10 of the Best Student Loan Refinance Companies

Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS # 1681276, is referred to here as "Credible."

The best student loan refinance companies provide competitive interest rates, a wide selection of loan terms, inclusive eligibility requirements, and responsive customer service.

Through Credible, you can compare your prequalified rates from all of the lenders below without affecting your credit score.

Lender	Fixed rates from (APR)	Variable rates from (APR)	Loan terms (years)
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	4.54%+	N/A	10, 15, 20
Fixed APR: 4.54%+ Variable APR: N/A Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: $7,500 up to $500,000 Loan terms (years): 10, 15, 20 Max. undergraduate loan balance: $250,000 - $500,000 Time to fund: 4 months Repayment options: Immediate repayment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: None Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Must be a resident of Kentucky Customer service: Phone Soft credit check: No Cosigner release: After 36 months Loan servicer: Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation Max. graduate loan balance: $250,000 - $500,000 Credible Review: Advantage Education Loan review Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing : Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	2.95%+	1.89%+	5, 7, 10, 15, 20
Fixed APR: 2.95%+ Variable APR: N/A Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: $10,000 to $400,000 Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 Repayment options: Military deferment, forbearance Fees: Late fee Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Must have a credit score of at least 720, a minimum income of $60,000, and must be a resident of Texas Customer service: Email, phone Soft credit check: Does not disclose Cosigner release: No Loan servicer: Firstmark Services Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $100,000 - $149,000 Max. Graduate Loan Balance: $200,000 - $400,000 Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Does not disclose
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	2.89%+¹	2.19%+¹	5, 7, 10, 15, 20
Fixed APR: 2.89%+¹ Variable APR: 2.19%+¹ Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: $10,000 to $750,000 Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 Repayment options: Immediate repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: Late fee Discounts: Autopay, loyalty Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have at least $10,000 in student loans Customer service: Email, phone, chat Soft credit check: Yes Cosigner release: After 24 to 36 months Loan servicer: Firstmark Services Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $100,000 to $149,000 Max. Graduate Loan Balance: Less than $150,000 Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	3.34%+2	3.24%+2	5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20
Fixed APR: 3.34%+2 Variable APR: 3.24%+2 Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: $5,000 to $300,000 Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 Repayment options: Military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: Late fee Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: All states except for ME Customer service: Email, phone, chat Soft credit check: Yes Cosigner release: After 24 to 36 months Loan servicer: College Ave Servicing LLC Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $100,000 to $149,000 Max. Graduate Loan Balance: Less than $300,000 Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	2.79%+3	2.39%+3	5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20
Fixed APR: 2.79%+3 Variable APR: 2.39%+3 Min. credit score: 680 Loan amount: No maximum Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 Repayment options: Forbearance Fees: None Discounts: None Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have at least $15,000 in student loan debt, and have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an approved school Customer service: Email, phone Soft credit check: Yes Cosigner release: No Loan servicer: Mohela Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: No maximum Max. Graduate Loan Balance: No maximum Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	3.47%+4	2.47%+4	5, 10, 15, 20
Fixed APR: 3.47%+4 Variable APR: 2.47%+4 Min. credit score: 670 Loan amount: $5,000 to $250,000 Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15, 20 Repayment options: Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance Fees: Late fee Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident Customer service: Email, phone, chat Soft credit check: Yes Cosigner release: Yes Max undergraduate loan balance: $250,000 Max graduate loan balance: $250,000 Offers Parent PLUS refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	3.05%+	3.05%+	7, 10, 15
Fixed APR: 3.05%+ Variable APR: 3.05%+ Min. credit score: 670 Loan amount: $10,000 up to the total amount Loan terms (years): 7, 10, 15 Repayment options: Military deferment, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: None Discounts: None Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have at least $10,000 in student loans Customer service: Email, phone Soft credit check: Yes Cosigner release: No Loan servicer: AES Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: No maximum Max. Gradaute Loan Balance: No maximum Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	2.99%+	2.15%+	5, 8, 12, 15
Fixed APR: 2.99%+ Variable APR: 2.15%+ Min. credit score: 670 Loan amount: $7,500 to $300,000 Loan terms (years): 5, 8, 12, 15 Repayment options: Does not disclose Fees: None Discounts: None Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen and have and at least $7,500 in student loans Customer service: Email, phone, chat Soft credit check: Yes Cosigner release: After 12 months Loan servicer: PenFed Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $300,000 Max. Graduate Loan Balance: $300,000 Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	3.19%+	N/A	5, 10, 15
Fixed APR: 3.19%+ Variable APR: N/A Min. credit score: 680 Loan amount: $7,500 to $250,000 Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15 Repayment options: Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: None Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Available in all 50 states; must also have at least $7,500 in student loans and a minimum income of $40,000 Customer service: Email, phone Soft credit check: Does not disclose Cosigner release: No Loan servicer: Rhode Island Student Loan Authority Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $150,000 - $249,000 Max. Graduate Loan Balance: $200,000 - $249,000 Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	2.99%+6	2.85%+6	5, 7, 10, 15, 20
Fixed APR: 2.99%+6 Variable APR: 2.85%+6 Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: $5,000 up to the full balance Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 Repayment options: Academic deferment, military deferment Fees: None Discounts: Autopay, loyalty Eligibility: Available in all 50 states Customer service: Email, phone, chat Soft credit check: Yes Cosigner release: No Max undergraduate loan balance: No maximum Max graduate loan balance: No maximum Offers Parent PLUS refinancing: Yes
Compare personalized rates from multiple lenders without affecting your credit score. 100% free! Compare Now Trustpilot
All APRs reflect autopay and loyalty discounts where available | 1Citizens Disclosures | 2College Ave Disclosures | 3 ELFI Disclosures | 4INvestEd Disclosures | 5Iowa Student Loan Disclosures | 6SoFi Disclosures

