Best Debt Consolidation Loans for November 2022

Best Debt Consolidation Loans for November 2022

Best Debt Consolidation Loans for November 2022 Bankrate Caret RightMain Menu Mortgage Mortgages Financing a home purchase Refinancing your existing loan Finding the right lender Additional Resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Bank Banking Compare Accounts Use calculators Get advice Bank reviews Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Credit Card Credit cards Compare by category Compare by credit needed Compare by issuer Get advice Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Caret RightMain Menu Loan Loans Personal Loans Student Loans Auto Loans Loan calculators Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Invest Investing Best of Brokerages and robo-advisors Learn the basics Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Home Equity Home equity Get the best rates Lender reviews Use calculators Knowledge base Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Loan Home Improvement Real estate Selling a home Buying a home Finding the right agent Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Insurance Insurance Car insurance Homeowners insurance Other insurance Company reviews Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Retirement Retirement Retirement plans & accounts Learn the basics Retirement calculators Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content

Best debt consolidation loans in November 2022

Libby Wells covers banking and deposit products. She has more than 30 years’ experience as a writer and editor for newspapers, magazines and online publications. Aylea Wilkins is an editor specializing in personal and home equity loans. She has previously worked for Bankrate editing content about auto, home and life insurance. She has been editing professionally for nearly a decade in a variety of fields with a primary focus on helping people make financial and purchasing decisions with confidence by providing clear and unbiased information. Mark Hamrick is Washington Bureau Chief for Bankrate. He is a national award-winning business and financial news journalist. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise

How to get a debt consolidation loan

1

Determine how much you need to borrow

2

Check your credit score

3

Get prequalified

4

Compare rates and loan terms

5

Choose a lender and apply

How to choose the best lender

There are many factors to consider before choosing an individual lender. Here are some key things to keep in mind when comparing lenders. 1

Approval requirements

2

Interest rates

3

Fees

4

Loan amounts

5

Repayment options

6

Unique features

7

Customer service

On this page

The Bankrate promise

Founded in 1976 as the , a print publisher for the banking industry, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial decisions. We've maintained this reputation over four decades by prioritizing facts and experience over hype and hearsay, and quickly responding to economic trends that offer our users a more relevant experience.

Advertiser DisclosureThe listings that appear on this page are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This table does not include all companies or all available products. Bankrate does not endorse or recommend any companies.Definition of terms Account for all personal income, including salary, part-time pay, retirement, investments and rental properties. You do not need to include alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income unless you want it to have it considered as a basis for repaying a loan. Increase non-taxable income or benefits included by 25%.Apply

