Loan Estimate vs Closing Disclosure: Side-by-Side Guide
The CFPB says comparing these two documents line by line is the single most important step you can take before closing. Use this interactive checklist to make sure nothing changed without your knowledge.
Loan Estimate vs Closing Disclosure: Side-by-Side Guide
Why This Comparison Matters
Federal law (the TRID rule, effective since 2015) requires your lender to deliver the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before your scheduled closing — specifically so you have time to compare it to the Loan Estimate you received when you applied.
The two documents are intentionally designed in the same format, page by page, so consumers can spot any changes. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) identifies this side-by-side comparison as the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from unexpected costs at closing.
The #1 consumer complaint about closing is not understanding how the final numbers differ from what was originally quoted — and feeling pressured to sign without enough time to review. This guide walks you through every field you should compare, explains the federal tolerance rules that limit how much fees can change, and tells you exactly what to do if something doesn't match.
Interactive Comparison Checklist
0/10 checked (0%)Place your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure side by side. For each field below, verify whether the CD matches the LE, then check it off. Tap any row for more detail.
Red Flags: What Should Make You Ask Questions
If you notice any of the following when comparing your LE to your CD, do not ignore them. These are warning signs that something may have changed improperly.
Any fee increased with no explanation
TRID tolerance rules exist specifically to prevent surprise fee increases. If a zero-tolerance fee went up at all, the lender must cure (refund) the difference. If a 10%-tolerance fee category exceeded the 10% threshold, the lender must also cure the excess.
New fees that were not on the Loan Estimate
Fees that appear on the CD but were not disclosed on the LE are treated as increases from zero — and they're subject to the same tolerance rules. A brand-new fee in a zero-tolerance category is an automatic violation.
Interest rate changed without a valid rate lock expiration
If you locked your rate and the lock has not expired, the rate on the CD must match your lock. If the lender claims the lock expired, request the rate lock confirmation showing the expiration date. Rate lock extensions are common and should have been discussed with you.
Loan term changed (e.g., 30 years became 25 years)
A change in loan term affects your monthly payment, total interest paid, and amortization schedule. This should never change without your explicit written agreement.
Different lender credits than originally quoted
If the lender promised credits to offset closing costs — especially in a 'no closing cost' mortgage — the exact credit amount should appear on the CD. A reduced credit means you pay more out of pocket than agreed.
Prepayment penalty appeared (or changed)
If the LE showed no prepayment penalty and the CD suddenly includes one, this is a significant change that triggers a new 3-day review period. Do not sign until this is resolved.
What to Do If Something Doesn't Match
Discrepancies don't necessarily mean something is wrong — but they always deserve an explanation. Follow these steps in order.
- 1
Contact your loan officer immediately
Call and email your loan officer (put it in writing). Identify each specific line item that differs from your Loan Estimate. Ask them to explain every change.
- 2
Request a written explanation of every change
Under TRID, lenders must document the reason for any changed circumstance that caused fee increases. Verbal explanations are not enough — get it in writing so you have a record.
- 3
Know your right to delay closing
You are never required to close on the originally scheduled date if there are unresolved discrepancies. If the lender issues a corrected Closing Disclosure, certain changes (like an APR increase over 1/8%) trigger a new 3-business-day waiting period automatically.
- 4
Request a tolerance cure if fees exceeded limits
If zero-tolerance fees increased at all, or if 10%-tolerance fees exceeded the 10% cumulative threshold, the lender must refund the excess to you at closing or within 30 calendar days after closing. This refund is called a 'tolerance cure.'
- 5
File a CFPB complaint if the issue is unresolved
If your lender won't explain or correct the discrepancies, file a complaint at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. The CFPB enforces TRID rules and investigates lender violations. You can also contact your state attorney general's office.
TRID Tolerance Rules at a Glance
The TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule divides closing costs into three tolerance categories. If fees exceed their tolerance, the lender must refund the excess to you (a "tolerance cure") at or within 30 days of closing.
Zero Tolerance — Cannot Increase
- Origination charges (lender fees, discount points)
- Services you cannot shop for (appraisal, credit report)
- Transfer taxes
- Fees paid to an affiliate of the lender
- Fees where the lender did not allow you to shop
10% Cumulative Tolerance — Total Cannot Increase More Than 10%
- Services you CAN shop for (if you chose from the lender's list)
- Recording fees
No Tolerance Limit — Can Change Freely
- Prepaid interest, property taxes, homeowner's insurance premiums
- Initial escrow deposit
- Services you shopped for using a provider NOT on the lender's list
- Owner's title insurance (if you shopped independently)
Understanding Your Loan Estimate
Page-by-page guide to every section of the LE.
Understanding Your Closing Disclosure
Page-by-page guide to every section of the CD.
