Debt consolidation can be an effective tool to manage your debt by reducing the amount of time and money it takes you to pay it off. On the other hand, debt consolidation isn’t always the right choice for every financial situation. Let’s take a look at how debt consolidation works and if it’s right for you.
How does a debt consolidation loan work?
Debt consolidation works by rolling various debts you already owe into a single, new loan or line of credit. In an optimal scenario, you will be able to consolidate high-interest debt into a loan with a lower interest rate, saving you money in the long run. A common form of debt consolidation is using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt.
Let’s take a look at a simple example to see how a personal loan could be a highly beneficial financial move. Say you have two credit cards: one with a balance of $2,000, and one with a balance of $2,500. They both charge roughly the average interest rate on credit cards of 20%, per Federal Reserve data from May 2023.
Now let’s say that you have a very good credit score of 750 and qualify for a 3-year loan for $4,500 at an interest rate of 12%. You receive that money and use it to pay off your credit cards.
As a result, you have a $0 balance for both credit cards and no longer have to worry about the compounding interest. Instead, you have a personal loan with a monthly payment of roughly $150 that will be completely paid off in three years.
4.24.2
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
6.99% - 25.49%
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
Min. Credit Score
700
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
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Overview
Lightstream is one of three Credible partner lenders to offer loan amounts up to $100,000, which makes it ideal for financing large expenses like home improvements or weddings. Funds are available as soon as the same day you apply, and you'll have up to 20 years to repay certain types of loans, including home improvement loans, RV loans, and boat loans. There are no origination fees, and rates are low — Lightstream's lowest APR beats SoFi's advertised lowest APR by 1 percentage point. But you'll need good credit to qualify.
Unlike most lenders, Lightstream does not let you prequalify on its site. Nor does it provide a contact phone number next to its customer service hours on its website.
Loan amount
$5,000 to $100,000
Repayment terms
2 - 20 years, depending on loan purpose
Fees
None
Discounts
Autopay
Eligibility
Available in all states except RI and VT
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Soft credit check
No
Time to get funds
As soon as the same business day
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Read full review
3.93.9
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
7.80% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
Min. Credit Score
620
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Upstart has one of the lowest available APRs of Credible partner lenders and of all non-partners we reviewed, making it a good choice for well-qualified applicants. However, it's also is one of few lenders that doesn't have a minimum credit score requirement (if you apply on the lender's website), which makes it an option if you have bad credit or no credit history. Upstart may charge an origination fee as high as 12%, but good-credit borrowers may not be charged one at all.
Trustpilot gives Upstart 4.9 stars, which is the highest of all lenders we reviewed.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available nationwide
Min. income
$12,000
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 3 business days
Loan uses
Pay off credit cards, consolidate debt, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes
Read full review
4.44.4
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
-
Loan Amounts
$2,500 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
660
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Discover Personal Loans offers low APRs, repayment terms up to seven years, no origination fees, nationwide availability, and doesn't require your Social Security number to prequalify on its site. You'll need to have an annual income of at least $40,000, and a FICO score 660 or higher, to be eligible. If your credit score is fair or poor, you'll need to go elsewhere, as Discover doesn't allow cosigners.
Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Loan amount
$2,500 - $40,000
Repayment terms
3 - 7 years
Fees
Late fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Min. income
$40,000
Customer service
Phone
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Funds can be sent as soon as the next business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding
Read full review
44
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
8.98% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
660
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
LendingClub is a solid lender for good credit borrowers and some fair credit borrowers that apply directly on its website. It's easy to prequalify with LendingClub, especially if you're uncomfortable providing your Social Security number, as the company doesn't require it at the prequalification stage. (You will need to provide it if you move forward with a full application.)
While prequalification is not a guarantee that you'll be approved for a loan, LendingClub does a better job than most other Credible partner lenders at approving applicants that have successfully prequalified. In other words, you're less likely to have your application declined once you apply (if you've already prequalified). LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $40,000
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Within 3 days
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Read full review
4.94.9
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
8.99% - 29.99%1
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
Min. Credit Score
Does not disclose
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
SoFi stands out for offering no-fee personal loans with competitive rates, high loan amounts, long loan terms, discounts for autopay and direct pay, and funding as soon as the same day. Plus, SoFi prioritizes convenience for existing and potential customers with features like live chat and an easy prequalification process that doesn't require your Social Security number.
The main catch is that you need to qualify for a loan with SoFi, which can be hard to do if you don't have good credit. You also won't be able to apply with a cosigner, since SoFi doesn't accept cosigners; nor does it offer secured personal loans.
