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Best Debt Consolidation Loans to Get In 2024

If you’re like many Americans, you’ve got significant debt in the form of credit cards, personal loans and perhaps medical debt. With the economy in flux, you want to consolidate your debt quickly. You may be anxious to find the best debt consolidation loans for your situation and apply online.

Best Debt Consolidation Loans
Dahna M. Chandler
Persoanl Finance Journalist

Fact Checked by: Dr. JeFreda R. Brown, Financial Expert

Affiliate Disclosure Finimpact.com

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may affect which companies we write about and where the company appears on a page. However, any analyses, or reviews expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been approved or endorsed by any partner.

Paying off several secured or unsecured loans with a debt consolidation loan can help you better manage your finances. They can help lower your interest on that debt, since they have a single interest rate. That’s ideal if you’re paying higher interest rates on credit cards because of missed payments. Our team of financial experts reviewed and ranked more than 30 online lenders to help you get funded.

Top Picks for Best Debt Consolidation Loans

When you’re choosing the best place to consolidate debt, there are multiple important factors to consider. By all means, shop around and carefully research each lender before applying to any.

In this review, we highlight the rates, fees and terms of each lender and explain what makes them a good option. We also share potential downsides of each lender, and provide a rating methodology you can use to select the best option for your needs.

 

Best Debt Consolidation Loans for - Full Overview

This section provides full details about the Best Debt Consolidation Loans.

Best Overall
credible_logo
4.4

Credible - Best for Comparison Shopping

4.4
APR.
2.49% to 35.99%
Loan Amount
$600-$100,000
Min. Credit Score
560+
Key Features
  • Checking rates does not affect credit score
  • Best rate guarantee
  • Allows you to compare loans from top-rated lenders
  • Loan amounts up to $100,000
  • No hidden fees
  • Easy online application
Pros & Cons
  • Competitive interest rates
  • No hidden fees or prepayment penalties
  • Low credit accepted
  • Flexible repayment terms
  • Excellent customer service
  • Not a direct lender
  • Rates will vary by lender
  • Some lenders may charge late fees
Overview

A debt consolidation loan from Credible allows you to combine multiple debts into one new loan with a new interest rate. You get to choose your loan amount and loan term. If you choose a longer loan term, you’ll have a lower monthly payment. Shorter loan terms come with larger payments, but you’ll pay the loan off sooner and pay less in interest overall. With Credible, applying takes just a few minutes and you’ll be matched to excellent lenders that meet your specific debt consolidation loan criteria.

 

Main  Features

Credible offers debt consolidation loans from $600 to $100,000, with rates starting at 4.60%. Credible is not a lender but a loan marketplace connecting you with reputable lenders within minutes. There are no hidden fees and low credit is accepted. To apply for a debt consolidation loan with Credible, simply fill out their easy online application. You’ll be matched with lenders you qualify for, and from there you can choose your loan amount, rate, and lender. If approved, you’ll sign for the loan and may receive funds as soon as the next business day.

Credible is a debt consolidation loan marketplace that does the shopping around for you. They do not charge any fees and offer excellent customer service to answer any questions you may have. Whether you need to consolidate $1,000 worth of debt or $100,000, Credible can find a loan that meets your needs.
 upgrade_logo
4.7

Upgrade - Best for Flexible Loan Options

4.7
APR.
5.94% to 35.97%
Loan Amount
$1,000-$50,000
Min. Credit Score
Not disclosed
Key Features
  • Funding as soon as the next day
  • Can be approved with fair credit
  • Variety of discounts on rates
Pros & Cons
  • No prepayment fees: Pay off early at no cost
  • Low minimum loan: Borrow as little as $1,000
  • Get funded quickly: Funds available in 24 hours
  • High bad credit interest rates: Can be up to 35.97%
  • High origination fees: Up to 8% comes from loan amount
  • Website: Difficult to find specific information
Overview

For people with bad to fair credit, this lender offers both credit card debt consolidation loans and personal loans to consolidate debt. There are no prepayment fees, and you can get one-day funding after clearing necessary verifications. You’ll get a fixed interest rate with a clear payoff date, and you can choose from multiple loan options. There are, however, some caveats to applying at Upgrade like high interest rates for poor credit, origination fees, and an increase in interest rates for late payments.

