Key takeaways
- Debt consolidation loans help you save money on interest and simplify your monthly payments.
- You can qualify for a debt consolidation loan with poor credit, but you may receive higher interest rates.
- Alternative ways to pay off debt include credit counseling or home equity loans.
Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into one at a lower interest rate. It simplifies your finances and should save you money. Personal loans are one of the most accessible approaches to consolidating debt.
While accessible, a personal loan with a low interest rate can be tricky to get when your credit is not up to par. Lenders are less likely to offer you deals, but consolidating debt is still possible.
Here are steps you can take to consolidate debt with less-than-perfect credit.
Can you get a debt consolidation loan with bad credit?
You can get loans for debt consolidation with bad credit, but they may come with trade-offs. Your choices will be limited to lenders who work with borrowers who have poor scores. The loans you qualify for will come with higher annual percentage rates (APRs) and less favorable terms.
Steps to qualify for debt consolidation loans for bad credit
Understanding how to qualify for a personal loan with bad credit can increase your chances of approval. Here are a few steps to take.
1. Check your credit score
Most lenders have minimum credit score requirements. You need to know your credit score so that you only apply for loans for which you have a chance of qualifying.
Your credit score is a reflection of the data on your credit report. You can request your credit report once a year for free via annualcreditreport.com.
Review your reports to identify any past mistakes, such as late payments or errors. If you find an inaccurate negative mark, dispute it. Getting a negative mark off your report can improve your credit score. You may qualify for better debt consolidation loan rates.
2. Research bad credit lenders
Not all personal loan lenders cater to people with poor credit. Look for lenders that specialize in bad credit loans for debt consolidation.
These lenders will have low minimum credit score requirements and consider alternative factors, such as education or employment history.
3. Consider a co-signer
A co-signer with good credit may increase your chances of approval with favorable terms. Lenders are more likely to approve a debt consolidation loan with a cosigner because it reduces their risk. If you default, your co-applicant will be responsible for paying the loan.
4. Apply for prequalification
Many lenders offer a prequalification process that doesn’t affect your credit. The lender reviews your information and conducts a soft inquiry to see if you meet their basic criteria.
Prequalify with a few lenders and compare loan offers. Review the interest rates, fees, amount, terms, etc., to find the most affordable option.
5. Formally apply for the loan
Once you’ve selected a prequalified offer, it’s time to submit your application. If approved, read the loan agreement carefully to ensure the repayment plan aligns with your budget. Taking out a loan you cannot afford will only make your situation worse.
Some lenders will pay your creditors directly with the loan funds, simplifying the process for you. Others will deposit the funds into your bank account. You are then responsible for using that money to pay off your existing debts.
Bad credit holding you back?
Where to get bad credit debt consolidation loans
When searching for a debt consolidation lender with bad credit, you will have to be selective. Here are a few places to start your search.
Online lenders
Online lenders tend to have less rigid criteria and lower minimum credit score requirements. Many look beyond credit scores and consider alternative factors, such as education and employment history. You can also find online lenders who give rate discounts for direct payments to creditors.
Be sure to research the lender’s reputation and read the fine print to avoid high fees or predatory terms. Many online lenders charge higher APRs and origination fees, which can add to the total cost of borrowing.
Credit unions and banks
If you are a member of a credit union or local bank, it is worth approaching them about a debt consolidation loan. They may be willing to look beyond your score and consider your entire financial situation and relationship with them.
Credit unions are nonprofit and often more flexible with underwriting standards. You might even score a lower interest rate than with an online lender.
While banks tend to have stricter requirements, having an existing account can improve your chances of approval.
Does consolidating debt hurt credit?
Does debt consolidation hurt your credit? The answer is that it depends on how you manage it.
Applying for a loan will temporarily lower your score by a few points due to the hard inquiry. The dip is typically only 5-10 points, and you can recover within a year.
If you use the funds to pay off credit card debt, you will lower your credit utilization ratio. Your utilization ratio accounts for 30% of your credit score, so lowering it can boost your rating.
If you use the funds to pay off loans, you will have to close the accounts. You may see a slight dip in your score, as it will lower the average length of your credit history (15% of your score). Paying off the loan and experiencing this dip is better for your credit and overall financial health in the long run.
The key to consolidating credit card debt without hurting your credit is to make on-time payments. Payment history is 35% of your score. As long as you pay off the new loan on time, your score will improve.
