‘Closed’ mortgages have lower rates when compared to their ‘open’ counter parts, and are more popular. Closed mortgages can come in fixed and variable form, but place a restriction on the amount of principal you can pay down each year. If you pay off the entire principal in a closed mortgage before the set term, you will face a penalty, such as a 3-month interest charge. ‘Open’ mortgages on the other hand, allow you to pay off your entire mortgage balance at any time throughout the term. The drawback is that you pay a premium for that option. People opt for open mortgages if they are planning to move in the short future, or if they are expecting a lump sum of money through an inheritance or bonus, that would allow them to pay off their entire mortgage.