Let’s take a look at Credible’s partner lenders:

• Advantage Education Loan
• Brazos
• Citizens
• College Ave
• ELFI
• INvestEd
• MEFA
• PenFed
• RISLA
• SoFi

1. Advantage Education Loan

Advantage Education Loan offers Advantage Refinance Loans to borrowers who are U.S. citizens or noncitizens with proof of residency card. They also allow borrowers to apply for cosigner release after 36 months of consecutive on‐time payments.

They also offer death and disability discharge and has standard and graduated repayment plans available.

3.0

Credible rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

Advantage Education Loan Student Loan Refinancing

Fixed APR

Lowest fixed rate available from this lender

4.54%+

Variable APR

Lowest variable rate available from this lender

N/A

Min. credit score

Minimum credit score needed to qualify

Does not disclose

Loan amount

Range needed to refinance with this lender

$7,500 up to $500,000

Does refinancing make sense for you?
Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won't affect your credit score

View Details

• Fixed APR: 4.54%+
• Variable APR: N/A
• Min. credit score: Does not disclose
• Loan amount: $7,500 up to $500,000
• Loan terms (years): 10, 15, 20
• Max. undergraduate loan balance: $250,000 - $500,000
• Time to fund: 4 months
• Repayment options: Immediate repayment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
• Fees: None

• Discounts: Autopay
• Eligibility: Must be a resident of Kentucky
• Customer service: Phone
• Soft credit check: No
• Cosigner release: After 36 months
• Loan servicer: Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation
• Max. graduate loan balance: $250,000 - $500,000
• Credible Review: Advantage Education Loan review
• Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing : Yes

Pros

• Offers refinancing to borrowers who haven’t completed their degrees
• Offers forbearance options
• No prepayment or origination fees

Cons

• No variable rate loans offered

Learn More: Advantage Education Loan review

2. Brazos

Brazos offers refinancing to borrowers who reside in Texas. They also offer economic hardship forbearance, which allows borrowers to defer payment for three months at a time, with a cumulative maximum of 12 months.

4.4

Credible rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

Brazos Student Loan Refinancing

Fixed APR

Lowest fixed rate available from this lender

2.95%+

Variable APR

Lowest variable rate available from this lender

N/A

Min. credit score

Minimum credit score needed to qualify

Does not disclose

Loan amount

Range needed to refinance with this lender

$10,000 to $400,000

Does refinancing make sense for you?
Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won't affect your credit score

View Details

• Fixed APR: 2.95%+
• Variable APR: N/A
• Min. credit score: Does not disclose
• Loan amount: $10,000 to $400,000
• Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15, 20
• Repayment options: Military deferment, forbearance
• Fees: Late fee
• Discounts: Autopay