Check Your Personal Loan Rates

Answer a few questions in two minutes or less to see which personal loans you pre-qualify for. It's free and will not impact your credit score.Bankrate’s scores for personal loan lenders evaluate 11 data points related to loan costs and terms, as well as customer experience.The annual percentage rate (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.The range of loan amounts that a lender will service. The maximum value is the largest amount a lender will give although this amount may not be available to borrowers who don’t have good or excellent credit. Amount ranges may vary for non-loan products. Term refers to the amount of time you have to repay the loan.The minimum credit score typically required to qualify for a loan with a given lender. Exact thresholds are not always disclosed by a lender and in certain cases the minimum score is the best estimate based on publicly available information. Credit score refers to FICO 9.0 unless otherwise stated. 4.6Bankrate ScoreAPR from6.99- 21.49with AutopayLoan Amount$5k- $100kTerm: 2-7 yrMin. Credit Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewLowest rate is for excellent credit only. Rates 6.99% - 21.49% APR w/autopay.*Loans from $5,000 - $100,000Same-day funding available (conditions apply)We guarantee your best-funded loan experience ever*Your loan terms, including APR, may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term length, and your credit profile. Excellent credit is required to qualify for lowest rates. Rate is quoted with AutoPay discount. AutoPay discount is only available prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are .50% points higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 6.99% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $308.73. 2022 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, LightStream, and the LightStream logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Lending services provided by Truist Bank.Apply on partner site4.8Bankrate ScoreAPR from7.96- 35.97with AutoPayLoan Amount$1k- $50kTerm: 2-7 yrMin. Credit Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewPersonal loans up to $50,000 with low fixed rates that will never changeAffordable monthly payments that fit your budget and no prepayment penalties Fast Funding —You should receive your funds within a day of clearing verifications†No obligation and no impact to your credit score when you check your rateUse your loan through Upgrade to pay on high interest credit cards, make a large purchase, finish that home improvement project, or almost any life event!Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 7.96%-35.97%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 8.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade's bank partners. Information on Upgrade's bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners/. Check rate with Bankrate4.6Bankrate ScoreAPR from7.99- 35.99Loan Amount$2k- $50kTerm: 3-4 yrMin. Credit Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewGet a personal loan up to $50,000 with a fixed APR from 7.99% to 35.99%Get money in as little as one business day, upon approval and verificationJoin more than 450,000 customers at a trusted company with an A+ BBB ratingUse it for almost anything: consolidate debt or other unexpected expensesDISCLOSURE UPDATE AS OF 08.2022 *Trustpilot TrustScore as of June 2020. Best Egg personal loans, including the Best Egg Secured Loan, are made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender or Blue Ridge Bank, a Nationally Chartered Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. “Best Egg” is a trademark of Marlette Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation. All uses of “Best Egg” refer to “the Best Egg personal loan”, “the Best Egg Secured Loan”, and/or “Best Egg on behalf of Cross River Bank or Blue Ridge Bank, as originator of the Best Egg personal loan,” as applicable. The term, amount, and APR of any loan we offer to you will depend on your credit score, income, debt payment obligations, loan amount, credit history and other factors. Your loan agreement will contain specific terms and conditions. About half of our customers get their money the next day. After successful verification, your money can be deposited in your bank account within 1-3 business days. The timing of available funds upon loan approval may vary depending upon your bank’s policies. Loan amounts range from $2,000– $50,000. Residents of Massachusetts have a minimum loan amount of $6,500 ; New Mexico and Ohio, $5,000; and Georgia, $3,000. For a second Best Egg loan, your total existing Best Egg loan balances cannot exceed $50,000. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) range from 7.99%–35.99%. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 0.99%–8.99% of your loan amount, which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive. The origination fee on a loan term 4-years or longer will be at least 4.99%. Your loan term will impact your APR, which may be higher than our lowest advertised rate. You need a minimum 600 FICO score and a minimum individual annual income of $100,000 to qualify for our lowest APR. