Debt consolidation is the process of rolling multiple debts into one loan, ideally at a lower interest rate. It can lower the cost of monthly payments, speed up the repayment process, and even improve your credit score. But it’s not right for everyone.
Consider the pros and cons of debt consolidation before taking out a loan to make sure it's the right move.
Pros of debt consolidation
There are many potential positive outcomes from consolidating debt:
Lower interest rates
One of the best reasons to consolidate your debt is to exchange high-interest debt for low-interest debt. Credit cards, on average, have higher annual percentage rates than personal loans, according to the Federal Reserve. So rolling credit card debt into a debt consolidation loan with a lower interest rate can save you money over time.
Simplified payments
Keeping track of just one payment is easier than managing several. You’ll have one set payment that won’t change, rather than multiple payments that can vary from month to month.
Can pay off debt faster
Lower interest rates can help you pay off your debt faster. If you have a high balance on a credit card with a high interest rate, you'll likely be charged hundreds of dollars in interest each month, cutting into your ability to repay it quickly.
Improved credit score
Credit score models typically take into account how much credit you’re using out of the credit you have available to you. Your credit utilization ratio is one of the factors used in calculating the amounts owed category of your FICO score, which accounts for 30% of your overall score. Consolidating your debt can bring down that ratio and boost your score.
Learn More: What Is Debt Consolidation?
Compare personal loan rates
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. Plus, rates on LightStream personal loans were the lowest among all Credible partner lenders, on average, for borrowers with good, very good, and excellent credit, according to Credible personal loans data over the past year. There are no origination fees and loans can be used for a wide range of purposes
Funds are available as soon as the same day you apply, and you'll have up to 20 years to repay certain types of loans, including home improvement loans, RV loans, and boat loans.
Unlike most lenders, LightStream does not let you prequalify on its site — but you can prequalify through Credible. LightStream scored better than average in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study, beating out online lender SoFi by one position.
pros
- Same-day funding available
- High maximum loan amount
- No origination fee
cons
- Good credit required
- No prequalification process
- Not available in Vermont
Repayment terms
2 - 20 years, depending on loan purpose
Eligibility
Available in all states except VT
Time to get funds
As soon as the same business day
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Read full reviewOverview
More borrowers are able to prequalify with Upstart compared to all other Credible partners, based on Credible personal loans data. This could make the lender a good choice if you have at least fair credit and have struggled to qualify with other lenders. It also offers loans as low as $1,000, which makes it a good choice if you need a small loan. Just know that 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. However, it received a below average score in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study.
pros
- May fund in 1 business day
- 300 minimum credit score in most states
- Low minimum APR
- Trustpilot score of 4.9/5 stars
cons
- May charge a high origination fee
- No discounts offered
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
Read full reviewOverview
Best Egg is a solid lender for a wide range of borrowers. 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, which means borrowers with fair credit are eligible. Plus, Best Egg is one of a handful of Credible partner lenders to offer secured loans, and the only one we know of that offers loans secured by the fixtures in your home. This can be a great way for homeowners to lower their rate, while not putting their actual home up as collateral.
However, Best Egg loans may have an origination fee, which ranges from 0.99% to 9.99% of the loan amount.
pros
- Secured loans available
- Low minimum income requirement
- Wide range of loan purposes allowed
- Funds in 1-3 business days
cons
- Origination fees
- No discounts
- Not available in DC, IA, VT, or WV
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
Read full reviewOverview
LendingClub makes loans to borrowers across the credit spectrum and stands out for its low rates, based on Credible personal loan data. The lender had some of the lowest APRs for borrowers with fair credit (FICO 580 - 669), very good credit (FICO 740 - 799), and excellent credit (FICO 800+), compared to other Credible partner lenders. The lender has a low minimum income requirement, wide availability, and offers a mobile app for streamlined loan management.
LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
pros
- Mobile app
- Low minimum income requirement
- High close rate on loans made through Credible
- Available in all states
cons
- Origination fee
- No discounts
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Time to get funds
As soon as next-day funding once approved
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Read full reviewOverview
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.
pros
- Excellent customer reviews on Trustpilot
- Funding as soon as the next business day
- Large loan amounts available
cons
- Possible origination fee up to 7.49% (through Credible)
- Other lenders may have lower starting APRs
- No cosigner option
Loan amount
$5,000 - $100,000 (up to $50,000 on Credible)
Eligibility
Available in all states. OH and NM net disbursed amount must be greater than $5,000. MA must be greater than $6,000
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvement, major purchases, paying bills or rent
Read full reviewOverview
Reach is an option if you have fair credit, especially if you need money fast. According to the company, 90% of Reach personal loans are funded within one day of approval.