• Eligibility: Must have a credit score of at least 720, a minimum income of $60,000, and must be a resident of Texas
• Customer service: Email, phone
• Soft credit check: Does not disclose
• Cosigner release: No
• Loan servicer: Firstmark Services
• Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $100,000 - $149,000
• Max. Graduate Loan Balance: $200,000 - $400,000
• Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Does not disclose

Pros

• Offers fixed and variable interest rates
• No origination or prepayment fees

Cons

• No cosigner release available
• Must have a relatively high minimum annual income

Learn More: Brazos student loan refinance review

3. Citizens

Citizens offers refinancing to all U.S. residents and permanent residents, as well as resident aliens (with an eligible cosigner). They allow borrowers to apply for cosigner release after 36 monthly payments.

They also offer economic hardship forbearance, which allows borrowers to defer payment for two months at a time, with a cumulative maximum of 12 months.

4.7

Credible rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

Citizens Student Loan Refinancing

Fixed APR

Lowest fixed rate available from this lender

2.89%+¹

Variable APR

Lowest variable rate available from this lender

2.19%+¹

Min. credit score

Minimum credit score needed to qualify

Does not disclose

Loan amount

Range needed to refinance with this lender

$10,000 to $750,000

Does refinancing make sense for you?
Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won't affect your credit score

View Details

• Fixed APR: 2.89%+¹
• Variable APR: 2.19%+¹
• Min. credit score: Does not disclose
• Loan amount: $10,000 to $750,000
• Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15, 20
• Repayment options: Immediate repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
• Fees: Late fee
• Discounts: Autopay, loyalty

• Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have at least $10,000 in student loans
• Customer service: Email, phone, chat
• Soft credit check: Yes
• Cosigner release: After 24 to 36 months
• Loan servicer: Firstmark Services
• Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $100,000 to $149,000
• Max. Graduate Loan Balance: Less than $150,000
• Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes

Pros

• Offers variable and fixed interest rates
• Offers refinancing to borrowers who haven’t completed their degrees (so long as you have good credit and are no longer enrolled in school)
• No prepayment or origination fees

Cons

• No disability discharge offered

Learn More: Citizens student loan refinance review
¹Citizens Disclosures

4. College Ave

College Ave offers refinancing to all U.S. residents and permanent residents except for residents in Maine.

They offer super flexible terms (a total of 15) to give you more options when it comes to repayment.

4.4

Credible rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

College Ave Student Loan Refinancing

Fixed APR

Lowest fixed rate available from this lender

3.34%+²

Variable APR

Lowest variable rate available from this lender

3.24%+²

Min. credit score

Minimum credit score needed to qualify

Does not disclose

Loan amount

Range needed to refinance with this lender

$5,000 to $300,000

Does refinancing make sense for you?
Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won't affect your credit score

View Details

• Fixed APR: 3.34%+²
• Variable APR: 3.24%+²
• Min. credit score: Does not disclose
• Loan amount: $5,000 to $300,000
• Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20
• Repayment options: Military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
• Fees: Late fee
• Discounts: Autopay

• Eligibility: All states except for ME
• Customer service: Email, phone, chat
• Soft credit check: Yes
• Cosigner release: After 24 to 36 months
• Loan servicer: College Ave Servicing LLC
• Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $100,000 to $149,000
• Max. Graduate Loan Balance: Less than $300,000
• Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes

Pros

• Offers variable and fixed interest rates
• No prepayment or origination fees

Cons

• Not available to residents in Maine

Learn More: College Ave student loan review
²College Ave Disclosures

5. ELFI

Education Loan Finance (ELFI) is a student loan debt consolidation program offered by SouthEast Bank. They offer temporary forbearance of up to 12 months for financial hardship.

If facing a medical difficulty, borrowers may be granted forbearance at the discretion of SouthEast Bank, as well.

