Decision guide
Biweekly vs Monthly Mortgage Payments
A biweekly payment plan splits the monthly payment into smaller amounts paid every two weeks. Because there are 26 biweekly payments in a year, the borrower effectively makes one extra monthly payment, which can shorten the loan and reduce interest.
Side by side
| Factor | Biweekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Payment frequency | Every two weeks | Once a month |
| Payment size | Smaller per payment | Larger per payment |
| Extra payments per year | Effectively one extra monthly payment | None unless you add one |
| Total interest | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Payoff speed | Usually faster | Standard term |
| Admin | More frequent payments; check lender fees | Simpler |
Choose Biweekly if…
- Your income is biweekly and the schedule matches your cash flow.
- You want to pay off the loan faster without a large extra payment.
- The lender offers a true biweekly plan without excessive fees.
Choose Monthly if…
- You prefer one simple payment per month.
- Your budget is tight and the smaller biweekly payments are harder to manage.
- The lender charges fees that erase the interest savings.
Run your own numbers
The comparison above is qualitative. Use the free calculators for your actual figures.
Common questions
- Does biweekly always save money?
- It can save interest because you make 26 half-payments, which equals 13 full monthly payments a year. The saving depends on the loan, rate and whether the lender applies the payments correctly.
- Can I just pay extra monthly instead?
- Yes. Making an extra principal payment once a year can produce a similar effect without changing the payment schedule. Confirm how the lender applies extra principal.
- Are there biweekly setup fees?
- Some third-party services charge setup or per-payment fees. Compare the fee with the interest saving before signing up.
More comparisons
General information only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules and rates change; confirm with the official source or a licensed professional. Last reviewed 2026-11-11.