Pros and cons of debt consolidation loans
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Simplifies multiple payments into one monthly bill
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May save money with a lower interest rate
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Can reduce your monthly payment
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Helps build credit if you pay on time
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Offers a clear timeline for debt payoff
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Reduces the stress of managing several debts
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May help you pay off debts faster
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May come with fees
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Could extend your repayment timeline
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Can result in higher monthly payments
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Missing payments can hurt your credit score
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Doesn’t address the underlying cause of debt
Alternatives to a credit card debt consolidation loan
Consolidation with a personal loan is not the right choice for everyone. Plenty of other ways exist to become debt-free.
Home equity loan or HELOC
If you own a home, you may qualify for a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a home equity loan for debt consolidation. Home equity products have lower interest rates than personal loans, as they are secured by your property. To qualify, you will need 15% to 20% equity in your property and a decent income.
The difference between a HELOC vs home equity loan is how you handle the money. A home equity loan gives you a lump sum with a fixed interest rate that you repay in installments. A HELOC is similar to a credit card, offering a revolving limit and a variable rate. You can borrow as needed during the draw period and pay interest only on what you use.
Both methods let you consolidate debt at a lower interest rate. The problem is that you risk losing your home if you don’t pay.
401(k) loan
A 401(k) loan typically doesn’t require a credit check and comes with a relatively low interest rate. You can use the money to pay off creditors and end up with one bill.
Dipping into retirement funds is tempting, but a risky move. If you leave your job, you will need to repay the loan quickly. Otherwise, the IRS considers it a withdrawal and will tax it as income. You also lose the benefits of your money growing in your retirement account.
If you’re considering a 401(k) loan, ask, ‘Can I cancel my 401 (k) and cash out while still employed?‘ The answer is usually no, unless you meet specific hardship criteria. And even if you could, early withdrawals come with hefty penalties.
Ready to be debt-free?
Credit counseling
Nonprofit credit counseling agencies offer guidance on how to get out of debt fast. A credit counselor can review your finances and enroll you in a debt management plan (DMP). DMPs consolidate your debts into a single monthly payment, often with reduced interest rates.
Credit counseling is a solid option if you would like professional guidance. Nonprofit agencies can also teach budgeting skills and help you negotiate credit card debt with your creditors.
Debt settlement
Debt settlement is when you or a company negotiates with creditors to pay less than what you owe. If you work with a debt settlement company, you will have to pay a fee for their services.
Either way, you stop making payments and instead deposit money into a separate account. Once there’s enough to make a lump-sum offer, the agent will negotiate with your creditors.
Settlement can get you out of debt for less, but it is risky. Missing payments will damage your credit and result in late fees or collection calls. There’s no guarantee your creditors will settle. You may owe taxes on forgiven debts.
The settlement industry is full of bad actors. It’s fair to ask, Is National Debt Relief legit or just another scam? Always read reviews and check for accreditations to verify the company is trustworthy.
Debt repayment options
You can also pay off debts on your own using the debt snowball or avalanche methods. With the snowball method, you pay off the smallest debts first to build momentum. The avalanche focuses on high-interest debts to save money.
These strategies are effective ways to pay off debt, but require discipline and consistency.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is a debt consolidation loan a good idea?
A debt consolidation loan can be good if it saves you money and makes it possible for you to pay off debt faster. It works best when you have steady income and can secure a lower interest rate. A new loan will not help if you continue overspending or are unable to qualify for favorable terms.
2. Which banks offer debt consolidation loans for bad credit?
Discover, Citibank, and U.S. Bank all offer debt consolidation loans. Their requirements will be stricter than those of online lenders or credit unions. Upgrade, Upstart, LendingPoint, and Avant are online lenders who consider borrowers with low credit scores.
3. How do I consolidate my credit card debt with bad credit?
Search for lenders who offer loans with low minimum credit score requirements. You may also consider applying with a co-signer or using a secured loan. Another option is to enroll in a debt management plan. DMPs essentially roll your debts into one at a lower interest rate without having to apply for a loan.
4. Is it easier to get a personal loan or a debt consolidation loan?
Debt consolidation loans are a type of personal loan. Approval for both depends on your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio.
5. What credit score do I need to qualify for a debt consolidation loan?
Most lenders prefer a credit score of 600 or higher for debt consolidation loans, though some accept scores as low as 580. To secure the best interest rates, you typically need a credit score above 690. If your credit is below 600, you may still qualify, albeit with higher rates.
Bottom line
Securing a debt consolidation loan with bad credit is only the beginning. Once you obtain the loan, you must repay it as agreed. Otherwise, you’re simply moving debt around and won’t be any closer to paying it off. If you’re concerned about spending the money or missing payments, consider choosing a lender that pays your creditors directly.
As you consistently make timely payments on your new loan, your credit score will improve. Debt consolidation simplifies payments, saves you money, and helps build credit when done correctly.