4.4

Credible rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

Education Loan Finance Student Loan Refinancing

Fixed APR

Lowest fixed rate available from this lender

2.79%+³

Variable APR

Lowest variable rate available from this lender

2.39%+³

Min. credit score

Minimum credit score needed to qualify

680

Loan amount

Range needed to refinance with this lender

No maximum

Does refinancing make sense for you?
Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won't affect your credit score

View Details

• Fixed APR: 2.79%+³
• Variable APR: 2.39%+³
• Min. credit score: 680
• Loan amount: No maximum
• Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20
• Repayment options: Forbearance
• Fees: None
• Discounts: None

• Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have at least $15,000 in student loan debt, and have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an approved school
• Customer service: Email, phone
• Soft credit check: Yes
• Cosigner release: No
• Loan servicer: Mohela
• Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: No maximum
• Max. Graduate Loan Balance: No maximum
• Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes

Pros

• Offers variable and fixed rates
• Offers referral bonus
• Offers forbearance options
• No fees

Cons

• Doesn’t offer any discounts
• No cosigner release available

Learn More: ELFI student loan refinance review
³ELFI Disclosures

6. INvestEd

Though INvestEd student loans are limited to Indiana residents and U.S. residents attending eligible Indiana schools, its refinancing program is available nationwide.

INvestEd allows borrowers to apply for cosigner release after 48 months of on-time payments. It also offers hardship forbearance for up to three months at a time, with a cumulative maximum of 24 months.

3.9

Credible rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

INvestEd Student Loan Refinancing

Fixed APR

Lowest fixed rate available from this lender

3.47%+⁴

Variable APR

Lowest variable rate available from this lender

2.47%+⁴

Min. credit score

Minimum credit score needed to qualify

670

Loan amount

Range needed to refinance with this lender

$5,000 to $250,000

Does refinancing make sense for you?
Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won't affect your credit score

View Details

• Fixed APR: 3.47%+⁴
• Variable APR: 2.47%+⁴
• Min. credit score: 670
• Loan amount: $5,000 to $250,000
• Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15, 20
• Repayment options: Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance
• Fees: Late fee

• Discounts: Autopay
• Eligibility: Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Customer service: Email, phone, chat
• Soft credit check: Yes
• Cosigner release: Yes
• Max undergraduate loan balance: $250,000
• Max graduate loan balance: $250,000
• Offers Parent PLUS refinancing: Yes

Pros

• Offers variable and fixed interest rates
• Offers deferment and forbearance options
• Offers autopay discount

Cons

• Long cosigner release period (48 months)

Learn More: INvestEd student loan refinance review
⁴INvestEd Disclosures

7. MEFA

Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) doesn’t just offer private loans to those in Massachusetts; residents from any state can apply.

Borrowers who take out a MEFA Education Refinancing Loan get convenient online account access for loan payments as well as access to helpful videos and documentation.

4.0

Credible rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

MEFA Student Loan Refinancing

Fixed APR

Lowest fixed rate available from this lender

3.05%+

Variable APR

Lowest variable rate available from this lender

3.05%+

Min. credit score

Minimum credit score needed to qualify

670

Loan amount

Range needed to refinance with this lender

$10,000 up to the total amount

Does refinancing make sense for you?
Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won't affect your credit score

View Details

• Fixed APR: 3.05%+
• Variable APR: 3.05%+
• Min. credit score: 670
• Loan amount: $10,000 up to the total amount
• Loan terms (years): 7, 10, 15
• Repayment options: Military deferment, loans discharged upon death or disability
• Fees: None
• Discounts: None

• Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have at least $10,000 in student loans
• Customer service: Email, phone
• Soft credit check: Yes
• Cosigner release: No
• Loan servicer: AES
• Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: No maximum
• Max. Gradaute Loan Balance: No maximum
• Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes

Pros

• Offers variable and fixed interest rates
• Offers refinancing to borrowers who haven’t completed their degrees
• No prepayment or origination fees

Cons

• Doesn’t offer any discounts (such as autopay discounts)
• They don’t have a cosigner release available
• No forbearance or deferment options

Learn More: MEFA student loan refinance review

8. PenFed

You’ll need to become a member in order to refinance your private and federal loans with Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed).

PenFed allows borrowers to apply for cosigner release after 12 months of consecutive on-time payments. They also allow the transfer of loan amounts to a spouse or parent, or from parent to child.

