Why is it so hard to get approved for a debt consolidation loan?
Lenders might not advertise it, but most of them have a minimum credit score required to get a loan. If your score is less than 670, you might be out of luck for a debt consolidation loan. Even if you're over 670, a problematic debt-to-income ratio (more on that below) or payment history could derail your loan.
Insufficient credit history or poor payment history can also lead to a denial of a debt consolidation loan. Remember, your payment history is the most important factor in your credit score, comprising 35% of your FICO® Score. Even one missed payment can damage your score.
You'll typically need a credit score of at least 700 to qualify for a debt consolidation loan with a competitive interest rate. Although a lower credit score doesn't automatically equal a denial, as some lenders offer loans for bad credit, the borrowing costs will likely be higher.
Every lender sets its own guidelines when it comes to minimum credit score requirements for debt consolidation loans. However, it's likely lenders will require a minimum score between 580 and 680.
A lender will use your credit report as well as their own lending criteria to make a decision on whether they will offer a loan. If you are not on the electoral register or if you have recently moved jobs or house, then these factors can affect a lender's decision to decline a loan application.
If you have excellent credit, high income and are borrowing a relatively small amount of money, it can be easy to get approved for a debt consolidation loan. On the other hand, if you have poor credit, low income and are applying for a large loan, it may be difficult to get approved.
In general, your chances of getting a debt consolidation loan are better if you have a good credit score, usually defined as 670 or above by FICO. In some cases, your credit report may have errors that are bringing your score down, so first, you'll want to check your credit report to make sure everything is correct.
- SoFi: Best for fast funding.
- Upgrade: Best for poor or thin credit.
- Achieve: Best for quick approval decisions.
- LendingClub: Best for co-borrowers.
- Discover: Best for excellent credit.
- Happy Money: Best for credit card consolidation.
- LightStream: Best for large loans.
Success with a consolidation strategy requires the following: Your monthly debt payments (including your rent or mortgage) don't exceed 50% of your monthly gross income.
National Debt Relief is a legitimate company that has helped hundreds of thousands of people negotiate their debts. The company's debt coaches are certified through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).
Is it smart to get a personal loan to consolidate debt?
You can consolidate your debts into one payment
You have to make sure you're making and maximizing your payments each month. Using a personal loan to pay off debt helps you get rid of multiple payments and go down to one payment per month — and hopefully with a much lower APR.
- Step 1: Stop taking on new debt. ...
- Step 2: Determine how much you owe. ...
- Step 3: Create a budget. ...
- Step 4: Pay off the smallest debts first. ...
- Step 5: Start tackling larger debts. ...
- Step 6: Look for ways to earn extra money. ...
- Step 7: Boost your credit scores.
| Lender | Loan Amounts | APRs |
|---|---|---|
| Upstart | $1,000 - $50,000 | 6.4% - 35.99% |
| Oportun | $300 - $18,500 | 10.07% - 35.95% |
| OneMain Financial | $1,500 - $20,000 | 18% - 35.99% |
| RISE | $500 - $5,000 | 60% - 299% |
Debt consolidation is when you move some or all of your existing debt from multiple accounts (such as credit cards and loans) to just one account. To do this you'd pay off – and potentially close – your old accounts with credit from the new one.
Private education loans are not eligible for consolidation. Direct PLUS Loans received by parents to help pay for a dependent student's education cannot be consolidated together with federal student loans that the student received.
If a credit card account remains open after you've paid it off through debt consolidation, you can still use it. However, running up another balance could make it difficult to pay off your debt consolidation account.
Banks, credit unions, and installment loan lenders may offer debt consolidation loans. These loans convert many of your debts into one loan payment, simplifying how many payments you have to make. These offers also might be for lower interest rates than what you're currently paying.
The entire process typically takes between four and six weeks from the date your application is received. Before completing a consolidation application, carefully consider the following information to determine whether loan consolidation is the best option for you.
Expert Take: Achieve takes the spot as best debt consolidation loan due its competitive terms, quick funding and low minimum credit score requirements. The lender also allows potential borrowers to apply jointly, which makes it easier for those with fair credit to qualify for a loan.
Loan debt consolidation is when you take out a new loan to pay off multiple debts. Four types of debt are commonly consolidated: credit card debt, student loan debt, medical debt and high-interest personal loan debt. You may reduce the overall cost of repayment by securing better terms and interest.
Do consolidation loans hurt your credit score?
Consolidating your debt can lower your monthly payments, but it can also cause a temporary dip in your credit score.
- Make a list of all your credit card debts.
- Make a budget.
- Create a strategy to pay down debt.
- Pay more than your minimum payment whenever possible.
- Set goals and timeline for repayment.
- Consolidate your debt.
- Implement a debt management plan.
Yes, a personal loan for debt consolidation may be able to help you pay off your credit cards while saving on interest. You may also be able to borrow money in the form of a balance transfer card.
As we've mentioned, a debt consolidation loan is where you take out one large loan that pays off your existing debts. It's usually arranged by you through a bank. These types of loan are usually used to pay off credit card and other personal loan debts.
“That's because the best balance transfer and personal loan terms are reserved for people with strong credit scores. $20,000 is a lot of credit card debt and it sounds like you're having trouble making progress,” says Rossman.