It's a good choice for debt consolidation and credit card refinancing, but borrowers with excellent credit may not find the lowest rates with Reach. The company also charges more fees than some of its competitors and doesn't offer direct pay or autopay discounts. If you need a 7-year term loan, you'll need to look elsewhere. Reach personal loans are not available in all states.
pros
- Fast funding
- Can improve credit
- Fair-credit borrowers may be eligible
cons
- Limited use
- No direct pay discount
- Origination fee
- Limited availability: Not available in CO, CT, ME, NV, NH, TN, VT, WV, or WY
Fees
Origination Fee, $15 Late Fee, $25 NSF Fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except CO, CT, ME, NV, NH, TN, VT, WV, and all U.S. Territories
Time to get funds
Funds typically deposited into your account in 1 business day13
Loan uses
Debt consolidation and credit card refinancing only
Read full reviewOverview
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 borrowers with low annual incomes. 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.
pros
- Fair credit borrowers eligible
- Autopay and direct pay discounts
- Can fund in as little as 1 business day
- Mobile app
- Secured loans available
- Low annual income requirement
cons
- High maximum origination fee
- Cosigners not accepted on home improvement loans
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, other
Read full reviewOverview
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.
pros
- Mobile app
- Live chat
- Low maximum APR
cons
- Limited loan terms available
- No discounts
- Origination fees
- Not available in IA, MA or NV
Eligibility
Available in all states except IA, MA and NV
Time to get funds
As soon as 2 - 5 business days after verification
Loan uses
Debt consolidation and credit card consolidation only
Read full reviewOverview
SoFi personal loans feature high loan amounts, competitive interest rates, as soon as same-day funding, and long loan terms, plus discounts for autopay and direct pay. Plus, SoFi offers live chat and free financial advice for customers. Unlike many other online lenders, SoFi is an FDIC-insured bank, which means SoFi makes loans directly and does not partner with a third-party to originate loans. It also means that you could have your checking, savings, and loan accounts all in one place.
To qualify for an unsecured loan, it's best to have good credit. But unlike other lenders, SoFi doesn't specify a credit score minimum. It also has optional origination fees — you might elect to pay on to reduce your interest rate. Minimum loan amounts start at $5,000.
pros
- Large loan amounts available
- Autopay and direct pay discounts
- Same day funding
- Long loan terms available
cons
- Not transparent about minimum credit score requirements
- 5,000 minimum loan amount
Fees
Option to pay an origination fee 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
Read full reviewOverview
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.
pros
- Borrowers with bad credit considered
- Funds as soon as the next business day
- 2-year loan terms available
cons
- No discounts offered
- Origination fee
- Not available in HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, WV, WA, AP, AE, and AA
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, dishonored payment fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, WV, WA, AP, AE, and AA
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
Read full reviewOverview
BHG Financial stands out for offering the largest loan amounts — up to $250,000 — 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.
Loan amounts start at $20,000, so look elsewhere for small loans. And BHG charges a modest origination fee between 3% and 4%, depending on your financial profile. Loan funds are available within five to 14 days of loan approval and must be used for debt consolidation or credit card refinancing.
pros
- Eligible applicants can borrow up to $250,000
- Considers borrowers with fair credit
- Long repayment terms
cons
- Not available in CT, ID, IL, LA, MD, ME, MT, NV, ND, and VT
- No discounts
- Minimum annual income requirement of $100,000
- Funding takes at least five days
Fees
Origination fees, late fees, other fees may apply
Eligibility
Available in all states except CT, ID, IL, LA, MD, ME, MT, NV, ND, and VT
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing
Read full reviewOverview
Universal Credit 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.
pros
- Borrowers with low credit scores considered
- $25,000 annual income requirement
- Autopay and direct pay discounts available
- Can fund in one business day
cons
- High APRs
- Potentially high origination fees
- Not available in Iowa
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
Read full reviewOverview
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.
pros
- Flexible eligibility requirements
- Offers secured options
- Competitive bad-credit loans
- Physical presence
cons
- Availability
- Origination fees
- High starting APR
- Low maximum loan amount
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
Read full reviewOverview
LightStream is one of three Credible partner lenders to offer loan amounts up to $100,000, which makes it ideal for financing large expenses. Plus, rates on LightStream personal loans were the lowest among all Credible partner lenders, on average, for borrowers with good, very good, and excellent credit, according to Credible personal loans data over the past year. There are no origination fees and loans can be used for a wide range of purposes
Funds are available as soon as the same day you apply, and you'll have up to 20 years to repay certain types of loans, including home improvement loans, RV loans, and boat loans.