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents. Best Egg products are not available if you live in Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories.Check rate with Bankrate4.6Bankrate ScoreAPR from8.99- 29.99Loan Amount$5k- $40kTerm: 2-5 yrMin. Credit Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewNo prepayment penalties, application fees, late fees, or hidden fees. Because no one wants to do thatYou can consolidate all your credit card payments down to one monthly, affordable, fixed-rate payment between 5.99% and 24.99% APR"This does not constitute an actual commitment to lend or an offer to extend credit. Upon submitting a loan application, you may be asked to provide additional documents to enable us to verify your income, assets, and financial condition. Your interest rate and terms for which you are approved will be shown to you as part of the online application process. Most applicants will receive a variety of loan offerings to choose from, with varying loan amounts and interest rates. Borrower subject to a loan origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Refer to full borrower agreement for all terms, conditions and requirements."Check rate with Bankrate4.8Bankrate ScoreAPR from6.99- 24.99Loan Amount$3.5k- $40kTerm: 3-6 yrMin. Credit Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewNo Fees We don't deduct a sign-up fee from your loan amount.Loans from $3,500 to $40,000 and fixed rates from 6.99% to 24.99% APR. Only the most creditworthy applications qualify for the largest loan amounts and lowest rates. Discount when enrolled in AutopayYou may be required to have some of your funds sent directly to creditors to pay down certain types of unsecured debtYour loan terms are not guaranteed and are subject to our verification of your identity and credit information. Rates range from 6.99% to 24.99% APR, and loan terms range from 36 to 72 months. For NY residents, rates range from 6.99%-24.74%. Only the most creditworthy applicants qualify for the lowest rates and longest loan terms. Rates will generally be higher for longer-term loans. To obtain a loan, you must submit additional documentation including an application that may affect your credit score. The availability of a loan offer and the terms of your actual offer will vary due to a number of factors, including your loan purpose and our evaluation of your creditworthiness. Rates will vary based on many factors, such as your creditworthiness (for example, credit score and credit history) and the length of your loan (for example, rates for 36 month loans are generally lower than rates for 72 month loans). Your maximum loan amount may vary depending on your loan purpose, income and creditworthiness. Your verifiable income must support your ability to repay your loan. Marcus by Goldman Sachs is a brand of Goldman Sachs Bank USA and all loans are issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch. Applications are subject to additional terms and conditions. Receive a 0.25% APR reduction when you enroll in AutoPay. This reduction will not be applied if AutoPay is not in effect. When enrolled, a larger portion of your monthly payment will be applied to your principal loan amount and less interest will accrue on your loan, which may result in a smaller final payment. See loan agreement for detailsCheck rate with Bankrate4.4Bankrate ScoreAPR from7.99- 35.99Loan Amount$2k- $37kTerm: 2-6 yrMin. Credit Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's View“”* Applications submitted on this website may be funded by one of several lenders, including: FinWise Bank, a Utah-chartered bank, Member FDIC; Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC; and LendingPoint, a licensed lender in certain states. Loan approval is not guaranteed. Actual loan offers and loan amounts, terms, and annual percentage rates ("APR") may vary based upon LendingPoint's proprietary scoring and underwriting system's review of your credit, financial condition, other factors, and supporting documents or information you provide. Origination or other fees from 0% to 7% may apply depending upon your state of residence. Upon final underwriting approval to fund a loan, said funds are often sent via ACH the next non-holiday business day. Loans are offered from $2,000 to $36,500, at rates ranging from 7.99% to 35.99% APR, with terms from 24 to 72 months. Minimum loan amounts apply in Georgia, $3,500; Colorado, $3,001; and Hawaii, $1,500. For a well-qualified customer, a $10,000 loan for a period of 48 months with an APR of 24.34% and origination fee of 7% will have a payment of $327.89 per month. (Actual terms and rate depend on credit history, income, and other factors.) Customers may have the option to deduct the origination fee from the disbursed loan amount if desired. If the origination fee is added to the financed amount, interest is charged on the full principal amount. The total amount due is the total amount of the loan you will have paid after you have made all payments as scheduled.Check rate with Bankrate4.3Bankrate ScoreAPR from8.30- 36.00Loan Amount$1k- $40kTerm: 3-5 yrMin. Credit Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewWe’ve helped over 4 million members start their journey out of debtGet your cash in as little as 48 hours 1 Check your rate with no impact to your credit score 2Take advantage of unique offerings—balance transfer loans, joint applications, auto loans, and other member perks.A representative example of loan payment terms is as follows: you receive a loan of $13,411 for a term of 36 months, with an interest rate of 12.16% and a 5.30% origination fee of $711, for an APR of 15.99%. In this example, you will receive $12,700 and will make 36 monthly payments of $446.46. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $40,000 and loan term lengths are 36 months or 60 months. Some amounts and term lengths may be unavailable in certain states. APR ranges from 6.34% to 35.89% and is determined at the time of application. Origination fee ranges from 2% to 6% of the loan amount. Lowest APR is available to borrowers with excellent credit. Advertised rates and fees are valid as of 3/15/22 and are subject to change without notice. 