With an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), what are rate caps and how do they work?

There are three kinds of caps:

1. Initial adjustment cap. This cap says how much the interest rate can increase the first time it adjusts after the fixed-rate period expires. It’s common for this cap to be either two or five percent – meaning that at the first rate change, the new rate can’t be more than two (or five) percentage points higher than the initial rate during the fixed-rate period.

1. Subsequent adjustment cap. This cap says how much the interest rate can increase in the adjustment periods that follow. This cap is most commonly two percent, meaning that the new rate can’t be more than two percentage points higher than the previous rate.

1. Lifetime adjustment cap. This cap says how much the interest rate can increase in total, over the life of the loan. This cap is most commonly five percent, meaning that the rate can never be five percentage points higher than the initial rate. However, some lenders may have a higher cap.

Tip: Compare rate caps when comparing ARMs. Two different lenders may have the same initial interest rate but offer different rate caps. Even if you think you’ll move or refinance before the adjustable period starts, it’s a good idea to know how much your rate can change.

Ask the lender to calculate the highest payment you may ever have to pay on the loan you are considering. You can also find this information on your Truth-in-Lending disclosure, which lenders are required to provide you within three business days after you apply for a loan.

If you’re behind on your mortgage, or having a hard time making payments, you can call the CFPB at (855) 411-CFPB (2372) to be connected to a HUD-approved housing counselor today. You can also use the CFPB’s “Find a Counselor” tool to get a list of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved counseling agencies in your area.

If you have a problem with your mortgage, you can submit a complaint to the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).