[vonmoltke]

It was not interest-free: https://projects.propublica.org/bailout/list

[Retric]

As that points out, not all loans where paid back. The interest from those that did result in a nominal profit, but it’s far from what private lenders received for loans in that time period.

Thus opportunity cost, as it was a poor investment which is why it was called a bailout.

[aantix]

If they had other opportunities at higher rates, they would have lent at that rate.