How is the coupon rate of a bond different from the required rate of return of a bond? Required rate of return is the contractually paying out rate whereas coupon rate fluctuates. The coupon rate of a bond is the total return earned by bond investors whereas the required rate of return of a bond is a part of the to Required rate of return is the interest rate demanded by the investor whereas coupon rate is the fixed rate provided on the security. The coupon rate of a bond is the same as the required rate of return of a bond