Loan Amount
$5,000 to $100,000
Repayment terms
2 - 7 years
Fees
Option to pay an origination fee in exchange for a lower rate
Discounts
Autopay, direct pay
Eligibility
Available in all states
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Phone, email, live chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Typically within a few days, given approval and bank account verification, but sometimes within the same day
Loan uses
Solely for personal, family, or household uses
Read full review
44
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
8.99% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$2,000 to $50,000
Min. Credit Score
600
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Best Egg is a solid lender for a wide range of borrowers and, notably, scored second for personal loan satisfaction in J.D. Power's Consumer Lending Study. It offers competitive rates, reasonable loan terms and amounts, and personal loans for fair credit. You'll need a FICO score of at least 600 to qualify, but the lower your score, the higher your APR may be. The APR includes the interest rate and origination fees, which range from 0.99% to 9.99% with Best Egg.
Note that if you successfully prequalify with Best Egg, you may be more likely to be approved for the loan relative to other lenders you prequalify with. Based on Credible data, borrowers who chose to apply for a loan with Best Egg were more than twice as likely to be approved (relative to most other Credible partners).
Loan amount
$2,000 to $50,000
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, unsuccessful payment fee, check processing fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 3 business days after successful verification
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Read full review
3.93.9
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
9.95% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$2,000 to $35,000
Min. Credit Score
550
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Avant personal loans are a good choice for borrowers with bad credit looking for small- to moderate-sized personal loans. Loans are available up to $35,000 and you could get the money as soon as the next business day after approval. Plus, Avant is more likely than some lenders to approve the applications of borrowers who've prequalified with Avant. However, the lender charges an origination fee up to 9.99%, and its top-range interest rates are among the highest of the lenders we reviewed.
Loan amount
$2,000 to $35,000**
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, dishonored payment fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, and WV
Min. income
$1,200 monthly
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, emergency expense, life event, home improvement, and other purposes
Repayment terms
2 to 5 years
Read full review
4.54.5
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
9.99% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
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Overview
Upgrade has a suite of features that make it a very attractive lender: competitive interest rates, discounts for direct pay and autopay, as soon as same-day funding, up to seven-year repayment terms, and nationwide availability. Plus, loans are available to fair-credit borrowers, and you don't need to input your Social Security number to prequalify on the website. Upgrade even offers secured personal loans, which is not common among lenders.
However, Upgrade does charge an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99%. You must have a FICO score of at least 600 and a minimum income of $25,000 annually to qualify.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000 ($3,005 minimum in GA; $6,600 minimum in MA)
Repayment terms
2 to 7 years
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
Autopay and direct pay
Eligibility
Available in all states
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
1 business day
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, other
Read full review
4.34.3
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
-
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $35,000
Min. Credit Score
700
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
It’s worth considering a personal loan through Splash if you have good credit (ideally, a FICO score above 700). The platform offers loans from a wide range of lenders, and next-day funding is available. Plus, Splash has a live chat feature so you can get real-time answers without having to wait on hold or for an email. Loans are available up to $100,000 if you apply via Splash’s website.
Rates are competitive, but borrowers with excellent credit may find lower APRs elsewhere. If you need a repayment term longer than five years, you’ll need to look elsewhere as well.
Loan amount
$5,000 - $100,000 (up to $35,000 on Credible)
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except VT. OH and NM net disbursed amount must be greater than $5,000. MA must be greater than $6,000
Min. income
$45,000
Customer service
Live chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Same day available, typically 1-3 days
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, home improvement, medical expenses, major purchases
Read full review
4.34.3
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
11.69% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
Min. Credit Score
560
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Universal Credit is one of a handful of lenders that offers personal loans for bad credit. If your FICO credit score is at least 560, you may be eligible for a Universal Credit personal loan. It offers loan amounts up to $50,000, repayment terms up to seven years, and discounts for direct pay and autopay. Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Note that rates and fees can be relatively high — you may pay an origination fee from 5.25% to 9.99%, and APRs start at 11.69%. If you get a loan with a high interest rate, consider refinancing your personal loan at a lower rate once you've improved your credit score.
Loan amount
$1,000 - $50,000
Repayment terms
3, 5, or 7 years
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
Autopay and direct pay
Eligibility
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; not available in DC, IA, SC, WV
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, pay off credit cards, home improvements, unexpected expenses, home and auto repairs, weddings, and other major purchases
Read full review
3.93.9
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
11.72% - 17.99%
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
640
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Happy Money has been in operation since 2009 (formerly known as Payoff). It's an option for fair-credit borrowers (plus those with better credit), and notably has a relatively low top-end APR. In other words, you could qualify for a lower rate with Happy Money with fair credit, relative to other lenders that offer fair-credit loans. The company does charge an origination fee on some loans, up to 5%, but that's not as high as some other lenders' origination fees.