4.5

Credible rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

PenFed Student Loan Refinancing

Fixed APR

Lowest fixed rate available from this lender

2.99%+

Variable APR

Lowest variable rate available from this lender

2.15%+

Min. credit score

Minimum credit score needed to qualify

670

Loan amount

Range needed to refinance with this lender

$7,500 to $300,000

Does refinancing make sense for you?
Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won't affect your credit score

View Details

• Fixed APR: 2.99%+
• Variable APR: 2.15%+
• Min. credit score: 670
• Loan amount: $7,500 to $300,000
• Loan terms (years): 5, 8, 12, 15
• Repayment options: Does not disclose
• Fees: None
• Discounts: None

• Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen and have and at least $7,500 in student loans
• Customer service: Email, phone, chat
• Soft credit check: Yes
• Cosigner release: After 12 months
• Loan servicer: PenFed
• Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $300,000
• Max. Graduate Loan Balance: $300,000
• Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes

Pros

• Offers variable and fixed interest rates
• Can apply for refinancing with your spouse
• No origination fees or prepayment penalties

Cons

• Doesn’t offer any discounts (such as autopay discounts)
• No formal deferment or forbearance options
• Must become a member to refinance

Learn More: PenFed student loan refinance review

9. RISLA

Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) doesn’t just offer loans to those in Rhode Island; residents from any state can apply.

They allow borrowers to apply for cosigner release after 24 months of consecutive on-time payments. They also offer income-based repayment options to borrowers who demonstrate financial hardship.

3.7

Credible rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

RISLA Student Loan Refinancing

Fixed APR

Lowest fixed rate available from this lender

3.19%+

Variable APR

Lowest variable rate available from this lender

N/A

Min. credit score

Minimum credit score needed to qualify

680

Loan amount

Range needed to refinance with this lender

$7,500 to $250,000

Does refinancing make sense for you?
Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won't affect your credit score

View Details

• Fixed APR: 3.19%+
• Variable APR: N/A
• Min. credit score: 680
• Loan amount: $7,500 to $250,000
• Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15
• Repayment options: Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
• Fees: None
• Discounts: Autopay

• Eligibility: Available in all 50 states; must also have at least $7,500 in student loans and a minimum income of $40,000
• Customer service: Email, phone
• Soft credit check: Does not disclose
• Cosigner release: No
• Loan servicer: Rhode Island Student Loan Authority
• Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $150,000 - $249,000
• Max. Graduate Loan Balance: $200,000 - $249,000
• Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes

Pros

• Offers refinancing to borrowers who haven’t completed their degrees
• Low minimum credit score
• No prepayment or origination fees

Cons

• No cosigner release option available

Learn More: RISLA student loan refinance review

10. SoFi

More than 250,000 borrowers have refinanced $18 billion in student loans with SoFi. It’s no wonder considering the company offers competitive interest rares, no fees, and flexible repayment terms.

SoFi offers its student loan refinancing product to U.S. residents, permanent residents, and visa holders.

4.5

Credible rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

SoFi Student Loan Refinancing

Fixed APR

Lowest fixed rate available from this lender

2.99%+⁶

Variable APR

Lowest variable rate available from this lender

2.85%+⁶

Min. credit score

Minimum credit score needed to qualify

Does not disclose

Loan amount

Range needed to refinance with this lender

$5,000 up to the full balance

Does refinancing make sense for you?
Compare offers from top refinancing lenders to determine your actual savings.

Check Personalized Rates

Checking rates won't affect your credit score

View Details

• Fixed APR: 2.99%+⁶
• Variable APR: 2.85%+⁶
• Min. credit score: Does not disclose
• Loan amount: $5,000 up to the full balance
• Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15, 20
• Repayment options: Academic deferment, military deferment
• Fees: None

• Discounts: Autopay, loyalty
• Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
• Customer service: Email, phone, chat
• Soft credit check: Yes
• Cosigner release: No
• Max undergraduate loan balance: No maximum
• Max graduate loan balance: No maximum
• Offers Parent PLUS refinancing: Yes

Pros

• Offers variable and fixed rates
• No origination or prepayment fees

Cons

• No cosigner release option available

Learn More: SoFi student loan refinance review
⁵SoFi Disclosures

Other student loan refinancing lenders to consider

Here are more student loan refinancing companies we evaluated. Keep in mind that these lenders are not offered through Credible, so you won’t be able to easily compare your rates with them on the Credible platform like you can our partner lenders.

