Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

This device is too small

If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.

Skip to main content

Best Debt Consolidation Loans of March 2024

Review Updated
Dana George
By: Dana George

Our Loans Expert

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

If your desk is awash with monthly bills, you're not alone. In fact, the latest research from The Ascent shows that the average unsecured loan balance is $9,896.

One of the smartest financial moves to make is getting the best debt consolidation loan, especially if you want a lower interest rate or to combine multiples debt payments into one.

    • A competitive interest rate. You must also factor in the cost of the origination fee and repayment term. These are reflected in the loan's APR.
    • Low origination fees. Some lenders charge for processing and distributing your loan, with fees ranging from 1% to 8%. The best debt consolidation programs have loans that charge little or no origination fees.
    • Repayment terms that work for you. Find a loan with the shortest loan period you can afford. The faster you pay off your loan, the less you will pay in interest.
    • No prepayment penalties. Some lenders charge a fee if you pay a loan off early. Look for a lender who does not charge prepayment penalties.
Prequalify without impacting your credit score

You’re clicks away from finding the right loan. Answer a few questions and start comparing real offers from multiple lenders within minutes. This won’t impact your credit.

As of Feb. 05, 2024
Lending Partner Min. Credit Score Loan Amounts Apr Range Next Steps
Award Icon 2024 Award Winner
SoFi Personal Loans
Rating image, 5.0 out of 5 stars.
5.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Min. Credit Score: 680 Loan Amounts: $5,000 - $100,000 APR Range: Fixed: 8.99%-29.99% APR (with all discounts)
LightStream
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Min. Credit Score: 660 Loan Amounts: $5,000 - $100,000 APR Range: 8.99%-24.89% (w/ AutoPay)*
Award Icon 2024 Award Winner
Upgrade
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Min. Credit Score: 580 Loan Amounts: $1,000 - $50,000 APR Range: 8.49%- 35.99% APR
LendingClub
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Min. Credit Score: 600 Loan Amounts: $1,000 - $40,000 APR Range: 9.57% - 36.00%
Rocket Loans
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Min. Credit Score: 640 Loan Amounts: $2,000 to $45,000; min. $5,001 in Ohio APR Range: 9.116% to 29.99%
Disclaimers

Rates quoted are with AutoPay. Your loan terms are not guaranteed and may vary based on loan purpose, length of loan, loan amount, credit history and payment method (AutoPay or Invoice). AutoPay discount is only available when selected prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. To obtain a loan, you must complete an application on LightStream.com which may affect your credit score. You may be required to verify income, identity and other stated application information. Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 8.49% APR with a term of 5 years would result in 60 monthly payments of $205.12.  Some additional conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Truist Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. © 2024 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.

Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 8.49%-35.99%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 9.99% 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/

*SoFi Personal Loan Disclaimer

Fixed rates from 8.99% APR to 29.99% APR reflect the 0.25% autopay interest rate discount and a 0.25% direct deposit interest rate discount. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 02/06/2024 and are subject to change without notice. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2022 was around $30K. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed and will depend on the term you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and a variety of other factors.

Loan amounts range from $5,000–$100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 0%-7%, which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.


Autopay: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.


Direct Deposit Discount: To be eligible to potentially receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction for setting up direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A. or eligible cash management account offered by SoFi Securities, LLC (“Direct Deposit Account”), you must have an open Direct Deposit Account within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled payroll direct deposits of at least $1,000/month to a Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi’s reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi’s sole discretion. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off direct deposits to your Direct Deposit Account. You are not required to enroll in direct deposits to receive a Loan.

Impact to credit score: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Award Icon 2024 Award Winner
Logo for SoFi Personal Loans
Rating image, 5.0 out of 5 stars.
5.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Minimum Credit Score
680
Loan Amounts
$5,000 - $100,000
APR Range
Fixed: 8.99%-29.99% APR (with all discounts)
Term Length
24 - 84 months

SoFi offers rock-bottom interest rates and higher loan limits than most lenders. Its loans are designed for well qualified applicants. SoFi doesn't require an origination fee, late fees, or a prepayment penalty.

  • Competitive interest rates
  • No fees or prepayment penalty
  • High maximum loan limit
  • Same-day funding available
  • High minimum loan amount
  • High minimum credit score
  • No in-person support
Logo for LightStream
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Minimum Credit Score
660
Loan Amounts
$5,000 - $100,000
APR Range
8.99%-24.89% (w/ AutoPay)*
Term Length
24-144 months (varies by loan purpose)

LightStream offers the lowest rates on personal loans, hands down, and high loan limits. Also, LightStream doesn't charge fees. All in all, this is one of the most competitive personal loan lenders you'll come across. The catch is that LightStream has stricter borrowing requirements than some other lenders.

