What characterizes a negative amortization loan?

A negative amortization loan is characterized by the principal balance increasing over time, which occurs when the monthly payments are not sufficient to cover the interest due. In such loans, especially in the early years, borrowers may find themselves making smaller payments that do not fully pay off the interest, resulting in unpaid interest being added to the principal loan amount. As a result, instead of the amount owed decreasing, it actually grows, leading to a scenario where the total loan balance increases.

This particular structure can often occur in loans with low initial payments or during periods where interest rates are rising, making it crucial for borrowers to understand the implications. The other options do not accurately describe the nature of a negative amortization loan. For instance, if the loan balance were to decline each month, that would represent a typical amortizing loan, while only making principal payments would imply no interest accumulation and not relate to the characteristics of negative amortization. Similarly, while private mortgage insurance might be included in certain loan structures, it is not specific to or a defining characteristic of negative amortization loans.