1. Between July 2021 and September 2021, more than two-thirds of personal loans issued by LendingClub Bank were funded within 48 hours after loan approval. The time it takes for a loan to be funded is not guaranteed and individual results vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to investor demand. 2. Checking your loan rate generates a soft credit inquiry on your credit report, which is visible only to you. A hard credit inquiry, which is visible to you and others, and which may affect your credit score, only appears on your credit report if and when a loan is issued to you. Your loan APR will depend upon your credit score and other key financing characteristics, including but not limited to the amount financed, loan term length, and your credit usage and history. Unless otherwise specified, all loans and deposit products are provided by LendingClub Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender (“LendingClub Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of LendingClub Corporation, NMLS ID 167439. Loans are subject to credit approval and sufficient investor commitment. Deposit accounts are subject to approval. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. “LendingClub” and the “LC” symbol, and “Radius” and the “R” symbol, are trademarks of LendingClub Bank. 2022 LendingClub Bank. All rights reserved.Check rate with Bankrate4.5Bankrate ScoreAPR from9.95- 35.95Loan Amount$2k- $35kTerm: 1-5 yrMin. Credit Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewPersonal loans from $2,000 to $35,000 online.Competitive rates from 9.95% - 35.99% APR and terms from 24 to 60 monthsChecking your loan options has no impact to your credit score.Fast Decisions, see your loan options in minutesFunding as soon as next business daynullCheck rate with Bankrate3.8Bankrate ScoreAPR from18.00- 35.99Loan Amount$1.5k- $20kTerm: 2-5 yrMin. Credit Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewPersonal and auto loans from $1,500-$20,000 (GA minimum $1,500 existing customers for new loans $3100 for others)A quick decision on your loan requestClear loan terms with no hidden fees and no prepayment penaltiesApply online, by phone or at your local branch.Not all applicants will qualify for larger loan amounts or most favorable loan terms. Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on your ability to meet our credit standards (including a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and availability of collateral). Larger loan amounts require a first lien on a motor vehicle no more than ten years old, that meets our value requirements, titled in your name with valid insurance. Maximum annual percentage rate (APR) is 35.99%, subject to state restrictions. APRs are generally higher on loans not secured by a vehicle. Depending on the state where you open your loan, the origination fee may be either a flat amount or a percentage of your loan amount. Flat fee amounts vary by state, ranging from $25 to $300. Percentage-based fees vary by state ranging from 1% to 10% of your loan amount subject to certain state limits on the fee amount. Active duty military, their spouse or dependents covered under the Military Lending Act may not pledge any vehicle as collateral for a loan. OneMain loan proceeds cannot be used for postsecondary educational expenses as defined by the CFPB’s Regulation Z, such as college, university or vocational expenses; for any business or commercial purpose; to purchase securities; or for gambling or illegal purposes. Borrowers in these states are subject to these minimum loan sizes: Alabama: $2,100. California: $3,000. Georgia: Unless you are a present customer, $3,100 minimum loan amount. Ohio: $2,000. Virginia: $2,600. Borrowers (other than present customers) in these states are subject to these maximum unsecured loan sizes: North Carolina: $7,500. New York: $20,000. An unsecured loan is a loan which does not require you to provide collateral (such as a motor vehicle) to the lender.Check rate with Bankrate4.6Bankrate ScoreAPR from7.99- 29.99Loan Amount$12k- $50kTerm: 2-5 yrMin. Credit Offer DetailsLender InfoBankrate's ViewBorrow $10,000 to $40,000Rates as low as 5.99% APR - terms applyNo prepayment fees everA+ rated from the BBBAll loans available through FreedomPlus.com are made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank or MetaBank, N.A., Members FDIC, Equal Housing Lenders. All loan and rate terms are subject to eligibility restrictions, application review, credit score, loan amount, loan term, lender approval, and credit usage and history. Terms and conditions apply. Loans are not available to residents of all states. Minimum loan amounts vary due to state-specific legal restrictions – please call a FreedomPlus representative for further details. Repayment periods range from 24 to 60 months. The range of APRs on loans made available through FreedomPlus is 7.99% to a maximum of 29.99%. APR. The APR calculation includes all applicable fees, including the loan origination fee. For Example, a four-year $20,000 loan with an interest rate of 15.49% and corresponding APR of 18.34% would have an estimated monthly payment of $561.60 and a total cost payable of $7,948.13. *To qualify for a 7.99% APR loan, a borrower will need excellent credit on a loan for an amount less than $12,000.00, and with a term equal to 24 months. Loan origination fees vary from 1.99% to 4.99%, though most loans will have a loan origination fee of 4.99%. ** Adding a co-borrower with sufficient income; using at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the loan proceeds to directly pay off qualifying existing debt; or showing proof of sufficient retirement savings, could help you also qualify for the lowest rate available.Check rate with Bankrate Close X

