Why is it so hard to get approved for a debt consolidation loan?
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.
High debt-to-income ratio
A high DTI ratio can affect your loan eligibility as it limits the amount of income you have available to pay for a new loan. The figure that triggers a high DTI varies from lender to lender, but generally a ratio of under 30% is considered good, while anything above 43% is high.
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.
If you don't qualify for a consolidated debt loan on your own, you may be able to find a family member or friend who does qualify and get them to co-sign the loan with you. The bank can then qualify you for the loan based on the financial strength of your co-signer.
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.
Even with debt consolidation loans for bad credit, approval isn't guaranteed. Lenders typically look at multiple factors when evaluating a loan application. For example, you might be denied if you don't meet income requirements or if your debt-to-income ratio is too high.
- 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.
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.
Loan amounts usually range from $1,000 to $50,000 with repayment terms from two to seven years. Let's say you have four credit cards, each with a $5,000 balance. Instead of making monthly payments on each credit card, you take out a debt consolidation loan for $20,000 and use that money to pay off your credit cards.
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.
What qualifies you for debt consolidation?
Debt Consolidation Requirements
Lenders regard your credit score as the most obvious sign of your creditworthiness. If your score is above 740, you're definitely creditworthy. If it's between 670-739, you probably qualify, but may pay a slightly higher interest rate.
Debt consolidation is when you move some or all of your existing debt from multiple accounts (such as credit cards and loans) to just one account. To do this you'd pay off – and potentially close – your old accounts with credit from the new one.
An alternative to consolidation is debt relief, not to be confused with federal debt forgiveness proposals using the same name. 8 Rather, it's when a company negotiates with your creditors on your behalf.
- 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.
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.
With FICO, fair or good credit scores fall within the ranges of 580 to 739, and with VantageScore, fair or good ranges between 601 to 780. Many personal loan lenders offer amounts starting around $3,000 to $5,000, but with Upgrade, you can apply for as little as $1,000 (and as much as $50,000).
If a credit card account remains open after you've paid it off through debt consolidation, you can still use it. However, running up another balance could make it difficult to pay off your debt consolidation account.
National Debt Relief is a legitimate company that has helped hundreds of thousands of people negotiate their debts. The company's debt coaches are certified through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).
Yes, you can get a debt consolidation loan if you're unemployed, but you'll need proof of income from another source. You can use alternative income sources such as Social Security benefits, retirement accounts, alimony, or child support to qualify for a loan.
Founded in 2008, National Debt Relief is a debt settlement company that negotiates the reduction of unsecured debt. If you have over $7,500 in unsecured debt, NDR may be able to cut that amount in half.
Where is the best place to get a consolidation loan?
Best For | Loan Amounts | |
---|---|---|
Discover | No fees | $2,500 to $40,000 |
Happy Money | Improving credit | $5,000 to $40,000 |
LightStream | Borrowers with excellent credit | $5,000 to $100,000 |
SoFi | Unemployment protection | $5,000 to $100,000 |
- Make a list of all your credit card debts.
- Make a budget.
- Create a strategy to pay down debt.
- Pay more than your minimum payment whenever possible.
- Set goals and timeline for repayment.
- Consolidate your debt.
- Implement a debt management plan.
What Is A Hardship Loan? A hardship loan is a type of financing that helps people dealing with a financial crisis caused by an emergency expense or an income shortfall. You can use a hardship loan to cover everything from a surprise medical or car repair bill to necessities like food and rent.
The easiest types of loans to get approved for don't require a credit check and include payday loans, car title loans and pawnshop loans — but they're also highly predatory due to outrageously high interest rates and fees.
- Peer-to-Peer Lending. ...
- Car Title Loans. ...
- Borrow Money From a Friend or Family Member. ...
- Pawnshop Loans. ...
- Payday Loans. ...
- Credit Card Cash Advance.
