If you’re struggling to stay on top of multiple credit card payments, consolidating your debt could help. Consolidation has the potential to simplify your finances by combining all of your credit card payments into one. And, if you can consolidate your debt with a lower-interest-rate loan, you could end up saving money.
You can use a balance transfer card or a personal loan to consolidate your debt, among other options. But which is right for you depends on your credit score, income, and repayment priorities.
A personal loan is a type of installment loan you can use for almost any purpose, including debt consolidation. Personal loans are typically unsecured, meaning you don’t have to put up collateral to qualify. A secured loan requires collateral, such as your house or car, to secure the loan. But doing so puts you at risk of losing your collateral should you default.
With an unsecured loan, you receive a lump sum upfront, then repay the amount in monthly installments. Loan amounts range from as low as $600 up to $200,000, depending on the lender and your qualifications, with repayment terms between one and seven years. A shorter repayment term generally means a higher monthly payment, but you could save on interest. If you want a lower monthly payment, you can consider a longer term, but you’ll likely pay more in interest.
While APRs on unsecured personal loans generally run higher compared to secured loans, they tend to be much lower than credit card rates. The average rate for a 24-month personal loan as of November 2023 was 12.35%, according to the Federal Reserve, which is 10 percentage points less than the average credit card rate of 22.75%. If you can save money on interest — taking loan fees into account — a personal loan could be a good way to consolidate credit card debt.
Good to know
The annual percentage rate (APR) is the total cost of borrowing money, and includes both the interest rate and any upfront fees.
To qualify for the best personal loan rates, you generally need good credit (a FICO score of 670 or above), consistent income, and a debt-to-income ratio — your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income, expressed as a percentage — of around 35% or less. If you have bad credit, you may be able to qualify for some personal loans, but you'll likely pay higher rates.
You can find personal loans at banks, credit unions, or online lenders. Compare different lenders based on APR, loan amounts, repayment terms, and eligibility requirements.
Advertiser DisclosureOverview
Lightstream is one of three Credible partner lenders to offer loan amounts up to $100,000, which makes it ideal for financing large expenses like home improvements or weddings. Funds are available as soon as the same day you apply, and you'll have up to 12 years to repay certain types of loans, including home improvement loans, RV loans, and boat loans. There are no origination fees, and rates are low — Lightstream's lowest APR beats SoFi's advertised lowest APR by 1 percentage point. But you'll need good credit to qualify.
Unlike most lenders, Lightstream does not let you prequalify on its site. Nor does it provide a contact phone number next to its customer service hours on its website.
Repayment terms
2 - 12 years, depending on loan purpose
Eligibility
Available in all states except RI and VT
Time to get funds
As soon as the next business day
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Overview
Upstart has one of the lowest available APRs of Credible partner lenders and of all non-partners we reviewed, making it a good choice for well-qualified applicants. However, it's also is one of few lenders that doesn't have a minimum credit score requirement (if you apply on the lender's website), which makes it an option if you have bad credit or no credit history. Upstart may charge an origination fee as high as 12%, but good-credit borrowers may not be charged one at all.
Trustpilot gives Upstart 4.9 stars, which is the highest of all lenders we reviewed.
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 3 business days
Loan uses
Pay off credit cards, consolidate debt, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes
Overview
Discover Personal Loans offers low APRs, repayment terms up to seven years, no origination fees, nationwide availability, and doesn't require your Social Security number to prequalify on its site. You'll need to have an annual income of at least $40,000, and a FICO score 660 or higher, to be eligible. If your credit score is fair or poor, you'll need to go elsewhere, as Discover doesn't allow cosigners.
Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Time to get funds
Funds can be sent as soon as the next business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding
Overview
PenFed is a credit union that offers personal loans to applicants with good credit. Though you'll need to become a member to receive a loan, membership is open to everyone. PenFed shines with no origination fees, small available loan amounts, and low interest rates. If you don't have a FICO score above 700, you may not qualify on your own, but can apply with a cosigner with good credit — which is not something most lenders offer.
PenFed doesn't have a minimum income amount, and offers live chat and an entirely online loan application process.
Fees
Unsuccessful payment fee, late fee
Time to get funds
Typically 1 to 2 business days after verification
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, home improvement, credit card refinancing
Overview
Upgrade has a suite of features that make it a very attractive lender: competitive interest rates, discounts for direct pay and autopay, as soon as same-day funding, up to seven-year repayment terms, and nationwide availability. Plus, loans are available to fair-credit borrowers, and you don't need to input your Social Security number to prequalify on the website. Upgrade even offers secured personal loans, which is not common among lenders.