The Bankrate guide to choosing the best debt consolidation loan

Why trust Bankrate? Bankrate has been comparing and surveying lenders and financial products for over 40 years. Hundreds of top news organizations rely on Bankrate as a trusted source of information. Bankrate strives to help you make smart, informed decisions about your finances. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is fact-checked to ensure accuracy. A debt consolidation loan can help you manage your debts more effectively, but only if you find a loan that works for your situation. When shopping for the best debt consolidation loan, look for the lowest interest rate, a loan amount that meets your needs, an affordable and workable repayment term and low to no fees. Loan details presented here are current as of September 23, 2022. Check the lenders' websites for the latest information. The top lenders listed below are selected based on factors such as APR, loan amounts, fees, credit requirements and broad availability.

What is debt consolidation

is a process where multiple debts, often from things like credit cards, are rolled into a single payment. This can make it easier to pay off debt faster and keep track of how much debt you have. One of the most common ways to consolidate debt is through .

How does debt consolidation work

A debt consolidation loan is one of the most common and . You apply to borrow the amount that you owe on your existing debts. Once approved for the loan, you receive the funds and use them to pay off your credit cards or other loans. In some cases, the funds can be sent directly to your creditors. From there, you begin making monthly payments on your new debt consolidation loan. These loans are unsecured, which means you do not need to put up collateral. Personal loans also have fixed interest rates and monthly payments.

How do I choose the best debt consolidation loan lender

It's important to get a debt consolidation loan that fits your budget and helps you reach your goal of eliminating debt. Many lenders will prequalify you without making a hard inquiry into your credit. Prequalification gives you a good idea of the rate, loan amount and loan term that you could qualify for. You can then use those to and decide which is best for you based on the following factors: Annual percentage rates. Your APR is determined by your credit score and other financial factors. This is the amount charged on top of your principal amount every month. Loan cost. When you shop, compare the total cost of each loan, including origination fees and other charges. A large number of fees can outweigh the benefits of a low APR. Lender features. Potentially helpful features to search for are things like the new lender making direct payments to your previous creditors, credit monitoring, hardship programs and other customer service programs.

Compare debt consolidation loan lenders in November 2022

LENDER EST. APR LOAN TERM LOAN AMOUNT BEST FOR MIN. CREDIT SCORE 7.99%–35.99% 3–4 years $2,000–$50,000 High-income earners with good credit 600 8.99%–29.99% 2–5 years $5,000–$40,000 Consolidating credit card debt 640 6.99% – 21.49% (with autopay) 2–7 years $5,000–$100,000 High-dollar loans and longer repayment terms Not specified 7.74%–17.99% 1–5 years $600–$50,000 Smaller loans with a credit union Not specified 18.00%–35.99% 2–5 years $1,500–$20,000 Fair to poor credit Not specified 6.99%–24.99% 3–7 years $2,500–$35,000 Good credit and next-day funding 660 5.60%–35.99% 3 years or 5 years $1,000–$50,000 Consumers with little credit history No Minimum 6.99%–24.99% (with autopay) 3–6 years $3,500–$40,000 Consolidating large debts 660 Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: 600 Fixed APR From: 7.99% –35.99% Loan amount: $2,000– $50,000 Term lengths: 3 to 4 years Min. annual income: $0 The best rates and terms go to borrowers who earn $100,000 or more and have a credit score of at least 600, which is "good" on the FICO scale.

Pros & Cons

Pros

No penalty if you pay off your consolidation loan ahead of schedule Direct payment for credit card debt consolidation Flexible due date

Cons

Loan details such as terms and rates are not clear on website $15 returned payment fee APRs as high as 35.99%

Eligibility & More

Origination fees range from 0.99 percent to 8.99 percent and is taken off the top of the loan, so the money you get will be lower than the total amount but you will still need to pay the loan amount you are quoted in full.
To receive an online debt consolidationl loan from Best Egg, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Loans are not available for people currently living in Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Territories. Best Egg does not have a cosigner option, so borrowers must qualify on their own. Borrowers should also have a debt-to-income ratio under 30%. Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: 640 Fixed APR From: 8.99% –29.99% Loan amount: $5,000– $40,000 Term lengths: 2 to 5 years Min. annual income: $30,000 Payoff's personal loans can be used only to consolidate credit card debt, and you can do so without unnecessary fees.

Pros & Cons

Pros

No application, prepayment, late or annual fees Free FICO Score every month Borrowers can change payment due date once every 12 months

Cons

Origination fees up to 5 percent Low maximum loan amount No joint applicants

Eligibility & More

Funds are delivered within 2 to 5 business days after approval. Happy Money does not charge application fees, prepayment penalties, late fees, returned check fees or annual fees, but it does charge an origination fee from 0 to 5%. Borrowers need a credit score of 640 or higher to qualify for Happy Money debt consolidation loans. Happy Money does not issue loans in Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska or Nevada. Loans from Happy Money can only be used for credit card debt consolidation. Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 6.99% –21.49% Loan amount: $5,000– $100,000 Term lengths: 2 to 7 years Min. annual income: $50,000 LightStream offers unsecured, fixed-rate debt consolidation loans as big as $100,000, with up to seven years to repay.