  • One of the lowest APRs in the industry
  • No fees or prepayment penalty
  • Low-rate guarantee
  • Same-day funding available
  • High maximum loan amount
  • High maximum interest rate
  • High minimum credit score
  • No pre-approval for personal loans
Award Icon 2024 Award Winner
Logo for Upgrade
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Minimum Credit Score
580
Loan Amounts
$1,000 - $50,000
APR Range
8.49%- 35.99% APR
Term Length
24 - 84 months

Upgrade offers loans from $1,000 to $50,000, with terms as long as 84 months. All borrowers pay an origination fee. Loans fund in as little as a day. The best rates go to borrowers using at least some of the funds to pay off other debt.

  • Allows borrowers with poor credit to get approved
  • No fees
  • Multiple discounts
  • Low minimum loan amount
  • Wide variation in origination fees
  • High interest rates

LendingClub

Logo for LendingClub
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Minimum Credit Score
600
Loan Amounts
$1,000 - $40,000
APR Range
9.57% - 36.00%
Term Length
24-60 months

Lending Club is ideal for borrowers who want to consolidate high-interest debt. By consolidating their high-interest debt into a single peer-to-peer loan, a borrower can save hundreds of dollars in interest.

  • Wide range of loan amounts, ranging from $1,000 to $40,000
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Allows for joint applicants, as long as one borrower meets credit standards
  • Origination fees

Rocket Loans

Logo for Rocket Loans
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Minimum Credit Score
640
Loan Amounts
$2,000 to $45,000; min. $5,001 in Ohio
APR Range
9.116% to 29.99%
Term Length
36 or 60 months

A flexible personal loan that can be used for just about anything.

  • Apply without harming your credit score
  • Loan amounts to fit a variety of situations
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of A+
  • Qualify with an annual income as low as $24,000
  • No early payoff penalty
  • Origination fee of up to 8%
  • No cosigners or joint applicants allowed
  • Limited repayment options

Take a deeper dive into our debt consolidation reviews

Upgrade debt consolidation loans

When you're looking to consolidate debt, Upgrade is worth a closer look. Let's say you have a bunch of little charges, spread across several credit cards (darn you, Starbucks!). Upgrade provides personal loans as small as $1,000. If the idea of debt that minor sounds like bliss because high-interest credit has you by the neck, loans up to $50,000 are available to qualified applicants.

Once approved and papers have been signed, the funds will hit a borrower's bank account within four days (often sooner). Terms stretch from two to seven years, allowing you more control over the monthly payment. However, no cosigners are allowed, which is a bummer if your credit score has taken a nosedive. Plus, if your credit score is on the low end, origination fees up to 9.99% can be costly. Once an application is made, Upgrade conducts a soft credit check, which means your credit score won't get dinged.

What makes Upgrade debt consolidation loans different?

Upgrade offers one of the longest repayment terms in the personal loan business.

    • Have a credit score of at least 580
    • Be 18 or 19 years of age, depending on the state in which the applicant lives
    • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold an immigration visa
    • Have a Social Security number of passport
    • Provide evidence of U.S. bank account

LightStream debt consolidation loans

In debt but still rocking a (fairly) healthy credit score? LightStream personal loans are available from $5,000 to $100,000, with no origination fees or prepayment penalties. Loan terms ranging from 24 to 48 months allow you to control your monthly payment to some degree. Although you'll need a credit score of 660 or greater, LightStream does allow co-applicants (yes!). If you've been approved for a personal loan by another lender, LightStream will beat that lender's rate by 0.1%.

What makes Lightstream debt consolidation loans different?

Because there are no origination fees, LightStream loans cost less than most loans. One thing that sets LightStream apart is that it allows an applicant to bring a co-applicant who may have a higher credit score.

    • Have a valid Social Security number
    • Have a clear plan for what you want to do with the borrowed funds
    • Be able to provide evidence of any available assets

SoFi Personal Loans debt consolidation loans

SoFi requires a good credit score of 680 or higher. However, if you qualify, the lender offers some pretty attractive benefits, including loan amounts from $5,000 to $100,000. You can also bring a co-borrower if you don't qualify on your own. In addition to same-day funding, SoFi offers unemployment protection if you lose your job and making loan payments is off the table for a while. The lender also considers alternative sources to determine creditworthiness for borrowers who haven't had time to build a long credit history. Unlike many lenders, SoFi charges no origination fee or prepayment penalty.

What makes SoFi debt consolidation loans different?

SoFi's unemployment protection can be a lifesaver for a borrower who loses their job. Once a job loss has been reported, the lender will put payments on pause for up to three months at a time.

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or non-permanent resident alien
    • Have an income, either from employment or other source. Applicants with an offer of employment scheduled to start within 90 days will also be considered.

