- Home
- Meet the Team
- Log In
- Contact
- Careers
- Search
- Search Results
- Branches & ATMs
- Rates
- Log In
- About MCU
- Join MCU
- Personal Banking
- Lending
- Credit Cards
- Lending Services
- Insurance
- Member Resources
- MCU Financials
- Forms and Disclosures
- Privacy Policy
- Automated Telephone Banking
- Order New Checks
- Privacy Notice
- Schedule an Appointment
Compound Interest
Interest calculated on the sum of a principal and accumulated interest from previous periods.
More Details
Compound interest is a type of interest that is calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest of previous periods. This means that the interest someone earns in a given period is added to their principal, so that the balance of their account grows. This process continues over time, so that the amount of interest you earn compounds, or grows, over time.
Example
If you deposit $100 into a savings account that earns an annual interest rate of 5%, at the end of the first year, you will have earned $5 in interest, for a total balance of $105.
In the second year, the interest will be calculated on the new balance of $105, rather than the original $100. This means that you will earn $5.25 in interest in the second year (5% of $105), for a total balance of $110.25.
Related Terms
Digital Banking
The use of electronic devices, such as computers and smartphones, to access and manage one's bank account and carry out financial transactions.
Education Savings Account (ESA)
A type of investment account designed to help families save for the future education expenses of a designated beneficiary.
Balance Transfer
A financial transaction in which an individual moves their outstanding credit card balance to a new card.