However, Upgrade does charge an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99%. You must have a FICO score of at least 600 and a minimum income of $25,000 annually to qualify.
Loan amount
$1,000 to $50,000 ($3,005 minimum in GA; $6,600 minimum in MA)
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, other
Overview
LendingClub is a solid lender for good credit borrowers and some fair credit borrowers that apply directly on its website. It's easy to prequalify with LendingClub, especially if you're uncomfortable providing your Social Security number, as the company doesn't require it at the prequalification stage. (You will need to provide it if you move forward with a full application.)
While prequalification is not a guarantee that you'll be approved for a loan, LendingClub does a better job than most other Credible partner lenders at approving applicants that have successfully prequalified. In other words, you're less likely to have your application declined once you apply (if you've already prequalified). LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Overview
SoFi stands out for offering no-fee personal loans with competitive rates, high loan amounts, long loan terms, discounts for autopay and direct pay, and funding as soon as the same day. Plus, SoFi prioritizes convenience for existing and potential customers with features like live chat and an easy prequalification process that doesn't require your Social Security number.
The main catch is that you need to qualify for a loan with SoFi, which can be hard to do if you don't have good credit. You also won't be able to apply with a cosigner, since SoFi doesn't accept cosigners; nor does it offer secured personal loans.
Fees
Option to pay an origination fee (up to 6%) in exchange for a lower rate
Time to get funds
Typically within a few days, given approval and bank account verification, but sometimes within the same day
Loan uses
Solely for personal, family, or household uses
Overview
Best Egg is a solid lender for a wide range of borrowers and, notably, scored second for personal loan satisfaction in J.D. Power's Consumer Lending Study. It offers competitive rates, reasonable loan terms and amounts, and personal loans for fair credit. You'll need a FICO score of at least 600 to qualify, but the lower your score, the higher your APR may be. The APR includes the interest rate and origination fees, which range from 0.99% to 8.99% with Best Egg.
Note that if you successfully prequalify with Best Egg, you may be more likely to be approved for the loan relative to other lenders you prequalify with. Based on Credible data, borrowers who chose to apply for a loan with Best Egg were more than twice as likely to be approved (relative to most other Credible partners).
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, unsuccessful payment fee, check processing fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 3 business days after successful verification
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Overview
Avant personal loans are a good choice for borrowers with bad credit looking for small- to moderate-sized personal loans. Loans are available up to $35,000 and you could get the money as soon as the next business day after approval. Plus, Avant is more likely than some lenders to approve the applications of borrowers who've prequalified with Avant. However, the lender charges an origination fee up to 9.99%, and its top-range interest rates are among the highest of the lenders we reviewed.
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, dishonored payment fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, and WV
Time to get funds
As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, emergency expense, life event, home improvement, and other purposes
Repayment terms
1 to 5 years (2 to 5 years through Credible)
Overview
It’s worth considering a personal loan through Splash if you have good credit (ideally, a FICO score above 700). The platform offers loans from a wide range of lenders, and next-day funding is available. Plus, Splash has a live chat feature so you can get real-time answers without having to wait on hold or for an email. Loans are available up to $100,000 if you apply via Splash’s website.
Rates are competitive, but borrowers with excellent credit may find lower APRs elsewhere. If you need a repayment term longer than five years, you’ll need to look elsewhere as well.
Loan amount
$5,000 - $100,000 (up to $35,000 on Credible)
Eligibility
Available in all states except VT. OH and NM net disbursed amount must be greater than $5,000. MA must be greater than $6,000
Time to get funds
Same day available, typically 1-3 days
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, home improvement, medical expenses, major purchases
Overview
Universal Credit is one of a handful of lenders that offers personal loans for bad credit. If your FICO credit score is at least 560, you may be eligible for a Universal Credit personal loan. It offers loan amounts up to $50,000, repayment terms up to seven years, and discounts for direct pay and autopay. Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Note that rates and fees can be relatively high — you may pay an origination fee from 5.25% to 9.99%, and APRs start at 11.69%. If you get a loan with a high interest rate, consider refinancing your personal loan at a lower rate once you've improved your credit score.