 

Main Features

Loan terms range from 24 to 84 months. Borrowers can get between $1,000 and $50,000 in loan funds, but the minimum in Massachusetts is $6,400, in Georgia, it’s $3,000 and Upgrade is not available in DC. Rates range from 5.94% to 35.97% APR, and you can use your car as collateral, but there are titling fees. The minimum FICO® score for approval is 580, but minimum income information isn’t readily available. Funding is as soon as 24 hours after you’re verified. You can’t use Upgrade debt consolidation loans for any post-secondary school expenses.

Upgrade is transparent about its fees and lending process and provides some payment flexibility to most borrowers.. It offers credit card debt consolidation loans, low minimum balance loans, and, unlike most debt consolidation companies, lends to qualified people with bad credit. Customer support by phone is available 7 days a week and by email and postal mail, and an Upstart provides a mobile app.
bestegg_logo
4.3

Best Egg - Best for Fast Funding

4.3
APR.
5.99% – 35.99%
Loan Amount
$2,000-$50,000
Min. Credit Score
Undisclosed
Key Features
  • Wide range of loan amounts available
  • Fast application process
  • Direct payments to creditors as an option
Pros & Cons
  • Clear lending terms: Found in website’s first page footer
  • Good credit perks: More options with a 700 FICO®
  • Fast funding: One to three business days
  • Availability: Not offered in all states
  • Origination fees: Reduce loan amounts up to 5.99%
  • Individual borrowers only: No joint loans allowed
Overview

This low-frills lender provides both secured and unsecured debt consolidation loans to borrowers with fair to good credit. Your loan can get funded as fast as 24 hours after verification and doesn’t come with prepayment penalties. Borrowers with the best credit get more payment flexibility and perks. They also can use their homes to secure loans. Customers in good standing can refinance one BestEgg loan with another BestEgg loan. The lender offers no loans in Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories. Borrowing minimums differ in Massachusetts, Ohio, Georgia, and New Mexico.

 

Main Features

BestEgg offers loans for 36-60 months, and you can pre-qualify for between $2,000 to $50,000 without affecting your credit. In Massachusetts, the minimum loan amount is $6,500; New Mexico and Ohio, $5,000; and Georgia, $3,000. Rates range from 5.99% to 35.99% APR based on credit score, credit history, and debt-to-income ratio. The minimum credit score for approval is a 640 FICO®, but the lowest interest rates go to those with a 700 FICO® score and $100,000 in individual annual income. You can’t fund post-secondary education or securities with BestEgg personal loans.

BestEgg debt concolidation loan is most ideal for borrowers with a high FICO® score and six-figure individual income, offering them the best perks for borrowing. People with lower credit score will do better with another lender. It offers live customer service 6 days a week and has a mobile app.
upstart review
4.5

Upstart - Best for No and Average Credit

4.5
APR.
3.09% - 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000-$50,000
Min. Credit Score
600+
Key Features
  • Loans can be funded in one busines day
  • Prequalification with a soft credit check
  • Accepts borrowers with fair credit
Pros & Cons
  • Credit: No to average credit considered
  • Funding: Next business day
  • Hardship program: Allows payment deferrals
  • Fees: Multiple charges for servicing
  • Interest: Average is 24.83%
  • Applicants: No co-signers allowed
Overview

This AI-driven platform looks holistically at an applicant's financial picture during its underwriting process. It reviews factors beyond credit history, considering non-conventional variables like education work history, and residence. They may ask for SAT scores and transcripts as proof. This leads to more approvals for those with no to average credit. But Upstart doesn’t guarantee all applicants' approval, since they combine non-traditional variables with conventional ones. Those approved with this credit profile may face high interest rates. Upstart is fee heavy, too. It charges origination, late, returned check or ACH, and paper records fees.