LendingClub debt consolidation review

LendingClub is a fintech company working with a network of investors. These investors are specifically looking for people they can loan money to. Loans are available from $1,000 to $40,000, with terms of 36 or 60 months. Because it's a network of investors, there's a good chance you will find funding.

Sorry to sound like a broken record here, but if you have a low credit score you're going to get bonked with a much higher interest rate than borrowers with strong credit. If you have a high credit score, you may be better off borrowing from a lender that doesn't charge fees. LendingClub origination fees run from 3% to 6%. That's money you could keep in your bank account.

What makes LendingClub debt consolidation loans different?

What sets LendingClub apart from its competitors is the fact that investors choose which loans they want to fund. And because lenders know they can charge a borrower with a relatively low credit score a higher interest rate, those applicants are more likely to receive funding.

    • Must be at least 18 years old
    • Have a verifiable bank account
    • Be a U.S. citizen or current resident

Rocket Loans debt consolidation loan review

Did you know that Rocket offers more than home loans? Yep. Rocket also provides personal loans, ideal for consolidating the high-interest debt that's weighing you down. If your credit score is 640 or higher you are eligible to apply for a loan ranging from $2,000 to $45,000. The fly in the ointment is that you could face an origination fee as high as 7% (can you tell we truly dislike origination fees?). Repayment terms are either 36 or 60 months, and you can expect same-day loan approval. You may even receive same-day funding.

What makes Rocket debt consolidation loans different?

Rocket is one of the rare lenders that may be able to provide same-day funding.

    • Must be at least 18 years of age
    • Must be a U.S. resident
    • Must have a bank account that can receive payments via ACH

Are there debt consolidation loans for bad credit?

Yes, there are consolidation loans available if you have bad credit. Here are a few extra steps you can take to increase your chances of getting approved:

  1. Check your credit reports for errors. Mistakes can drag your score down. To get started, order a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. Then, read through each record carefully. If you find a mistake on your credit history, report it to the credit bureau.
  2. Get prequalified with multiple lenders. Getting prequalified doesn't affect your credit score -- usually (always ask your lender to confirm, though). By getting prequalified, you can find out whether or not a lender will offer you a loan.
  3. Consider secured debt or getting a cosigner. If you're having trouble getting approved for a loan, look into secured loans (loans that require collateral) or asking someone to cosign your loan. Doing one (or both) of these things can make it easier for you to get approved for a debt consolidation loan.

For more information, check out our list of best personal loans for bad credit.

The best debt consolidation companies of March 2024:

Lending Partner Min. Credit Score Loan Amounts APR Range Best For
SoFi Personal Loans 680 $5,000 - $100,000 Fixed: 8.99%-29.99% APR (with all discounts) Low APR for borrowers with high income
LightStream 660 $5,000 - $100,000 8.99%-24.89% (w/ AutoPay)* Borrowers with good credit
Upgrade 580 $1,000 - $50,000 8.49%- 35.99% APR Debt consolidation and fair credit
LendingClub 600 $1,000 - $40,000 9.57% - 36.00% Low APR for borrowers with good to excellent credit scores
Rocket Loans 640 $2,000 to $45,000; min. $5,001 in Ohio 9.116% to 29.99% Flexible personal loans

Credit card refinancing vs. debt consolidation

It can be easy to confuse refinancing and consolidating, but they are two different strategies meant to accomplish the same goal -- to become debt free.

Credit card refinancing involves transferring your credit card balance to a card with a lower interest rate (more on this in a moment). Debt consolidation streamlines multiple debt payments into a single payment, using a personal loan.

What are the benefits of using a personal loan for debt consolidation?

A debt consolidation program can save you money and time. Here are a few other benefits:

  • Lower interest rate: Most debt consolidation loans have a lower interest rate than credit cards. The best credit card consolidation loans will help you in paying off high-interest debt with a low-interest loan to save you thousands of dollars over the life of a loan.
  • Lower monthly payments: If you have a lower interest rate, you'll likely also have lower monthly payments. If you find yourself worrying about how you're going to repay credit debt or other unsecured debt, a debt consolidation loan can help you lower the total monthly payment due.
  • Clear finish line: From the time a lender approves your consolidation loan, you will know precisely the repayment term and when it's due to be paid off.
  • Fewer bills: Consolidating multiple debt loans into a single personal loan means you will have fewer bills to juggle. If you're busy like most people, having one installment loan to pay can simplify your life. Rather than making sure each credit card payment is sent, writing a check for your auto loan, and double checking that all other bills are covered, you pay a single monthly payment.
  • Higher credit score: You may be able to improve your credit score by making regular payments. Since your credit history plays a role in everything from renting an apartment to whether you qualify for the lowest auto insurance rates, raising your credit score makes life easier. Once you've achieved excellent credit, you will have access to the best interest rates and loan terms next time you need to borrow money.