Eligibility
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; not available in DC, IA, SC, WV
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, pay off credit cards, home improvements, unexpected expenses, home and auto repairs, weddings, and other major purchases
Overview
Happy Money has been in operation since 2009 (formerly known as Payoff). It's an option for fair-credit borrowers (plus those with better credit), and notably has a relatively low top-end APR. In other words, you could qualify for a lower rate with Happy Money with fair credit, relative to other lenders that offer fair-credit loans. The company does charge an origination fee on some loans, up to 5%, but that's not as high as some other lenders' origination fees.
You should be prepared to wait a few days to get your money, as funding can take three to five days once approved. And loans aren't available in Massachusetts or Nevada. Happy Money has an A+ rating with the BBB and is ideal for debt consolidation and credit card consolidation loans.
Eligibility
Available in all states except MA, MS, NV, and OH
Time to get funds
As soon as 2 - 5 business days after verification
Loan uses
Debt consolidation and credit card consolidation only
Overview
BHG Money stands out for offering the largest loan amounts — up to $200,000 — of any Credible partner lenders. Simply put, if you need an unsecured personal loan over $100,000, there are very few places to look, but BHG is one. You'll have up to 10 years to repay the loan, but you'll need an annual income of at least $100,000 to qualify and a FICO score that's 660 or higher. However, if you have a cosigner that meets these requirements, BHG will consider your application.
Loan amounts start at $20,000, so look elsewhere for small loans. And BHG charges a modest origination fee between 2% and 4%, depending on your financial profile. Loan funds are available within three to 14 days of loan approval. Note that you can't prequalify with BHG.
Fees
Origination fees, late fees
Eligibility
Available in all states except Maryland and Illinois
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, baby (adoption), engagement ring financing, moving (relocation), business, home improvement, special occasion, cosmetic procedures, major purchase, taxes, credit card refinancing, medical expenses, vacation, wedding, other
Fees
Origination Fee, $15 Late Fee, $25 NSF Fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except CO, CT, ME, NV, NH, TN, VT, WV, WY, and all U.S. Territories
Time to get funds
Funds typically deposited into your account in 1 business day13
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing
Overview
OneMain Financial has multiple options for bad-credit personal loans. There is no minimum credit score required (if you apply directly with OneMain), which means you could get a loan with bad credit (FICO below 580). Plus, cosigners are allowed — a cosigner is someone (ideally, with good credit) who promises to repay the loan if you can't, which can make it easier to qualify or lower your rate. And, secured personal loans are available. You secure a loan with collateral, which may also help you qualify or lower your rate.
Rates are higher than competitors and OneMain charges origination fees as either a flat fee up to $500, or a percentage from 1% to 10% (depending on your state of residence). Note that even if you prequalify for a personal loan with OneMain, getting approved isn't a given.
Fees
Origination fee, unsuccessful payment fee, late fee
Eligibility
Must have photo I.D. issued by U.S. federal, state or local government
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 2 days after acceptance
Loan use
All except business, and education
Fox Business does not make or arrange loans.
A balance transfer credit card lets you consolidate all your credit card balances onto a single credit card, typically with a low or 0% introductory rate. When the introductory rate expires — after around 12 to 21 months, depending on the card — the card assumes the standard APR.
Balance transfer credit cards generally charge a fee for the initial balance transfer. Usually, it’s a percentage of the total transfer amount, often around 3% to 5%.
Using a balance transfer credit card can be a smart strategy if you’re able to pay off the balance within the introductory period and your interest savings outweigh the balance transfer fee. Check your current cards for balance transfer offers, or see if you can prequalify for a new 0% APR balance transfer credit card.
Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are both secured loans that allow you to borrow against your home’s equity.
A home equity loan is a type of installment loan. After receiving your loan amount upfront, you make monthly payments based on your loan amount, APR, and repayment term until you pay off the loan.
A HELOC, on the other hand, works like a credit card. They have variable interest rates, which means your rate could change based on market conditions. During your draw period, you can borrow up to your credit limit on a revolving basis.
When the repayment period starts, you can no longer draw on your line of credit, and you have to pay off your balance. A draw period often lasts 10 years, depending on the lender, with a 20-year repayment period.
Because home equity loans and HELOCs are secured by your home, they’re often a lower-cost way to consolidate credit card debt. But they come with drawbacks. Both have closing costs, much like a mortgage. You also need a certain amount of home equity to qualify, and you risk losing your house if you default on the loan.
A debt management plan can help you organize your credit card payments and get on track to pay off your balances. To enroll in a debt management plan, you typically have to work with a credit counselor at a nonprofit credit counseling agency.
A credit counselor can reduce your monthly payments by negotiating lower interest rates or a longer repayment period. They organize your plan so you make a single monthly payment to the agency, and the agency pays your creditors. You may have to pay a small fee for this service, and the plan might require you to close your cards.