 

Main Features

With at least a 600 FICO® or Vantage score, you can pre-qualify for Upstart loans with no credit hit. Upstart offers loans from $1,000 to $50,000 at between 3.09% and 35.99% APR and terms of 36 or 60 months. Funding is next business day for 99% of personal loan borrowers. But, Upstart’s fees abound. There’s an origination fee of up to 8%, and a late fee of the higher of 5% the amount past due or $15. They charge a $15 returned payment fee and a $10 paper records copy fee. Use restrictions for educational purposes in some states apply.

Upstart might be ideal if you have no to average credit and want a lender to consider other factors that make you creditworthy to them. Take a close look at all it offers and requires before applying to determine if taking out a debt consolidation loan from them will improve your financial picture. If you have questions, contact using a web contact form, by email, or phone 7 days a week, but they offer no app.
 sofi review
4.6

SoFi - Best for High Cash Flow Borrowers

4.6
APR.
6.99% to 21.78%
Loan Amount
Up to $100,000
Min. Credit Score
680+
Key Features
  • No origination, prepayment, or late payment fees
  • Joint applications accepted
  • Offers .25% discount for autopay
  • Borrowers up to $100,000
Pros & Cons
  • Fixed pay schedule: Easily target payoff date
  • No fees: Zero application or origination fees
  • High loan limits: Borrow up to $100,000
  • High minimum FICO® score: Must be at least 680
  • Varying minimum loan rates: Many states higher
  • Limited availability: Not offered in Mississippi
Overview

Borrowers with good to excellent credit and ample cash at month’s end looking to consolidate credit card debt do best here. SoFi also allows qualified non-permanent resident aliens (including DACA recipients and asylum seekers) to apply for loans. You can have up to three SoFi loans at one time and use your loans to pay lenders directly. Personal loan borrowers with SoFi can access a variety of member perks, including loan product discounts, financial advisors, and unemployment protection. If your credit isn’t solid enough to borrow on your own, SoFi allows co-borrowers who live in your household but not co-signers who don’t.

 

Main Features

With a FICO® score of 680, you can pre-qualify with a soft inquiry to borrow between $5,000 and $100,000 in most states to consolidate credit card debt. Loan terms range from 36 to 84 months, with an APR between 6.99% and 21.78% but that may vary by state. The minimum FICO® score for a personal loan approval is 680 and minimum income to apply is $45,000. But, the average borrower's income is over $100,000. Approval and funding are the same-day for most borrowers. Prohibited uses for SoFi personal loans include post-secondary education financing, bridge financing, business purposes, and investments.

If you meet SoFi’s minimum FICO® score requirements and have plenty of disposable income, you’ll have many lending options with SoFi. The lender makes working with them easy, too, with its mobile app, email, and dedicated, six days a week, customer service for personal loans. You also can reach them on Twitter.
onemain_logo
4.2

OneMain Financial - Best for Customized Poor Credit Lending

4.2
APR.
18% to 35.99%
Loan Amount
$1,500-$20,000
Min. Credit Score
Undisclosed
Key Features
  • Offers joint and secured loans
  • Accepts low credit borrowers
  • Can fund a loan the same or next business day
Pros & Cons
  • No FICO® scores: Poor and fair credit accepted
  • Secured loans: Use your car as collateral
  • Physical locations: Offices near most borrowers
  • Low limits: Borrow a maximum of $20,000
  • High origination fees: Up to $500 or up 10%
  • Limited availability: No loans in AK, AR, CT, MA, RI, or VT
Overview

This lender uses non-traditional lending standards to provide loans to people with poor or fair credit who wouldn’t qualify elsewhere. While they require specific information to apply, there’s no required credit score. This lender focuses on your unique financial picture and full credit history to make lending decisions. Loan terms are based primarily on your ability to repay their debt consolidation loan. What you have monthly to pay all your debts is more important than your annual income. You can expect high interest rates on lower than average loan amounts, especially if you don’t secure your loan with your later model vehicle titled only in your name.

 

Main Features

Pre-qualify alone or with a co-applicant for a loan for between $1,500 and $20,000 without a minimum credit score a hard credit inquiry. (In North Carolina, the maximum is $7,500.) Residents of some states must borrow larger minimums. Loan terms are 24 to 60 months, with interest rates of 18.00%-35.99%. You must provide proof of monthly cash flow to pay all your bills, including loans. Receive funds by check or direct deposit one to two business days after signing your loan contract. Prohibited loan uses include college and vocational training, business purposes, or investments.