You should be prepared to wait a few days to get your money, as funding can take three to five days once approved. And loans aren't available in Massachusetts or Nevada. Happy Money has an A+ rating with the BBB and is ideal for debt consolidation and credit card consolidation loans.
Loan amount
$3,000 to $40,000
Fees
Origination fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except MA, MS, NV, and OH
Min. income
None
Customer service
Phone, email, chat
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 2 - 5 business days after verification
Loan uses
Debt consolidation and credit card consolidation only
Read full review
44
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
-
Loan Amounts
$20,000 to $200,000
Min. Credit Score
660
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
BHG Financial stands out for offering the largest loan amounts — up to $200,0001 — of any Credible partner lenders. Simply put, if you need an unsecured personal loan over $100,000, there are very few places to look, but BHG is one. You'll have up to 10 years to repay the loan, but you'll need an annual income of at least $100,000 to qualify and a FICO score that's 6601,2 or higher.
Loan amounts start at $20,000, so look elsewhere for small loans. And BHG charges a modest origination fee between 3% and 4%, depending on your financial profile. Loan funds are available within five to 14 days of loan approval. Note that you can't prequalify with BHG.
Loan amount
$20,000 - $200,0001
Repayment terms
3 - 10 years1,2
Fees
Origination fees, late fees, other fees may apply
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except Illinois, North Dakota, and Montana
Min. income
$100,000
Customer service
Email, phone
Soft credit check
Not on lender's site
Time to get funds
In as few as 5 days3
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, baby (adoption), engagement ring financing, moving (relocation), business, home improvement, special occasion, cosmetic procedures, major purchase, taxes, credit card refinancing, medical expenses, vacation, wedding, other
Read full review
3.73.7
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
14.30% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$3,500 to $40,000
Min. Credit Score
640
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
Reach is an option if you have fair credit, especially if you need money fast. According to the company, 90% of Reach personal loans are funded within one day of approval.
It's a good choice for debt consolidation and credit card refinancing, but borrowers with excellent credit may not find the lowest rates with Reach. The company also charges more fees than some of its competitors and doesn't offer direct pay or autopay discounts. If you need a 7-year term loan, you'll need to look elsewhere. Reach personal loans are not available in all states.
Loan amount
$3,500 to $40,000
Fees
Origination Fee, $15 Late Fee, $25 NSF Fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Available in all states except CO, CT, ME, NV, NH, TN, VT, WV, WY, and all U.S. Territories
Min. income
$1,000 monthly
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
Funds typically deposited into your account in 1 business day13
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing
Read full review
3.93.9
Credible rating
Fixed (APR)
18.00% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,500 to $20,000
Min. Credit Score
540
Check Rates
on Credible’s website
View Details
Overview
OneMain Financial has multiple options for bad-credit personal loans. There is no minimum credit score required (if you apply directly with OneMain), which means you could get a loan with bad credit (FICO below 580). Plus, cosigners are allowed — a cosigner is someone (ideally, with good credit) who promises to repay the loan if you can't, which can make it easier to qualify or lower your rate. And, secured personal loans are available. You secure a loan with collateral, which may also help you qualify or lower your rate.
Rates are higher than competitors and OneMain charges origination fees as either a flat fee up to $500, or a percentage from 1% to 10% (depending on your state of residence). Note that even if you prequalify for a personal loan with OneMain, getting approved isn't a given.
Loan amount
$1,500 to $20,000
Fees
Origination fee, unsuccessful payment fee, late fee
Discounts
None
Eligibility
Must have photo I.D. issued by U.S. federal, state or local government
Min. income
Does not disclose
Customer service
Phone, email
Soft credit check
Yes
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 2 days after acceptance
Loan use
All except business, and education
Read full review
All APRs reflect autopay and loyalty discounts where available | LightStream disclosure | SoFi Disclosures | Read more about Rates and Terms
Check Out: Debt Consolidation Calculator
Benefits of debt consolidation
- Lower interest rates: One of the biggest benefits of debt consolidation loans can be a lower interest rate. If you qualify for a lower interest rate, it can make a huge difference in how much you spend over the life of your debt.
- Shorter repayment timeline: A well-chosen debt consolidation method can also set you up to pay off your debt much faster, saving even more in interest along the way and getting you in the clear months or even years earlier.
- Streamlined payments: Having one bill to pay rather than multiple can be a mental relief and make it easier for you to stay on top of your payments.