Lender	Loan terms (years)	Max loan balance
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	5, 7, 10, 15, 20	Undergrad: $500,000 Grad: $500,000
Rates: Fixed, variable Min. credit score: 600 Loan amount: $5,000 to $500,000 Cosigner release: Yes Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 Repayment options: Academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: Late fee Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Available in all 50 states Customer service: Email, phone, chat Soft credit check: Yes Loan servicer: FirstMark Max. undergraduate loan balance: $250,000 to $500,000 Max. graduate loan balance: $250,000 to $500,000 Offers Parent PLUS refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	10, 20	Undergrad: $249,000 Grad: $199,000
Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: Up to $250,000 Loan terms (years): 10, 20 Repayment options: Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: None Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Available in all 50 states Customer service: Email, phone Soft credit check: Does not disclose Cosigner release: No Max. undergraduate Loan Balance: $150,000 to $249,000 Max. graduate Loan Balance: $150,000 to $199,000 Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: No
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	10, 15, 20	Undergrad: $500,000 Grad: $500,000
Fixed APR: 4.41%+5 Variable APR: 2.03%+5 Min. credit score: 700 Loan amount: $7,500 to $200,000 Loan terms (years): 10, 15, 20 Repayment options: Immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: None Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and submit two personal references Customer service: Email, phone Soft credit check: Yes Cosigner release: After 36 months Loan servicer: Granite State Management & Resources (GSM&R) Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: $150,000 to $249,000 Max. Graduate Loan Balance: $150,000 to $199,000 Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing : Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	5, 7, 10, 15	Undergrad: $500,000 Grad: $500,000
Rates: fixed, variable Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: $60,000 to $350,000 Cosigner release: No Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 Fees: None Discounts: Autopay, loyalty Eligibility: Available in CA, CT, FL, MA, NY, OR, WY Customer service: Email, phone Soft credit check: Yes Max. undergraduate loan balance: $500,000 Max. graduate loan balance: $500,000
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	10, 15, 20	Undergrad: $249,000 Grad: $249,000
Rates: Fixed, variable Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: $10,000 to $250,000 Cosigner release: After 24 to 36 months Loan terms (years): 10, 15, 20 Repayment options: Military deferment, forbearance Fees: Late fee Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Available in all 50 states Customer service: Email, phone, chat Soft credit check: Yes Loan servicer: Student Loan Finance Corporation Max. undergraduate Loan Balance: $150,000 to $249,000 Max. graduate Loan Balance: $200,000 to $249,000 Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	5, 7, 10, 15	Undergrad: None Grad: None
Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: $5,000 to $300,000 Cosigner release: Does not disclose Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15 Repayment options: Immediate repayment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: Late fee Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Available in all 50 states Customer service: Email, phone Soft credit check: Yes Max. undergraduate Loan Balance: No maximum Max. graduate Loan Balance: No maximum Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	5, 7, 10, 15, 20	Does not disclose
Rates: Fixed, variable Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: $7,500 to $175,000 Cosigner release: Yes Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 Repayment options: Does not disclose Fees: None Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Does not disclose Customer service: Email, phone Soft credit check: Yes Loan servicer: LendKey Technologies Inc. Max. undergraduate Loan Balance: Does not disclose Max. graduate Loan Balance: Does not disclose Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: No
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	5, 10, 15	Undergrad: $99,000 Grad: $150,000
Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: Less than $150,000 Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15 Repayment options: Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: Does not disclose Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Available in all 50 states Customer service: Email, phone Soft credit check: Does not disclose Cosigner release: Yes Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance: Less than $99,000 Max. graduate Loan Balance: Less than $150,000 Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	Does not disclose	Undergrad: None Grad: None
Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: No maximum Loan terms: Does not disclose Repayment options: Academic deferment, forbearance Fees: Late fee Discounts: Autopay Eligibility: Available in all 50 states Customer service: Email, phone, chat Soft credit check: Yes Cosigner release: Yes Max. undergraduate Loan Balance: No maximum Max. graduate Loan Balance: No maximum Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
Credible Rating Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology. View details	5, 7, 10, 15, 20	Does not disclose
Rates: Fixed, variable Min. credit score: Does not disclose Loan amount: $5,000 to $300,000 Cosigner release: Yes Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 Repayment options: Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability Fees: None Discounts: Autopay, loyalty Eligibility: Available in all 50 states Customer service: Phone Soft credit check: Yes Loan servicer: Check with lender Max. undergraduate Loan Balance: Does not disclose Max. graduate Loan Balance: Does not disclose Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing: Yes
The lenders in this table aren't our partners. But you can use Credible to compare rates in 2 minutes from other lenders who offer student loan refinancing. Compare Now

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I choose the best lender for me?