OneMain Financial provides options for people with poor to fair credit to get approved for a loan without meeting traditional borrowing requirements. If you can prove you can pay all your bills off monthly after getting a debt consolidation loan, this might be for you. They also offer strong customer service through their branches, phone and email support, and a mobile app.
 Marcus_logo
4.2

Marcus by Goldman Sachs Best for Good to Excellent Credit

4.2
APR.
6.99% to 19.99%
Loan Amount
$3,500-$40,000
Min. Credit Score
660+
Key Features
  • No origination fees or late fees
  • Customizable monthly payment
  • No prepayment penalties
Pros & Cons
  • Fees: None of any kind ever
  • Reward: One payment deferral after 12 months
  • Payments: Change the date up to three times
  • Applying: No co-signers or co-borrowers allowed
  • Approval: Good to excellent credit required
  • Funding: 1-4 business days after signing contract
Overview

Marcus asserts that with a good FICO® score, you can qualify for its debt consolidation loan and get an APR lower than one of your credit cards. That, they say, may save you money over time. Marcus offers a permanent fee-free experience to borrowers, meaning there are no origination fees or prepayment penalties or anything in between. The lender offers customizable payment options, including changes to payment dates three times during your loan term. They also pay your lenders directly. However, Marcus funding time can be at 1-4 business days minimum, you can’t have co-signers and there’s a low maximum loan amount.

 

Main Features

With at least a 660 FICO® score, get pre-approved for $3,500-$40,000 without affecting your credit. The APR for Marcus fee-free loans ranges from 6.99% and 19.99%, but only the most qualified get the lowest rates. Loan terms are 36 to 72 months, and your APR may be higher for longer term loans. Marcus doesn’t identify income requirements, but does consider applicant income for loan approval. Funding takes 1-4 days after bank account verification, and the lender prohibits use of loan funds for refinancing existing student loans.

If what you want is a forever fee-free experience, low APRs, and a transparent process with your debt consolidation lender, consider Marcus. You’ll also get multiple ways to contact Marcus, including phone, postal mail, email, chat, Twitter and Facebook. There’s also a mobile app.
avant_logo
4.1

Avant - Best for Rebuilding Credit

4.1
APR.
9.95% to 35.99%
Loan Amount
$2,000-$35,000
Min. Credit Score
580+
Key Features
  • Low credit score requirements
  • Allowed to refinance personal loans
  • No prepayment penalties
Pros & Cons
  • Credit scores: Accepts fair scores
  • Funding time: Next business day after approval
  • Approval: Household income considered
  • Fees: Administrative, late and returned payment
  • Availability: Loans not offered in all states
  • Applicants: No co-signers or co-borrowers
Overview

If you have a fair credit score, Avant offers straightforward unsecured debt consolidation loans to middle-income borrowers with clear application, approval and repayment terms. They say they offer loan products tailored to each person’s individual situation. While they don’t allow co-borrowers and co-signers, applicants can have their household income considered for Avant loans. There are a range of funding options for people looking for smaller loan amounts, too. The APR will be higher, and there are fees applicants should consider, but Avant offers fast funding and no prepayment penalties. Avant loans aren’t available in Hawaii, Iowa, New York, Maine, Vermont and West Virginia.

 

Main Features

Easily pre-qualify for Avant loans with no impact to your credit. Minimum requirements are a 580 FICO® score and $20,000 in household income. Rates for a 24-60 month loan for $2,000-$25,000 are 9.99%-35.99% APR, and those with the highest credit score and incomes, get the lowest rates. Fees include an administrative or origination fee of up 4.75%, a $25 late fee, and a $15 returned payment fee. There are no prepayment penalties. Receive funds in your account the next business day after approval, and the only use restriction is business purposes.

