Accrual

The term accrual as it is used in finance denotes the accumulation of interest, yields or other returns on investments over time.

When returns such as interest on bank account balances and yields on bonds are reinvested rather than withdrawn, these returns accrue or build up until they are withdrawn.

Accrued interest is interest which is reinvested into an account balance or loan in order to earn additional interest using the compounding interest effect.

Accrual bonds do not pay out yields as regular coupons but add them to the bond principal, with interest being paid on the full amount.

In forex trading, the term accrual refers specifically to the staggered distribution of discounts and premiums for forward transactions related directly to swaps.

More on this topic:
Swiss savings account comparison
Online broker comparison

Special offers for Moneyland users

Moneyland Special Offers

Special Offer: CHF 42.90/m

Fiber & Sky Show

  • Fiber up to 2.5 Gbit/s & unlimited premium series

  • CHF 42.90/m for 6 months (then CHF 40.90/m)

  • Free activation (worth CHF 99)

Swiss Broker

Saxo Bank Special Offer

  • Special offer: Reimbursement of brokerage fees up to CHF 200 for 90 days

  • Licensed Swiss bank (FINMA)

  • Free expert research and trading signals

Swiss Trading Platform

Swissquote

  • Leading Swiss online bank with FINMA license

  • Free multicurrency account & low commissions

  • Access to more than 3 million products (shares, ETFs, crypto and more)

Online private account

UBS Banking for adults

  • Open and manage your account, savings account, and cards easily in the UBS Mobile Banking App

  • Plus KeyClub rewards program

  • 50 CHF welcome gift

Special offers for Moneyland users

Moneyland Special Offers

Special Offer: CHF 42.90/m

Fiber & Sky Show

  • Fiber up to 2.5 Gbit/s & unlimited premium series

  • CHF 42.90/m for 6 months (then CHF 40.90/m)

  • Free activation (worth CHF 99)

Swiss Broker

Saxo Bank Special Offer

  • Special offer: Reimbursement of brokerage fees up to CHF 200 for 90 days

  • Licensed Swiss bank (FINMA)

  • Free expert research and trading signals

Swiss Trading Platform

Swissquote

  • Leading Swiss online bank with FINMA license

  • Free multicurrency account & low commissions

  • Access to more than 3 million products (shares, ETFs, crypto and more)

Online private account

UBS Banking for adults

  • Open and manage your account, savings account, and cards easily in the UBS Mobile Banking App

  • Plus KeyClub rewards program

  • 50 CHF welcome gift

Deal of the Day
×
Special Offer: CHF 42.90/m

Fiber & Sky Show

Fiber up to 2.5 Gbit/s & unlimited premium series

Editor Daniel Dreier
Daniel Dreier is editor and personal finance expert at moneyland.ch.