Key takeaways
- Debt consolidation can simplify your monthly payments and lower your interest rates, making it easier to manage debt.
- Balance transfer cards and personal loans are two options for consolidating outstanding credit card balances without hurting your score.
- A financial advisor can help you choose the best debt consolidation method for you.
You can consolidate debt without hurting your credit. American consumer debt is skyrocketing. According to TransUnion, the average credit card balance rose to $6,371 in the first quarter of 2025. The higher your balance, the harder it is to pay off and the more overwhelming it becomes.
Luckily, there are ways to deal with it. Consolidation is one such strategy that, when done right, can help you get out of debt for less. It will not eliminate what you owe, but it can help you pay it off more efficiently.
Let’s go over debt consolidation and how you can use it to ease your burden without hurting your credit.
How does credit card consolidation work?
Credit card consolidation involves combining multiple card balances into a single payment, typically at a lower interest rate. You can take out a new loan and use the proceeds to pay off your credit cards. Alternatively, you can open a balance transfer card and transfer your balances to it.
Consolidating your debts reduces the number of payments you need to keep track of, so you are less likely to miss a bill. When done correctly, it can lower your interest rates, save you money, and help you pay off your existing debts faster.
Does debt consolidation hurt your credit score?
Debt consolidation affects your credit score both positively and negatively. When you apply for a consolidation loan or balance transfer card, your score will drop a few points due to the hard inquiry. The impact of the hard inquiry is only temporary.
Many people choose to close their credit cards once they’ve paid them off. While this can appear like a smart way to avoid further debt, closing accounts reduces the length of your credit history. Your score benefits from a longer credit history.
What matters more than new inquiries and the average age of accounts is your payment history and utilization. When you pay off a credit card, you reduce your credit utilization ratio. A lower utilization rate can improve your score.
Having only one bill to pay at a lower interest rate makes it easier to manage payments and meet due dates. Pay your bill on time every month, and you’ll establish a positive payment history. A positive payment history will improve your score over time.
Overall, the answer to the question “Does debt consolidation hurt your credit?” is no. Consolidation can have a positive effect in the long run, but you still have to pay your debts.
Debt-free but penalized?
How to get out of credit card debt without ruining your credit
Debt consolidation is one way to get out of credit card debt without ruining your credit. There are plenty of ways to consolidate debt. The key to all of them is to pay your new bill on time and avoid accumulating high balances.
1. Know your options for consolidating debt
Consider all your options for consolidating debt before applying. The right one for you depends on your financial situation, amount of debt, and credit score. Here is a table outlining five common choices.
Consolidation method | Best for | Potential impact on credit |
Debt consolidation loan | Consumers who can get a loan with a low APR | Hard inquiry |
Balance transfer credit card | Borrowers who can pay off the balance before the promotional period ends | Hard inquiry and potentially increased credit utilization |
Home equity loan or HELOC | Homeowners with significant equity and a stable income | Hard inquiry |
Auto loan | Consumers with equity in their cars | Hard inquiry |
Debt management plan | Borrowers with lower credit scores who can’t make payments | Late payments and potentially closing accounts |
A debt consolidation loan for bad credit can help you pay off debt faster and save money on interest. Make sure that the loan comes with a lower interest rate and does not extend the repayment term excessively. You can often secure a personal loan with bad credit from credit unions and online lenders. They tend to offer consolidation loans with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than banks.
Keep in mind that the loan may come with fees like an origination fee. Repayment terms can go up to seven years. You need to make sure that the total interest paid over the life of the loan is less, or else you will not save money.
A balance transfer credit card with a 0% APR lets you refinance credit card debt by combining multiple balances onto one card with a low introductory APR. Doing so significantly reduces the amount of interest you pay, making it easier to pay down your principal balance quickly.
Keep in mind that you must pay off the balance before the introductory period ends (usually 15 to 21 months) or you will be charged a higher APR. The promotional rate usually only applies to the transferred balances. The issuer typically charges a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. Securing a balance transfer card with a 500 credit score will be challenging.
A home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) involves borrowing against the equity in your home. Since the loan is secured by your property, you will likely receive a lower interest rate than with a personal loan.
You can use a home equity loan for debt consolidation if you have sufficient equity in your home. It will come with a longer payment period than a personal loan. If you default, you risk losing your home.
If you own a vehicle in full or have a low balance compared to its worth, you may be able to take out an auto loan and use that to pay off your existing debts.
While bad credit car loans often come with lower interest rates, you risk losing your vehicle if you cannot pay. The amount you can borrow is also capped by the vehicle’s value.