A debt management plan is best for those who can’t qualify for a low-interest credit card consolidation loan on their own. Otherwise, you may be able to save money and keep your accounts open by using a debt consolidation loan.
The U.S. Department of Justice has an approved list of nonprofit credit counseling agencies, and you can also find a credit counselor from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Financial Counseling Association of America.
A cash-out auto refinance involves replacing your current auto loan with a new one for an amount that’s greater than what you currently owe. You receive the difference in cash, which you can use to pay off your credit card debt.
For example, if you have $20,000 of equity in your vehicle, but still owe $10,000, you could refinance with a new loan of $30,000 and a cash value of $20,000.
Like a personal loan, a cash-out auto refinance could save you money if you can get a low enough interest rate. But don’t forget about loan fees when weighing your options.
Unlike a personal loan, a cash-out auto refinance is secured by an asset. If you can’t keep up with your payments, you risk losing your car. And keep in mind, a cash-out auto refinance makes it more likely you could go upside down on your auto loan — meaning you owe more than your car is worth.
Not all lenders allow cash-out auto refinances, so you’ll have to do some digging to find those that do.
Keep in mind
Auto loan rates are currently the highest they’ve been since 2006, according to the Federal Reserve’s November 2023 data, so it may be best to consider other options if they are available to you.
A 401(k) loan lets you borrow money from your 401(k) retirement plan, which you can use to consolidate your credit card debt. Other types of employer-sponsored retirement accounts, like 403(b), 457(b), and profit-sharing plans, may also offer loans, but the availability of these loans depends on your individual plan.
The most you can borrow with a retirement loan is $50,000, but it also depends on your vested account balance. Unless you leave your job, you have five years to pay off the loan.
Borrowing from your retirement account to consolidate credit card debt has its benefits. For example, you don’t need to meet any credit score requirements to access loan funds. Plus, any interest you pay goes back into your account.
But there are significant risks, too. If you don’t repay the loan, you may face taxes and withdrawal penalties. You may even have to repay the loan in full if you end up leaving your job. Not to mention, borrowing from your retirement account means you’re missing out on potential market growth.
When considering ways to consolidate your debt, consider things like rates, repayment terms, loan amounts, funding times, and fees. These factors vary by method and should impact how you choose to consolidate debt.
| |
---|
| Those with good credit who don’t want to consolidate debt with a secured loan. |
Balance transfer credit card | Those who can qualify and pay off their balance during the 0% APR introductory period. |
Home equity loan or HELOC | Those who have significant equity in their home and are comfortable borrowing against it. |
| Those who can’t qualify for a low-interest loan or balance transfer credit card and are having trouble keeping up with credit card payments. |
| Those who can qualify for a better interest rate and are comfortable taking out a secured loan. |
| Those who can’t qualify for other loans or who know they can pay off their loan within a short time frame. |
It depends on your situation. Start by checking your credit score and assessing your finances, which may limit your options. From there, weigh the risks and benefits of each method.
For example, if you have great credit and can qualify for a low-interest home equity loan, that could be a good choice. But if you’re uncomfortable with a secured loan, and don’t want to risk losing your collateral, a personal loan could be a better option.
Depending on the route you take, credit card consolidation can hurt your credit, but the initial impact is generally temporary. When you apply for a loan, the lender will perform a hard credit check, which lowers your credit score slightly for about a year. Falling behind on payments, whether on credit cards or a consolidation loan, can have a much more severe impact on your score.
Generally, you won’t lose your credit cards if you consolidate debt. In fact, keeping old credit card accounts open can have a positive impact on your credit score — as long as you aren’t tempted to rack up more debt. However, if you use a debt management plan, a credit counselor may require you to close your credit card accounts.
You can consolidate your credit card debt if you have bad credit, but you may not have as many options. For instance, a lower credit score can make it harder to qualify for a low-interest personal loan or balance transfer credit card. Applying for a secured loan, like a home equity loan, may be easier with bad credit, but you risk losing your collateral if you can’t make the payments. If you’re struggling to qualify for any type of debt consolidation loan, a debt management plan may be your best bet.
Meet the contributor:
Emily Batdorf
Emily Batdorf is a personal finance expert, specializing in banking, lending, credit cards, and budgeting. Drawing on her scientific background, she's developed a knack for analyzing financial products in the context of different needs. She finds joy in helping readers understand their best options and shuns a one-size-fits-all approach.