If you’re interested in debt consolidation for rebuilding your credit, and have a fair credit score and meet minimum income requirements, this loan may meet your needs. Those with lower credit scores and household incomes get higher interest rates, and there are fees, but Avant may be more likely to approve you than most other lenders. To help you manage your account with them, Avant offers phone support 7-days a week, email support, and has a mobile app.
lightstream._logo
4.3

LightStream - Best for Loans with Long Terms

4.3
APR.
2.99% to 19.99%
Loan Amount
$5,000-$100,000
Min. Credit Score
Not Disclosed
Key Features
  • Funding as soon as the same day
  • Allows joint applications
  • No origination fee
Pros & Cons
  • Loan Limits: Up to $100,000
  • Loan terms: Up to 144 months
  • Rates: Low and competitive
  • Pre-approval: Not available
  • Minimum limits: Higher than average at $5,000
  • Credit: Excellent for lowest rates, best terms
Overview

Applicants with a good to excellent credit scores and several years of excellent credit history can access high dollar loans with long repayment terms to consolidate their debt. You also get discounted interest rates for using autopay. The minimum loan amount is higher than average, and you can’t get pre-approval, but there are no fees, home equity requirements, or prepayment penalties. They have a Rate Beat program designed to beat competing lender offers for unsecured debt, and provide a Loan Experience Guarantee, sending you $100 if your experience isn't completely satisfactory. The eco-conscious also can take comfort in knowing for every loan it originates, Lightstream plants a tree.

 

Main Features

Applications to Lightstream require a hard inquiry; there is no rate checking pre-approval process. Applicants should have a minimum 660 FICO® score, and can submit a joint application. Lightstream considers income, liquid assets, and retirement savings, the lender emphasizes excellent credit. While the lender identifies no minimum income, it excludes marijuana income. Loans range from $5,000-$100,000 with 24-144 month terms and rates between 5.73%-19.99% with autopay. Loans get funded the day of approval, and once they are, payment due dates can’t get changed. Loans can’t be used to pay off student debt or existing Lightstream loans.

If you need a large loan for debt consolidation and want a lender that rewards your credit, Lightstream could be your ideal lender. The no-fee lender offers unique perks and long repayment terms, but there’s no pre-approval process. Contact Lightstream by mail or via email during its business hours, and the lender offers a mobile app.
payoff_(happymoney)_logo
4.1

Payoff (Now Happy Money) - Best for Credit Card Consolidation

4.1
APR.
5.99%-24.99%
Loan Amount
$5,000-$40,000
Min. Credit Score
640+
Key Features
  • No prepayment or late fees
  • Direct payments to creditors available
  • Free financial resources
Pros & Cons
  • Wellness Focus: Works to reduce borrower stress
  • Creditors: Offers to pay them directly
  • Credit: Considers applicants with low FICO® scores
  • Loan Limitations: Only offers credit card consolidation
  • Loan Amount: Only up to $40,000
  • Applicants: No co-signers or joint applicants
Overview

Happy Money offers only credit card consolidation through its Payoff Loan to help people who have poor or fair credit scores to achieve financial happiness without shame from borrowing money. They focus on the psychological aspects of managing high-interest credit card debt successfully by using their loans to pay them off. The lender takes a transparent but holistic approach to empowering borrowers to improve their credit score through their approval process and continuing support. That includes a free financial wellness newsletter and a free monthly FICO® score. There is an origination fee, but no others, and there’s no prepayment penalty.

 

Main Features

Pre-qualify for a Payoff credit card consolidation loan with a 550 FICO® score without affecting your credit. Through lending partners, Happy Money offers individuals loans only from $5,000-$40,000 for a 24-60 month term at a 5.99%-24.99% APR, looking at factors beyond income to determine approval. An origination fee up to 5% is Payoff’s only fee and there’s no prepayment penalty. After approval, most loans take three to five days to get funded after verification. Payoff only allows borrowers to use its loans to satisfy credit card debt.

Even with a poor credit score, you might be able to achieve Payoff happiness by getting their loan to satisfy your high-interest credit card debt. You’ll get to choose your Payoff plan with monthly payment with an interest that suits you, and the quickest route to loan payment. Along the way, you’ll get live phone support six days a week, chat, a customer service email, and a mobile app.