Related: How To Consolidate
Risks of debt consolidation
- Not always cheaper: Many debt consolidation loans will charge a fee of a certain percentage of your total loan. These fees are generally automatically deducted from your disbursem*nt, so the amount you receive will not be the total amount of the loan you applied for.
- Not always faster: Debt consolidation comes in many forms and offers many repayment plans. You’ll need to do the math to ensure that the plan you go with is a better decision for you financially than keeping things as they are. Depending on how much you owe and what you can put toward your debt, it may take a while to pay it off.
- May not be doable for everyone: Debt consolidation may save you money over the long term, but if you can’t afford the monthly payments, it may not be the best option.
- May set you up for more debt in the future: If you don’t have your spending under control, you could end up running up credit card debt again. Then you’ll have your personal loan to pay off as well as your new high-interest credit card debt, putting you in a worse position than when you started.
Related: Should You Pay Off Debt or Save?
Types of debt consolidation
There are multiple ways you can consolidate debt. Let’s take a look at some of the most common:
- Secured personal loan: A secured personal loan may be “secured” by a house or a car, meaning that if you don’t make timely payments on your loan, your car may be repossessed or the lender could place a lien or foreclose on your home. While you may lose that asset if you don’t make your payments, secured loans often offer lower rates than unsecured personal loans.
- Unsecured personal loan: These personal loans are not backed or “secured” by your assets. So, you won’t lose your possessions if you don’t make your payments, although your credit score will be impacted and late payment fees will still apply. Because you aren’t offering collateral, having a good credit score is important for getting a low interest rate.
- Balance transfer credit cards: Some credit cards specifically cater to people looking to consolidate their debt. Generally, these cards offer a 0% interest rate for a period of time then charge you a balance transfer fee that’s a percentage of the total amount you transfer over. However, it’s important to pay off your balance before the introductory interest rate expires, or you could be right back where you started, with high-interest credit card debt to pay off.
- Peer-to-peer loan: These loans are from individuals like yourself who will lend you the money you need and then collect the interest on your payments. Often, peer-to-peer loans are offered via websites that cater to borrowers that have had difficulty obtaining a personal loan from traditional lenders.
- Home equity loans: If you own a home and have a good amount of equity in your home, this kind of loan may be a good option for you. This is a secured loan, so you have the possibility of losing your home if you default on your loan. Home equity loans generally have attractive fixed interest rates, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — though you’ll also want to make sure you understand any additional fees that you might incur.
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A HELOC is a form of secured, revolving debt. Revolving debt works like a credit card, where you can borrow repeatedly up to a certain amount. The CFPB notes that since HELOCs usually have variable interest rates (which can fluctuate due to market conditions), and if your home value falls for whatever reason, your creditor could limit your credit.
- 401(k) loan: Some 401(k) plans will allow you to borrow from your own account. You are usually only allowed to borrow up to 50% of your vested balance. Carefully review the terms of the loan to see if the interest rate is attractive and the monthly payments are doable.
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Other methods to consider
You can use other debt repayment tools that don’t require taking on new debt to make strides on your debt. Here are a few effective strategies:
Debt snowball method
The debt snowball method recommends making minimum payments on all your debt, and directing any extra money to your smallest debt. The idea behind this strategy is that you can see results faster with larger payments going to your smallest debt, giving you a win faster and building momentum — and motivation. Once you pay off your smallest debt, move on to the next smallest.
Debt avalanche method
The avalanche method is similar to the snowball method, but instead of directing any extra money to the smallest debt, you direct it to the debt with the highest interest rate.
While you may not see results as quickly, it gives you the biggest bang for your buck by reducing what you owe on your most expensive debt. When you’ve paid off that highest-interest debt, move to the next highest.
Increasing your income
This is one of the best ways to get ahead financially, but of course it’s easier said than done. Look for higher-paying jobs or consider taking on gig or freelance work and putting any extra money you make toward your debts.
Gig and freelance work often have associated taxes and costs — such as the cost of gas and car maintenance if you drive for a ride-hailing app — so make sure you’re planning for those costs as well.
Negotiating with your lender
Often, lenders will understand when you’re struggling and unable to make your payments. Reach out to your lender and see if they’ll work with you to make your debt more manageable.
You can ask that they lower your monthly payment, reduce your interest rate, waive fees, or change your payment’s due date, according to the CFPB.
Learn More: How To Negotiate Credit Card Debt
How to qualify for a debt consolidation loan
- Boost your credit score: If you have a great credit score, you will usually qualify for a better loan because lenders see you as trustworthy. Most lenders prefer a FICO score of 670 or higher to be considered for a lower interest rate.
- Have a healthy debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Your debt-to-income ratio shows what percentage of your income goes to paying off debt. Most lenders prefer a DTI of less than 35%.
