How long does it take to get debt consolidation loan?
Most lenders let you pre-qualify with a soft credit check and may fund a loan within a few days after approval. BanksBanks are a smart choice for debt consolidation loans if you have good or excellent credit. Some banks offer extra perks to existing customers, like a rate discount or larger loans.
The entire process typically takes between four and six weeks from the date your application is received. Before completing a consolidation application, carefully consider the following information to determine whether loan consolidation is the best option for you.
If you have excellent credit, high income and are borrowing a relatively small amount of money, it can be easy to get approved for a debt consolidation loan. On the other hand, if you have poor credit, low income and are applying for a large loan, it may be difficult to get approved.
What is the tenure for a debt consolidation loan? Borrowers have the freedom to choose their debt consolidation loan tenure. They can pick any tenure from 12-84 months.
Every lender sets its own guidelines when it comes to minimum credit score requirements for debt consolidation loans. However, it's likely lenders will require a minimum score between 580 and 680.
Lenders might not advertise it, but most of them have a minimum credit score required to get a loan. If your score is less than 670, you might be out of luck for a debt consolidation loan. Even if you're over 670, a problematic debt-to-income ratio (more on that below) or payment history could derail your loan.
In general, your chances of getting a debt consolidation loan are better if you have a good credit score, usually defined as 670 or above by FICO. In some cases, your credit report may have errors that are bringing your score down, so first, you'll want to check your credit report to make sure everything is correct.
Lenders like to see a credit score of at least 670 for a debt consolidation loan, but probably closer to 700 just to be safe. It's not the only factor that matters, but a low credit score could stop you from getting a debt consolidation loan with reasonable interest rates and terms.
An inadequate income is one of the most common reasons you could be denied a debt consolidation loan. Lenders will compare your monthly earnings to your day-to-day expenses and debt payments. In doing so, they can determine how easily your can cover your financial commitments at your income level.
Insufficient credit history or poor payment history can also lead to a denial of a debt consolidation loan. Remember, your payment history is the most important factor in your credit score, comprising 35% of your FICO® Score. Even one missed payment can damage your score.
Is it smart to get a personal loan to consolidate debt?
Debt consolidation is ideal when you are able to receive an interest rate that's lower than the rates you're paying for your current debts. Many lenders allow you to check what rate you'd be approved for without hurting your credit score so you can make sure you're okay with the terms before signing on the dotted line.
- SoFi: Best for fast funding.
- Upgrade: Best for poor or thin credit.
- Achieve: Best for quick approval decisions.
- LendingClub: Best for co-borrowers.
- Discover: Best for excellent credit.
- Happy Money: Best for credit card consolidation.
- LightStream: Best for large loans.
If you do it right, debt consolidation might slightly decrease your score temporarily. The drop will come from a hard inquiry that appears on your credit reports every time you apply for credit. But, according to Experian, the decrease is normally less than 5 points and your score should rebound within a few months.
While there are no government debt relief grants, there is free money to pay other bills, which should lead to paying off debt because it frees up funds. The biggest grant the government offers may be housing vouchers for those who qualify.
You'll typically need a credit score of at least 700 to qualify for a debt consolidation loan with a competitive interest rate. Although a lower credit score doesn't automatically equal a denial, as some lenders offer loans for bad credit, the borrowing costs will likely be higher.
Banks, credit unions, and installment loan lenders may offer debt consolidation loans. These loans convert many of your debts into one loan payment, simplifying how many payments you have to make. These offers also might be for lower interest rates than what you're currently paying.
It is 180 points away from being a “good” credit score, which many people use as a benchmark, and 120 points from being “fair.” A 520 credit score won't knock any lenders' socks off, but it shouldn't completely prevent you from being approved for a credit card or loan, either.
- Review and revise your budget. ...
- Make more than the minimum payment each month. ...
- Target one debt at a time. ...
- Consolidate credit card debt. ...
- Contact your credit card provider.
- Step 1: Stop taking on new debt. ...
- Step 2: Determine how much you owe. ...
- Step 3: Create a budget. ...
- Step 4: Pay off the smallest debts first. ...
- Step 5: Start tackling larger debts. ...
- Step 6: Look for ways to earn extra money. ...
- Step 7: Boost your credit scores.
Loan debt consolidation is when you take out a new loan to pay off multiple debts. Four types of debt are commonly consolidated: credit card debt, student loan debt, medical debt and high-interest personal loan debt. You may reduce the overall cost of repayment by securing better terms and interest.
Do you have to prove income for debt consolidation?
You'll need basic proof of identification, like a driver's license and Social Security card, as well as documents to prove your income, like pay stubs, bank statements and tax returns. You'll also want to gather the latest statements from your loans and credit card accounts.
Expert Take: Achieve takes the spot as best debt consolidation loan due its competitive terms, quick funding and low minimum credit score requirements. The lender also allows potential borrowers to apply jointly, which makes it easier for those with fair credit to qualify for a loan.
Get funded and pay off your debts
Once approved, funding time is typically within a week, though some lenders may offer same- or next-day funding. Lenders can deposit the loan funds in your bank account, but some may offer to send the money directly to your creditors on your behalf, saving you that step.
Loan disbursem*nt and settlement of existing debts: Once your consolidation loan is approved, the funds are disbursed to pay off your existing debts. This process can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the logistics and coordination between your lender and existing creditors.
It makes getting out of debt easier — and sometimes cheaper. That said, debt consolidation isn't a magic bullet. It can temporarily ding your credit scores or bring even more damage if you're not disciplined with your debt repayment.
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