California judgment & prejudgment interest rates
Everything California charges in interest on a money judgment or an overdue debt, in one place — the rate after judgment and the rate before it, each verified against the statute and linked to its full page with sources, history, and carve-outs.
| Metric | Rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Post-judgment interest | 10% | Set by statute |
| Prejudgment interest | 10% | Formula rate |
Post-judgment interest
California's post-judgment interest rate is 10% per year. California money judgments accrue simple interest at 10% per year on unpaid principal under Code of Civil Procedure §685.010 — but the right rate depends on the case: judgments entered or renewed since January 1, 2023 against individuals accrue only 5% when the debt is medical (under $200,000) or personal (under $50,000), and judgments against state or local government entities accrue 7%. Interest accrues daily (annual rate ÷ 365) from entry of judgment.
→ Full California post-judgment page — statute, effective-date history, and source.
Prejudgment interest
California's prejudgment interest rate is 10% per year (formula rate). California prejudgment interest is currently 10% per year — a statutory formula rate under Cal. Civ. Code sec. 3287 that resets periodically. Prejudgment interest is NOT automatic on all claims.
→ Full California prejudgment page — when it applies, accrual, compounding, and carve-outs.
Frequently asked
What is the post-judgment interest rate in California?
As of January 1, 2024, the California post-judgment interest rate is 10% per year. Interest on money judgments in California courts.
What is the prejudgment interest rate in California?
California's prejudgment interest rate is 10% per year (formula rate). Prejudgment interest is NOT automatic on all claims.
Is California judgment interest simple or compound, and when does it start?
See each rate's page for the exact compounding rule, accrual date, and statutory carve-outs — California prejudgment interest in particular turns on the type of claim.
Compare every state on the state interest-rate index and the prejudgment interest index, or run the numbers with our interest calculators. Reference data only — not legal advice.