- Have a solid employment history: Having a steady job is a good indicator to a lender that you’re more likely to repay your loans.
- Consider offering collateral: Offering collateral to secure the loan isn’t without its risks, but it can lower the risk for the lender and make them more interested in lending to you.
- Consider asking someone to cosign the loan: Having a cosigner who has a good income and a great credit score can secure you better terms. But make sure you can handle the payments, because if you can’t make them, your cosigner is on the hook for them, which can hurt your relationship.
Related: How To Build Credit
How to apply for a debt consolidation loan
- Determine how much you can afford to pay each month: Sit down and create a budget with all of your monthly income and monthly expenses. Afterward, you should have a clear idea of the maximum payment you can make to a debt consolidation loan.
- Check your credit score: This is one of the most important elements in your application, so if there are mistakes on your credit report or other easy fixes that can boost your score, wait to apply until you can do so.
- Shop for loans: Compare the terms, including interest rates, fees, and how long you’ll be repaying it. Remember to compare these loans not only against each other, but against the terms of your current debt — you want to ensure that your financial situation and debt repayment plan are improved by this loan, not the same or worse.
- Apply to your top choice: Lenders will often ask you to provide government ID, proof of income, proof of residence, and bank statements. If you have a cosigner, they will want the same information from them.
- Wait for approval: Once you’re approved, the lender will give you a time frame in which you can expect the funds to be available to you. Take that money and pay off your old debts, and begin payments on your new loan. Set up automatic payments if possible to ensure you don’t fall behind or forget a payment.
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Alternatives to debt consolidation
If you find that debt consolidation isn’t available to you and you’re falling behind on your debt payments, there are steps you can take to get back in control financially.
- Debt management plans: You can work with a credit counselor to implement a debt management plan. The CFPB recommends reaching out to the Financial Counseling Association of America or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling to see if they can connect you with a credit counselor. These experts may be able to help you find ways to save money and pay off debt that you weren’t aware of, and can help you make a plan and stick to it.
- Debt settlement: While debt settlement companies can help you negotiate with your lenders, it’s important to realize that debt settlement companies can be expensive and risky, possibly even legally. Make sure you research any debt settlement company thoroughly and that the math checks out — i.e., doesn’t leave you worse off than when you started.
- Bankruptcy: If you feel like there’s no way you could ever catch up on your debts, bankruptcy may be an option for you — specifically, Chapter 13 bankruptcy. However, this option should be a last resort. This type of bankruptcy is intended to allow you to work with your lenders to create a 3- to 5-year repayment plan.
FAQ
Will debt consolidation hurt my credit score?
It depends on your unique financial situation, but in many situations, debt consolidation can boost your credit score.
A debt consolidation loan can lower your credit utilization and improve the mix of accounts you hold if it’s a different form of debt, both considered positives for credit scores.
On the other hand, a new account may lower the average age of your accounts, and a hard credit inquiry may slightly drop your score for a while.
Can I consolidate all types of debt?
Many types of debt can be consolidated, including credit card debt, personal loan debt, and student debt. Mortgages and car loans can also be refinanced, though the process is often more complex.
Can I still use my credit cards after consolidating my debt?
Yes, you can still use your credit cards after paying them off via a debt consolidation loan, so long as you’re still in good standing with your credit card company.
Make sure you spend only as much as you can pay off in full every month to avoid paying the same high-interest rate you just took out a loan to avoid.
How long does it take to pay off debt through consolidation?
How long it will take to pay off your debt after consolidating will depend on the method you choose to consolidate and the terms of that payment. P
ersonal loans often offer terms between two and seven years, while a balance transfer credit card won’t have a set term, but you’ll want to pay it off before the introductory APR ends.
What happens if I miss a payment on my consolidation loan?
If you’re going to miss a payment on your consolidation loan, first call your lender and explain the situation to them.
Often, especially if the missed payment is due to a job loss and you otherwise have a good payment record, they may be able to work with you to slightly delay the payment or otherwise find a way to avoid triggering late fees or a report to the credit bureaus.
Keep Reading:
- Best Low-Interest Personal Loans
- How To Pay Off Debt Fast
- How To Use a Personal Loan to Pay Off Debt
- Debt Consolidation Pros and Cons
- What Happens When You Default on a Loan?
- What Are Collateral Loans?
- Secured vs. Unsecured Personal Loans
- Co-applicant vs. Cosigner
- 401(k) Loan vs. Personal Loan
Meet the expert:
Hilary Collins
Hilary Collins is a finance writer and editor. She loves taking topics that could be dry and complicated and turning them into engaging stories with actionable takeaways.