What are the drawbacks of debt consolidation loans?

Most financial decisions, including personal loans for debt consolidation, have pros and cons. Here are some drawbacks:

  • If you use your loan to pay off your credit cards, you may be tempted to use those cards again, leaving you with a consolidation loan and new high-interest debt. New debt leads to a higher debt-to-income ratio, an issue that is factored into your credit score.
  • There is often a sense of relief once you've paid off high-interest debt, which may tempt you to spend more money or spend unwisely. The entire point of debt loans are to get you out of debt and make your life easier. Whether you take out a secured loan or an unsecured loan, stick to your budget once the loan is paid in full.
  • If you take out a secured loan using collateral, such as your house or your car, to keep the interest rate low, you risk losing that collateral if you miss payments. It's never a good idea to miss payments, but if you're not sure you will make all payments as agreed, consider an unsecured loan instead.
  • The wrong loan can end up costing you money in interest or fees. Make sure you understand all the costs involved and don't inadvertently put yourself in a worse situation. A high origination fee, late payment fees, and prepayment penalty will each take money out of your pocket.

TIP

Budgeting for loan payments

If you're getting ready to apply for a debt consolidation loan, start by outlining your current monthly expenses and income. Then, estimate how much you can put toward a loan payment each month. (Remember, the loan payment will replace some of your other debt payments.) That way, you'll know ahead of time what size loan payment is best for you -- and you can confidently work toward paying off that debt.

What are the alternatives to personal loans for debt consolidation?

Personal loans for debt consolidation can be a great way to meet your financial goals, but they're not the only option. Here are some alternatives to a debt consolidation loan:

Balance transfer credit cards

A balance transfer card offers an introductory rate, most often a 0% APR for a set time period (typically 12 to 21 months). You apply online, give the new credit card company a list of the balances you want to be transferred, and wait to hear back from it. Transfer fees usually range from 3% and 5% of the balance transferred. But beware: The card's interest rate will rise dramatically as soon as the intro period ends. You should plan to pay the card off in full before then.

Pros

  • No interest charges on balance transfers during intro period
  • May increase your credit score

Cons

  • Only effective if you stop using credit while repaying the debt
  • Transfer fees charged
  • Interest rate rises dramatically once the intro period ends

Home equity loans

If you owe less on your home than it's worth, that means you have equity and can borrow against it. If you use a home equity loan for debt consolidation, you'll owe your mortgage lender instead of your other creditors (like credit card issuers). The interest rate might be lower on a home equity loan than you'd pay on a credit card or personal loan. The danger is that you could lose your home if you miss payments.

Pros

  • Likely to provide you with a much lower interest rate
  • Can increase your credit score

Cons

  • Lender has the right to repossess your home (the collateral) if you fail to make payments
  • Easy to get into even more debt unless you stop using other available credit (like credit cards)

401(k) loans

While the best move with a 401(k) plan -- or any other retirement plan -- is to leave it alone and let it grow, some plans do allow for borrowing. You don't have to worry about your credit score when borrowing from your 401(k) because no credit check is required. A 401(k) loan generally lets you borrow 50% of your 401(k) balance or $50,000, whichever is less (with some exceptions). When you take out a 401(k) loan, you pay interest to yourself by putting your interest payments back into your retirement account. However, if you don't pay back the loan within five years, you will owe income tax and a penalty of 10%.

Pros

  • No credit check required
  • In essence, you repay yourself, with interest

Cons

  • The money borrowed has no opportunity to grow, potentially costing you thousands of dollars
  • If the loan is not repaid within five years, you'll pay income tax and a penalty of 10%

FAQs

  • A debt consolidation loan is a loan used to pay off other debt. It usually has a lower interest rate than other debt (like credit card debt). You can also use it to pay off multiple debts -- for example, multiple credit cards or loans. Then, you have only one debt payment to remember instead of several.

  • Your credit score could climb. Consolidating debt leaves you with more available credit (for example, paid off credit cards). As long as you don't add charges to the cards you just paid off, the "debt utilization" portion of your credit score improves. In addition, making monthly payments on time helps boost your score.

  • The credit score required to consolidate debt depends on the lender. Some lenders that cater to those with poor credit consider applicants with scores as low as 560-580.

  • How much debt you can consolidate depends on a number of factors, including your credit history and income.

  • Ramsey is not a fan of debt consolidation loans, believing that it will take you longer to repay the debt. In his opinion, the longer it takes you to repay the loan, the more interest you'll pay.

    We recommend you take Ramsey's advice on this topic with a grain of salt. Crunch the numbers to determine how long it will take you to pay off existing debt at the rate you're paying. Then, find out how much a consolidation loan will cost you monthly. Finally, compare the total interest paid in both scenarios.

Our Loans Experts