Choosing the best lender for you means comparing multiple lenders. Not only do loan options and features vary by lender, but every company has its own unique methods of evaluating borrowers. When comparing, you should look at:

• Interest rates: Some lenders offer both fixed and variable rates. Decide which is best for you.
• Loan terms: The length of repayment for most refinancing lenders is between five and 20 years. Just remember: The longer the repayment term, the more you’ll have to pay in interest over the life of the loan.
• Origination Fees: Look for lenders with no fees, like any of Credible’s partner lenders.
• Repayment options: Some lenders might offer repayment options like deferment, forbearance, or other hardship options if you get into a bind.

2. What do I need to qualify for refinancing?

When you apply to refinance student loan debt, lenders consider these factors for qualification:

• Credit score: Most lenders have a minimum credit score requirement and offer low interest rates to borrowers with good to excellent credit.
• Debt-to-income ratio: Your DTI is how much of your monthly income is required to pay expenses like your rent or mortgage, car loan, and other bills.
• Income: Private lenders want to make sure you have a steady job and enough monthly income to live on after making your loan payments.
• Degree: Not all, but some lenders require that you have completed your degree in order to refinance your student debt.
• Amount of debt: Lenders have a minimum and maximum amount they’ll refinance — typically between $7,500 and $300,000.

3. When is the best time to refinance?

The best time to refinance your student loans is whenever it makes financial sense to do so. It usually doesn’t make sense to refinance your loans until after graduation, when you’ve landed a job and established your earnings and credit history.

4. How much will I save by refinancing?

The money you can save by refinancing student loan debt depends on several factors, including the interest rates on your existing loans and how long you’re taking to pay them off.

Borrowers who refinance their student loan debt typically pursue one of three strategies:

1. Maximum savings: Borrowers who want to achieve the greatest reduction in their total repayment costs typically refinance into a loan with a shorter repayment term. This strategy can help you get the lowest interest rate, but may also increase your monthly payment. We see borrowers pursuing this strategy get on track to save an average of $17,344 over the life of their new loan.
2. Lower monthly payment: If you’re more focused on lowering your monthly payment, refinancing into a loan with a longer repayment term can help get you a bigger reduction. But your total repayment costs may increase. Borrowers using Credible to refinance into loans with longer repayment terms reduce their monthly payment by $209, on average.
3. Lower repayment costs and monthly payment: When you refinance at a lower interest rate, but roughly the same repayment term, you can often lower your total repayment costs and your monthly payment. The total savings won’t be as dramatic as if you reduced your loan term, but it can be a good strategy for borrowers who can’t afford to make a bigger monthly payment.

Keep in mind that if you refinance federal student loans with a private lender, you’ll no longer have access to benefits like income-driven repayment, or the chance to qualify for student loan forgiveness after 10, 20, or 25 years of payments.

Some private student loan lenders will grant deferment or forbearance to borrowers facing financial difficulties on a case-by-case basis, but government student loans can be more lenient in that respect.

If you work for the government or a tax-exempt nonprofit, you may be able to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness of your federal loans after 10 years of payments.

Learn More: Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

More resources

• Compare rates from lenders that refinance medical school loans
• Compare rates from lenders that refinance law school loans
• Compare rates from lenders that refinance parent plus loans
• Compare rates from lenders that allow you to refinance student loans without a degree
• Compare rates from lenders that refinance MBA loans

Methodology: Credible evaluated loan and lender data points in 12 categories to identify some of the “best companies” for refinancing student loans. We looked at interest rates, repayment terms, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service availability, and maximum loan balances offered by 20 lenders. We also considered each company’s willingness to refinance parent loans, eligibility, cosigner release options, whether the minimum credit score is available publicly, and whether consumers could request rates with a soft credit check.

Credible receives compensation from its lender partners when a user of the Credible platform closes a loan with the lender.

Read the full Credible rating lender methodology.

Learn about Credible’s mission and promise to our readers.

About the author

Jamie Young

Jamie Young is a Credible authority on personal finance. Her work has been featured by Time, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Forbes, CBS News, and more.

Read More

Home » All » Student Loan Refinancing » 10 of the Best Student Loan Refinance Companies