Bridge loans typically have a faster application, approval and funding process than traditional loans. However, in exchange for the convenience, these loans tend to have relatively short terms, high interest rates and large origination fees. Generally, borrowers accept these terms because they require fast, convenient access to funds. They are willing to pay high interest rates because they know the loan is short term and plan to pay it off with low-interest, long-term financing quickly. Additionally, most bridge loans do not have repayment penalties.