Pros & Cons

Pros

No penalties for paying off your debt consolidation loan early Rate beat program Loan experience guarantee feature

Cons

Loans without automatic payment have interest rates that are 0.5 percentage points higher No prequalification option No due date flexibility

Eligibility & More

Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 7.74% –17.99% Loan amount: $500– $50,000 Term lengths: 1 to 5 years Min. annual income: $0 You can borrow as little as $600 through PenFed, and credit unions often offer more personalized service than larger banks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

No origination fees, annual fees or prepayment penalties Online and in-person options Approval in as little as one business day.

Cons

PenFed membership and savings account required No cosigners allowed Membership fees

Eligibility & More

Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: None Fixed APR From: 18% –35.99% Loan amount: $1,500– $20,000 Term lengths: 2 to 5 years Min. annual income: $7,200 OneMain's fixed-rate loans charge high rates, but borrowers with bad credit will find more favorable rates with the company than with risky payday lenders, which can charge as much as 400 percent interest.

Pros & Cons

Pros

No penalties for paying off your OneMain loan early Collateral of a car, boat, RV or motorcycle may be accepted Evaluates other factors besides credit score

Cons

Lowest possible rate is near the rate cap for many other lenders Fees and loan amounts vary by state Low loan limits

Eligibility & More

Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 6.99% –24.99% Loan amount: $2,500– $35,000 Term lengths: 3 to 7 years Min. annual income: $25,000 The average Discover borrower has very good credit, and it's possible to get an approval decision the same day you apply and get your money the next business day, provided your application is accurate and complete.

Pros & Cons

Pros

No origination fees, closing costs or prepayment penalties Large range of repayment terms Option to pay creditors directly

Cons

$39 penalty for late payments Co-signers are not permitted No autopayment discounts

Eligibility & More

Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 5.6% –35.99% Loan amount: $1,000– $50,000 Term lengths: 3 to 5 years Min. annual income: $12,000 Upstart has flexible credit requirements which is great for borrowers who are just starting out.

Pros & Cons

Pros

No charge prepayment penalties Prequalification with a soft credit check Custom payment dates

Cons

Origination fees of up to 8 percent Short loan term amounts High APRs

Eligibility & More

Check rate with Bankrate Min. credit score: Not disclosed Fixed APR From: 6.99% –24.99% Loan amount: $3,500– $40,000 Term lengths: 3 to 6 years Min. annual income: $35,000 The $40,000 loan limit can accommodate borrowers with a lot of debt to consolidate, and they can choose to have Marcus pay their creditors directly.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Due date may be adjusted up to three times One payment able to be deferred after you've made after consistent payment Direct payments to creditors

Cons

No co-signers are allowed Eligibility information not clearly disclosed Cannot refinance student loans

Eligibility & More

Why consolidate your debt

Debt consolidation may , including: If you have several credit cards with double-digit interest rates and you qualify for a debt consolidation personal loan at a lower rate, you can potentially save a lot of money in interest and fees. : Combining all the debt into one bucket can make it easier to pay the debt off sooner, because you don't have to balance separate payments. Credit card rates are variable, so your monthly payments differ depending on your balance, and it can be hard to know when your debts will be paid off. Debt consolidation puts everything into one place so you can keep track of it easier. A debt consolidation loan combines multiple debts into one monthly payment with a fixed rate and a set repayment term, so your monthly payments stay the same. You don't have to worry about multiple due dates or varying payment amounts. Credit scoring models, like FICO and VantageScore, place a lot of weight on your credit utilization ratio. When a new consolidation loan lowers your credit utilization ratio, your credit score might climb as a result. Generally, a debt consolidation loan is a good idea if you can pay off the new debt, you have a high credit score to get good rates and you like the stability of a fixed monthly payment. Although for many people, it cannot solve all your financial problems on its own. You'll need to avoid making late payments or running up balances again on your recently paid-off credit card accounts. Otherwise, you could put your credit in a worse position. It's also not a good idea if you get offered higher interest rates through consolidation - otherwise, you'll pay more on your debt overall.

Alternatives to a debt consolidation loan

Debt consolidation loans can be useful, but they're not right for everyone. If you're looking for , below are some you may want to consider.

Home equity

One popular way people pay off debt is to use the equity in their homes. and let borrowers use their homes as collateral in exchange for financing. Just be sure to factor in the risks if you're considering this option. The lender can seize your home if you can't make the payments. Who this is best for: Borrowers who have built up equity in their homes. Home equity loan vs. debt consolidation loan: Home equity loans and HELOCs may offer lower rates than debt consolidation loans, though they come with more risks, since your home is used as collateral.

