroll frequency.

4. Estimate Your Payroll-Linked Repayment

You can use a loan repayment formula or an online loan calculator that allows for non-monthly frequencies. You don’t have to solve this by hand, Salarly’s internal system handles the math for you. This is part of our commitment to transparency and making sure you have all the information you need upfront before making a decision.

But here’s a general example of how to do it:

Let’s say:

  • Loan: $2,000
  • Origination Fee: $25
  • APR: 25%
  • Term: 12 months (26 biweekly payments)

Your total cost (including interest) might be around $2,255, depending on exact terms. Divide that by 26:

Estimated payroll deduction = $86.73 per paycheck

5. Calculate Your Disposable Income After Loan Repayment

Once you know your repayment amount, it’s important to figure out how much you’ll actually have left to spend or save after each paycheck. That’s your disposable income.

To calculate it, use Salarly’s PayCycle Freedom Calculator, which allows you to see how much cash you’ll have left after bills. It takes into consideration:
✅Your paycheck amount
✅ Fixed expenses (rent, utilities, subscriptions)
✅ Flexible expenses
✅ Any debt payments (including the loan repayment)

The PayCycle Freedom Calculator is the quickest way to get these results accurately, however, if you want to do it yourself this is a simplified version of how you can do it:

  1. Start with your net pay – This is what you receive after taxes and deductions (like insurance or retirement).
  2. Subtract your payroll-linked loan deduction – In the example above, that’s $86.73.
  3. What’s left is your disposable income – What you can spend on essentials (like rent, groceries, transportation) and non-essentials.

Example:

  • Biweekly net pay: $1,300
  • Loan repayment: $86.73

Disposable income = $1,213.27 per paycheck

Understanding this number helps you plan your spending wisely and avoid overcommitting. It also shows how a payroll-linked loan affects your cash flow in real-time.

6. Plan Your Budget with Confidence

Once you know your deduction amount, include it in your budget alongside other recurring expenses. A few tips:

  • Automate your savings before spending
  • Track net income (after loan deductions)

Why Payroll-Linked Loans Make Budgeting Easier

Because payments are made automatically with your paycheck, you don’t have to worry about late fees or remembering due dates. It’s a low-stress way to borrow and build credit, especially when used responsibly.

At Salarly, our goal is to help professionals take control of their finances. That starts with transparency, predictable payments, and support when you need it.

FAQs: How to Calculate Payroll-Linked Loan Repayments

How are payroll-linked loans calculated?
Your loan repayment is based on the loan amount, interest rate (APR), origination fee, and how often you’re paid. The repayment is then split evenly across each payroll cycle over the life of your loan.

Are payroll-linked loans better than traditional loans?
For many professionals, yes. Since repayments come directly from your paycheck, there’s no risk of forgetting a payment. They also offer fair terms, even for those with less-than-perfect credit. Salarly’s loans are capped at 29.99% APR with no prepayment penalties.

Can I pay off my loan early?
Yes. At Salarly, there are no prepayment penalties. You can pay off your loan at any time, and even make extra payments through your online portal.

How does Salarly determine my payroll frequency?
During your application, we verify your income and pay schedule. Whether you’re paid weekly, biweekly, or monthly, your repayment plan will match your real paycheck cycle.

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