How We Choose the Best Debt Consolidation Loan

  • Loan Features: Make sure their maximum loan amounts can cover your unsecured debt. Carefully read loan terms, including the length of the loan, and any other “fine print” to determine if they work for you. Also, check loan use limitations on these personal loans. Some don’t allow student loan repayment, for example.
  • Interest rates and fees – Interest rates determine how much a loan will cost you over its term. The higher the interest is, the more you’ll pay over its life. Lenders usually have minimum and maximum interest rates, but they’re based on your FICO® score and credit history. Also, understand the fees you’ll pay and if they’re going to get added to your principal or subtracted from your loan amount. Understand exactly what you’ll pay monthly and over the loan term.
  • Application process - Look closely at the application process. Is it requiring information you don’t feel comfortable providing? Most lenders here allow a “no effect on your credit” soft inquiry for pre-approval, but to get full loan approval, they’ll require a hard inquiry that affects your credit. It’s essential to know that before you apply. Also, know how long the process takes from application to funding and if there are any distinctively competitive offerings for applying.
  • Qualification process – Know before you apply if you qualify for the loan alone or you will need a cosigner. What usually determines that is meeting the minimum credit score and specific income requirements. But if you’re applying for loans jointly, make certain that’s an option with the lender. Also, know if there are membership requirements.
  • Customer support – Consider the customer support the debt consolidation companies you’ve short-listed offer. For example, if you like live chat, make sure that’s available. If you prefer phone service, look for a phone number and check customer service hours for live customer service reps. Also, learn before applying if loan or other information is easy to locate on their site or app. If you want financial literacy tools, make sure the lender’s site offers those
  • Online user reviews - Research their online reviews. Social media might provide clues about all the areas covered above, so review posts and look for customer support there, too.
  • Perks and Bonuses - Will you get bonuses and perks for using a lending company, and do they make applying worthwhile? Consider service offerings like payment flexibility, free FICO® scores, payment alternatives like flexible due dates, “no surprises” lending, and advanced technology like apps.

 

Main Features of The Best Debt Consolidation Loans

Here is a summary of the features of each loan covered here. They may be different in your state and are subject to change frequently. So, please check the lender’s site for updated information.

Upgrade4.7
BestEgg4.3
Upstart4.5
SoFi4.6
OneMain Financial4.2
Discover4.4
Marcus4.2
Avant4.1
Lightstream4.3
Happy Money4.1
Rocket Loans4.4
  • Est. APR - 5.94%-35.97% 
  • Min. FICO® score - 580 
  • Loan Amount - $1,000-$50,000 
  • Loan Term - 24-84 months

What is a Debt Consolidation Loan?

A debt consolidation loan combines multiple debts like credit cards, personal loans, medical and others into one loan. It allows you to pay all debt included in the loan off at once in a single monthly payment over the term of the loan. Often, its APR is lower than a single credit card added to the loan but not always. That depends on your credit.

 

How Does a Debt Consolidation Loan Work?

Debt consolidation loans combine all the debts included in the loan into one loan at a fixed APR with a predictable payment each month. Often, that payment is larger than any one of the debts included, but smaller than paying each monthly payment separately. This can increase your cash flow and allow you to preserve or rebuild your credit as long as you make your loan payment on time each month.

 

What Are the Reasons for Debt Consolidation?

There are multiple reasons for getting a debt consolidation loan. Here are some that you might consider as you look at this option for paying your debt.

  • Multiple debts gone: Manage all debt repayment in one loan
  • Amounts available to borrow: Ability to borrow enough money to cover all debts
  • Flexibility loan funds use: Use loan proceeds to pay different debt types in one loan
  • Set time frame to pay off all debts: Consolidated debts get paid by same date
  • Reduce payment sizes: Smaller loan payment than a current monthly debt payment
  • Better terms: Get better terms than on current credit cards or personal loans
  • Eliminate high interest debt: Consolidate at lower interest than credit cards or loans
  • Predictable payments: Make same payment monthly for the duration of loan
  • Locked in interest: Get the interest rate locked for the loan’s duration
  • Unsecured and secured loans available: Secure loans on collateral like vehicles
  • Improved credit score: Debt consolidation can lead to higher FICO score
  • Better cash flow: Lower payment on all debt can lead to more cash monthly

 

What Are The Dangers of Debt Consolidation Loans?