References
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/debt-consolidation-vs-debt-settlement/
- https://wallethub.com/personal-loans/quick
- https://www.oceanfinance.co.uk/loans/debt-consolidation/cant-get-consolidation-loan-what-should-i-do/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/personal-loan-lenders-credit-score-below-670/
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/should-i-share-personal-information-with-a-debt-collector-en-2098/
- https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/consolidation
- https://www.lendingtree.com/debt-consolidation/avoid-debt-consolidation-scams/
- https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/secured-unsecured-consolidation.aspx
- https://www.debt.org/bankruptcy/buying-a-car-after/
- https://www.investopedia.com/debt-consolidation-hurt-credit-8426913
- https://www.credible.com/personal-loan/credit-card-consolidation-loans/unemployed-credit-card-debt
- https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/debt/pros-and-cons-of-debt-consolidation/
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/121614/5-things-debt-collectors-are-forbidden-do.asp
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/repayment.asp
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/negotiating-with-collectors-unsecured-debts.html
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-much-does-a-debt-relief-program-cost/
- https://www.pacificdebt.com/how-to-build-your-credit-after-debt-settlement
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/best-debt-consolidation-loans-for-bad-credit/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/pl/debt-consolidation-loans-for-unemployed-2140856001/
- https://money.usnews.com/loans/reviews/freedomdebtrelief
- https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/resources/learning-centre/borrow/9-smart-ways-to-snap-out-of-a-debt-trap-today
- https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/debt/how-to-consolidate-debt-without-hurting-credit/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/best-debt-consolidation-loans-bad-credit/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/how-to-get-a-debt-consolidation-loan/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt/
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/credit-card-debt-forgiveness/
- https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/debt/pros-cons-of-debt-relief/
- https://nomoredebts.org/blog/debt-consolidation/solutions-when-you-are-declined-for-a-debt-consolidation-loan
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-get-out-debt
- https://wallethub.com/credit-score-range/520-credit-score
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/debt-consolidation-loan
- https://www.jdcu.org/blog/best-way-to-consolidate-debt-without-hurting-your-credit/
- https://www.incharge.org/debt-relief/consolidation-vs-settlement/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/thinking-about-consolidating-debt-good-idea/
- https://time.com/personal-finance/article/what-is-a-charge-off/
- https://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/loans/guides/debt-consolidation.html
- https://davidsklar.com/blog/top-reasons-you-may-be-denied-a-debt-consolidation-loan-and-what-to-do-instead/
- https://www.consolidatedcredit.org/credit-card-debt-relief/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/best-debt-relief-companies/
- https://www.investopedia.com/where-get-debt-consolidation-loan-8422778
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/how-do-you-qualify-for-a-debt-consolidation-loan/
- https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/pros-and-cons-of-consolidation
- https://www.creditninja.com/blog/who-will-give-me-a-loan-when-no-one-else-will/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/debt-settlement-risks/
- https://www.solosuit.com/posts/improve-credit-score-after-settlement
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-consolidate-debt/
- https://www.creditkarma.com/advice/i/debt-relief
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ways-to-pay-off-10000-in-credit-card-debt/
- https://www.incharge.org/debt-relief/debt-management/can-i-get-a-loan-on-a-debt-management-program/
- https://www.incharge.org/debt-relief/debt-relief-low-income-americans/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/pros-and-cons-of-debt-consolidation/
- https://www.investopedia.com/best-debt-relief-companies-4846588
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/easiest-personal-loans/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/debt-relief/
- https://www.investopedia.com/pros-cons-debt-consolidation-8424036
- https://www.consolidatedcredit.org/ask-the-experts/does-debt-consolidation-close-credit-cards/
- https://www.quickenloans.com/learn/hardship-loans
- https://www.farmermorris.com/faqs/why-you-should-never-pay-collection-agency/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/debt-relief/best-debt-relief-companies/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/personal-loans/how-to-qualify-for-a-debt-consolidation-loan/
- https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/debt/get-out-of-debt-on-low-income/
- https://www.creditninja.com/if-i-consolidate-my-credit-cards-can-i-still-use-them/
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/debtconsolidation.asp
- https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/debt/types-of-debt-you-can-consolidate/
- https://www.incharge.org/debt-relief/credit-counseling/success-stories/how-i-paid-off-30000-in-credit-card-debt/
- https://www.creditninja.com/can-i-still-use-my-credit-card-after-debt-consolidation/
- https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/personal-loans/best-debt-consolidation-loans/
- https://time.com/personal-finance/article/how-to-get-a-personal-loan-without-a-credit-check/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/consolidate-debt
- https://www.debt.org/consolidation/companies/national-debt-relief/
- http://www.nfitfiji.com/personal-finances/the-three-cs-of-credit/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-long-does-debt-consolidation-stay-on-credit-report/
- https://www.freedomdebtrelief.com/debt-relief-program/
- https://www.incharge.org/debt-relief/debt-settlement/buying-a-house-after-settlement/
- https://www.debt.org/consolidation/
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/using-personal-loan-to-pay-off-debt/
- https://www.investopedia.com/credit-card-debt-consolidation-a-step-by-step-guide-8418444
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/debt-consolidation-pros-cons/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/who-qualifies-for-credit-card-debt-forgiveness/
- https://www.benzinga.com/money/i-need-1000-dollars-now
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-debt-relief-program-and-how-do-i-know-if-i-should-use-one-en-1457/
- https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/money/is-debt-consolidation-a-good-idea
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-do-i-need-to-know-if-im-thinking-about-consolidating-my-credit-card-debt-en-1861/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/current-debt-consolidation-loan-interest-rates
- https://www.td.com/us/en/personal-banking/personal-loan/personal-loans-for-debt-consolidation
- https://www.mohela.com/DL/resourceCenter/consolidation.aspx
- https://fortune.com/recommends/loans/best-debt-relief-companies/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/does-debt-consolidation-hurt-your-credit/
- https://money.usnews.com/loans/personal-loans/articles/how-to-secure-a-30-000-personal-loan
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/debt-relief/national-debt-relief-review/
- https://www.debt.org/consolidation/turned-down-for-consolidation-loan/
- https://www.investopedia.com/easiest-personal-loans-approved-7644059
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/why-was-my-debt-consolidation-loan-denied/