Debt management plans (DMPs) are structured programs available through nonprofit credit counseling agencies. The agency negotiates with your creditors to lower interest rates and waive fees. You make a single monthly payment to the agency, which distributes the funds to your creditors. Basically, you consolidate your debts without having to apply for a new loan or credit card. Most participants are able to pay off debts in three to five years.
Keep in mind that DMPs are not free. You will have to pay a start-up fee and a monthly fee, though they can be waived. You may also have to close credit card accounts to participate.
Go to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling to find an accredited agency near you.
Tired of living of owing money?
2. Prequalify with multiple lenders
Choose the consolidation method that works best for you, then prequalify and compare offers. Most banks, credit unions, and online lenders will let you prequalify without impacting your score. You can then review potential interest rates, terms, and amounts to find the right option for you. Although you may be interested in the best online payday lenders, it’s advisable to avoid them, as they won’t help with consolidation.
3. Keep your credit strong after combining debts
Debt consolidation does not have to hurt your credit. While you can’t avoid the hard inquiry, you can build a stronger credit score.
The first step is to stop using your credit cards. Racking up more debt will only make your situation worse. Even though you’re not using them, keep your accounts open. Closing them will shorten the length of your credit history and ding your score.
The best thing you can do is to pay bills on time, and consolidation should help you do that. As you pay off your debt, you will lower your credit utilization ratio. A low utilization ratio will also help boost your score.
How to decide which form of debt consolidation is best for you
The best method for you depends on your budget, score, and what terms you qualify for.
Both balance transfer cards and personal loans with low APRs require good to excellent ratings. If you have bad credit, you will not be able to qualify for a balance transfer card. You may be able to find a loan – especially a home equity loan or HELOC – with a low APR. Your best bet is to look at online lenders and credit unions that have more lenient requirements.
The next step is to review your budget. If you opt for a balance transfer card, you must pay the balance off in full before the promotional period ends. If you cannot do that, do not apply for the card. Transfer cards also come with fees that can eat into your savings.
A personal loan will likely have a longer repayment period and fewer fees. Make sure that you can afford the new monthly payments, that you are saving money on interest, and that the fees aren’t too costly.
Find out more about your credit score on MoneyFor.
Pros and cons of debt consolidation
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One monthly payment
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Lower interest rate
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Save money
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Pay debts efficiently
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Clear repayment timeline
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Can boost your credit score
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Potential fees
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May increase the total interest paid
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Using assets as collateral can result in loss if you default
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Applying for a new loan or card can initially lower your credit score
Beware of high-interest consolidation loans and scams
As with anything, there are scams.
Some lenders offer consolidation loans with higher APRs than credit cards or longer repayment terms, so you pay more in total interest. Always prequalify and compare offers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Deals that are too good to be true most likely are. Predatory companies may promise quick fixes or guaranteed approval, but they often charge exorbitant fees or engage in fraudulent practices. Be wary of any company that promises quick fixes, requires upfront payments, lacks transparency, or pressures you into making quick decisions.
Before you choose a lender, do your research. Read reviews and check their accreditation with organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
How much do you need to file for bankruptcy?
Frequently asked questions
1. Does a debt consolidation loan hurt your credit?
Whether debt consolidation hurts your credit depends on how you do it. The initial inquiry for a new loan or card will cause your score to dip. Consistently pay on time, and your score will improve. Miss payments and you’ll damage your credit.
2. How long does credit card consolidation stay on your credit report?
Consolidation itself does not appear as a separate entry on your credit report. However, applying for a new loan or card will result in a hard inquiry, which stays on your report for up to two years.
3. Do I have to close my credit cards if I consolidate my debt?
No, but you should stop carrying a balance on your cards. If you choose a DMP, the agency may require you to close your cards.
4. Can I still use my credit card after debt consolidation?
Yes, but it’s important to do so responsibly. Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid accruing interest. If you are tempted to overspend, do not use your card.
5. How long does it take for your credit score to improve after debt consolidation?
How long it takes for your score to improve varies, ranging from a few months to a year.
Bottom line
Debt consolidation does not get rid of what you owe, but it helps you get out of debt faster, more efficiently, and hopefully for less. If done correctly, you’ll pay a lower interest rate, simplify your monthly payments, save money, and increase your score while you’re at it.
Once you’re out of debt, be sure to stay out. Create a budget or spending plan that works for you. Only buy on credit what you can afford to pay for in cash. Then, pay your bills on time. You’ll stay out of debt and may build credit while you’re at it.