There are some risks involved in getting debt consolidation loans that you should contemplate before you do. They include the following, but examine your situation for others.

  • Ignoring root causes of debt: Not considering and addressing the reasons debt is high
  • Running up debt again: Maxing out credit cards and getting new loans after consolidation
  • Rushing debt consolidation: Not researching it well and planning repayment strategy first
  • Making wrong choice: Choosing the wrong debt consolidation loan or lender
  • Missing payments: That can lead to damaged credit and inability to borrow
  • Not considering debt’s full cost: Not identifying fees that raise the debt’s cost
  • Prepayment penalties: Not knowing if there prepayment penalties and what they are
  • Taking Securing consolidation loans: Using vehicles, houses, or other assets may lead to their loss
  • Mistaking debt settlement for debt consolidation: It’s essential to know the difference
  • Not considering other payoff options: Are debt consolidation loans the best option?
  • Adding hard inquiries to credit: Rate shopping incorrectly can lead to damaged credit

 

How to Qualify For a Debt Consolidation Loan

Before you apply for debt consolidation loans, you should know how to qualify and only apply for those for which you qualify. That way, you reduce the likelihood of getting declined for loans, which makes it harder to get others once lenders see declined applications.

  • Show ability to repay: Have all income documents ready that show capacity to repay
  • Check your credit report first: Find and fix mistakes to for an increased credit score
  • Improve debt-to-income ratio: Pay down or off any debt possible before applying
  • Research lenders by credit score: Find those lending in specific credit score ranges
  • Identify potential co-signers or co-borrowers: Ask their permission before starting to apply
  • Contact lenders with questions: Do this before pre-qualifying to ensure it’s the right lender

 

How to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan

Once you know you qualify for certain debt consolidation loans, use these criteria to secure the loan that’s best for you and your unique financial situation.

  • Get pre-qualification: Choose lenders that only require soft credit pulls
  • Credit score: It’s important to only choose lenders that accept applicants in a specific credit score range
  • Add a co-signer or co-borrower: Lean if this is allowed before applying
  • Set borrowing limit: Decide a maximum borrowing amount repayable with all other bills
  • Check all criteria: Formally apply only to those that fit certain criteria based on their features
  • Have documentation ready: Be ready to provide additional documentation lenders require

 

Best Ways to Consolidate Debt

Write about other ways of financing you can use to consolidate debt besides loans (but mention debt consolidation loans in this list). Write briefly and concise, each way in bullet point

  • Balance a transfer credit card–find one that allows you to transfer all credit card debt to one card.
  • HELOC (home equity line of credit) or refinancing your house–use a lower interest line of credit or do a cash-out refinance to pay your debts.
  • Credit counseling debt consolidation–many are nonprofits that negotiate with your creditors to help you pay debt. Make sure it’s not debt settlement your doing, which can hurt your credit.
  • 401K loan–take funds from your retirement account to repay your debt. Understand the tax consequences of this method and how it will affect your retirement plans.

 

Conclusion

Getting a debt consolidation loan is a big decision. It takes significant careful research to identify the best personal loans for debt consolidation based on your finances and planning to choose the best place to consolidate debt for your needs. Here, we’ve provided you some of the top rated debt consolidation companies for all credit types and scores. If you take your time and avoid the mistakes identified above, you should be able to get a debt consolidation loan that improves your financial picture.

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About the Author

Dahna Chandler

Written by: Dahna Chandler

Award-Winning Business Finance Journalist and Brand Storyteller

Dahna M. Chandler is award-winning business and finance journalist with over 20 years of experience writing for major American media outlets and recognized multinational financial brands. She writes about personal finance, insurance, and real estate.

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Dr. JeFreda R. Brown

Fact checked by: Dr. JeFreda R. Brown

DBA, CFEI and a highly respected expert in personal and business finance

Dr. JeFreda R. Brown is more than a financial consultant: she’s an avid teacher and subject matter expert who helps people—individuals and groups in a business setting—master the skills they need to achieve lasting financial wellbeing. As Founder and CEO of Xaris Financial Enterprises, it is her passion and life goal...

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