Debt relief services

, commonly referred to as , offer another way to deal with your debt if you can't qualify for a consolidation loan. These companies reach out to creditors and debt collectors on your behalf and try to settle the debt for a lesser amount. If you decide to pursue debt relief services (perhaps as an alternative to bankruptcy), be aware that the fees these companies charge can be steep. Take your time to fully research fees, reviews and other details before applying. It's also wise to compare multiple debt relief companies before you commit. Who this is best for: Borrowers who are experiencing financial hardship and cannot pay their debt. Debt relief services vs. debt consolidation loan: Unlike debt consolidation loans, debt relief services aim to eliminate some of your debt without your having to pay it. With that said, pursuing debt relief is a risky move, and it can damage your credit score.

Credit counseling

Another option that can help you get debt under control is . Credit counseling companies are often (though not always) nonprofit organizations. In addition to debt counseling, these companies may offer a service known as a . With a DMP, you make a single payment to a credit counseling company, which then divides that payment among your creditors. The company negotiates lower interest rates and fees on your behalf to lower your monthly debt obligation and help you pay the debts off faster. DMPs are rarely free, though, even if they're done by a nonprofit credit counseling service. You may have to pay a setup fee of $30 to $50, plus a monthly fee (often $20 to $75) to the credit counseling company for managing your DMP over a three- to five-year term. Who this is best for: Borrowers who need help structuring their debt payments. Credit counseling vs. debt consolidation loan: With a debt consolidation loan, you're in control of your payoff plan, and you can often apply with few fees. With credit counseling, a third party manages your payments while charging setup fees.

Balance transfer credit card

With a , you shift your credit card debt to a new credit card with a 0 percent introductory rate. The goal with a balance transfer card is to pay off the balance before the introductory rate expires so that you save money on interest. When you , make sure you factor in balance transfer fees. Keep in mind that paying off existing credit card debt with a balance transfer to another credit card isn't likely to lower your credit utilization ratio like a debt consolidation loan would. A debt consolidation loan also is going to offer higher borrowing limits, enabling you to pay off more debt, as well as fixed monthly payments, which make it easier to budget and stay disciplined with paying off debt. Who this is best for: Borrowers who can pay off existing debt quickly. Balance transfer credit card vs. debt consolidation loan: Often, balance transfer cards are the best choice for borrowers who have the means to pay off their debt within 18 months, which is a standard 0 percent APR period. If you need longer to pay off your debt, or if you have a lot of debt, a debt consolidation loan is a better choice.

FAQs about debt consolidation loans

One of the biggest risks of a debt consolidation loan is the potential to go into deeper debt. Unless you can rein in the spending that got you into debt in the first place, a debt consolidation loan will not help you. If you use the loan to pay off your credit cards and then start running up card balances again, you'll dig yourself into a deeper debt hole. Because you are paying off several debts with the loan, your monthly payments can be steep; it's not like making minimum monthly payments on several credit cards. You have to be sure you can handle the payments until the loan is repaid.

The savings with a debt consolidation loan will be different for everyone. It will depend on your interest rates with the individual creditors versus your interest rate after consolidating.

No. You can choose which debts to consolidate and which ones will be more beneficial to keep separate. Some types of debt, such as federal student loans, cannot be consolidated through a debt consolidation loan or credit card.

If you have multiple types of debt, you will likely have different due dates and amounts due on each bill. With debt consolidation, you only need to make one monthly payment. You'll know how much your bill will be each month because payments will be set when you get your debt consolidation loan.

Each lending institution has its own criteria for qualifying borrowers. Common requirements are that borrowers be at least 18 years old, legal residents of the U.S. and not in foreclosure or bankruptcy. Most lenders look for a minimum credit score in the mid-600s and a below 45 percent. An excellent credit score and low DTI will get you the best interest rate and may qualify you for a larger loan. , you may find a lender that's willing to extend you a loan, but you'll pay higher interest rates. If you're in this scenario, you may want to apply with a co-signer who has good credit to improve your chances of being approved.

Applying for a debt consolidation loan , because the lender will have to do a before it can approve you. However, if you make your monthly loan payments on time and don't rack up card balances again, a credit card consolidation loan can improve your credit score.

Methodology

Share:
0 comments

Comments (0)

Leave a Comment

Minimum 10 characters required

* All fields are required. Comments are moderated before appearing.

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Best Debt Consolidation Loans for November 2022 | Trend Now | Trend Now