A balloon payment is a large lump-sum payment due at the end of a loan term — typically equal to the remaining principal balance — in a loan structure where monthly payments cover only interest or partial amortization.
In a balloon loan, the borrower makes smaller monthly payments (often interest-only or based on a longer amortization schedule than the actual term) and then pays the remaining principal balance in one large 'balloon' payment at maturity. Balloon loans are common in commercial real estate financing, some bridge loans, and certain small business term loans. Example structure: a $500,000 commercial loan amortized over 25 years but with a 7-year balloon. Monthly payments are calculated on a 25-year schedule (~$2,800/month at 6%), but at year 7, the remaining principal balance (~$430,000) is due in full. The borrower must either pay the balloon from proceeds (property sale, refinance, retained earnings) or refinance before maturity. Balloon payments carry refinance risk — at maturity, you must qualify for new financing at prevailing interest rates, which may be higher. They also create cash flow certainty risk if revenue doesn't support a large payoff or if refinancing is unavailable. The benefit is lower monthly payments during the term, preserving operating cash flow.
You must refinance the remaining balance before or at maturity. If refinancing is unavailable — due to deteriorated credit, property value decline, or tighter lending standards — you risk default and loss of the collateral. Always have a clear balloon exit strategy at origination: when will you sell, refinance, or pay from operations?
Yes, particularly in commercial real estate financing (5-7-10 year balloons are standard). For equipment loans and SBA loans, fully amortizing structures are more common. Merchant cash advances and some alternative term loans may also have balloon-like structures if they require a final lump-sum settlement.
An interest-only loan collects only interest payments during the term, with the entire principal due at maturity (making the balloon = original principal). A balloon loan may include partial amortization (principal + interest payments based on a longer schedule than the actual term), resulting in a balloon smaller than the original balance but still large relative to monthly payments.