Unlike most lenders, LightStream does not let you prequalify on its site — but you can prequalify through Credible. LightStream scored better than average in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study, beating out online lender SoFi by one position.
pros
- Same-day funding available
- High maximum loan amount
- No origination fee
cons
- Good credit required
- No prequalification process
- Not available in Vermont
Repayment terms
2 - 20 years, depending on loan purpose
Eligibility
Available in all states except VT
Time to get funds
As soon as the same business day
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Read full reviewOverview
More borrowers are able to prequalify with Upstart compared to all other Credible partners, based on Credible personal loans data. This could make the lender a good choice if you have at least fair credit and have struggled to qualify with other lenders. It also offers loans as low as $1,000, which makes it a good choice if you need a small loan. Just know that 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. However, it received a below average score in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study.
pros
- May fund in 1 business day
- 300 minimum credit score in most states
- Low minimum APR
- Trustpilot score of 4.9/5 stars
cons
- May charge a high origination fee
- No discounts offered
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
Read full reviewOverview
Best Egg is a solid lender for a wide range of borrowers. 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, which means borrowers with fair credit are eligible. Plus, Best Egg is one of a handful of Credible partner lenders to offer secured loans, and the only one we know of that offers loans secured by the fixtures in your home. This can be a great way for homeowners to lower their rate, while not putting their actual home up as collateral.
However, Best Egg loans may have an origination fee, which ranges from 0.99% to 9.99% of the loan amount.
pros
- Secured loans available
- Low minimum income requirement
- Wide range of loan purposes allowed
- Funds in 1-3 business days
cons
- Origination fees
- No discounts
- Not available in DC, IA, VT, or WV
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
Read full reviewOverview
LendingClub makes loans to borrowers across the credit spectrum and stands out for its low rates, based on Credible personal loan data. The lender had some of the lowest APRs for borrowers with fair credit (FICO 580 - 669), very good credit (FICO 740 - 799), and excellent credit (FICO 800+), compared to other Credible partner lenders. The lender has a low minimum income requirement, wide availability, and offers a mobile app for streamlined loan management.
LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
pros
- Mobile app
- Low minimum income requirement
- High close rate on loans made through Credible
- Available in all states
cons
- Origination fee
- No discounts
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Time to get funds
As soon as next-day funding once approved
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Read full reviewOverview
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.
pros
- Excellent customer reviews on Trustpilot
- Funding as soon as the next business day
- Large loan amounts available
cons
- Possible origination fee up to 7.49% (through Credible)
- Other lenders may have lower starting APRs
- No cosigner option
Loan amount
$5,000 - $100,000 (up to $50,000 on Credible)
Eligibility
Available in all states. OH and NM net disbursed amount must be greater than $5,000. MA must be greater than $6,000
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvement, major purchases, paying bills or rent
Read full reviewOverview
Reach is an option if you have fair credit, especially if you need money fast. According to the company, 90% of Reach personal loans are funded within one day of approval.
It's a good choice for debt consolidation and credit card refinancing, but borrowers with excellent credit may not find the lowest rates with Reach. The company also charges more fees than some of its competitors and doesn't offer direct pay or autopay discounts. If you need a 7-year term loan, you'll need to look elsewhere. Reach personal loans are not available in all states.
pros
- Fast funding
- Can improve credit
- Fair-credit borrowers may be eligible
cons
- Limited use
- No direct pay discount
- Origination fee
- Limited availability: Not available in CO, CT, ME, NV, NH, TN, VT, WV, or WY
Fees
Origination Fee, $15 Late Fee, $25 NSF Fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except CO, CT, ME, NV, NH, TN, VT, WV, and all U.S. Territories
Time to get funds
Funds typically deposited into your account in 1 business day13
Loan uses
Debt consolidation and credit card refinancing only
Read full reviewOverview
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 borrowers with low annual incomes. 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.
pros
- Fair credit borrowers eligible
- Autopay and direct pay discounts
- Can fund in as little as 1 business day
- Mobile app
- Secured loans available
- Low annual income requirement
cons
- High maximum origination fee
- Cosigners not accepted on home improvement loans
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, other
Read full reviewOverview
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.
pros
- Mobile app
- Live chat
- Low maximum APR
cons
- Limited loan terms available
- No discounts
- Origination fees
- Not available in IA, MA or NV
Eligibility
Available in all states except IA, MA and NV
Time to get funds
As soon as 2 - 5 business days after verification
Loan uses
Debt consolidation and credit card consolidation only
Read full reviewOverview
SoFi personal loans feature high loan amounts, competitive interest rates, as soon as same-day funding, and long loan terms, plus discounts for autopay and direct pay. Plus, SoFi offers live chat and free financial advice for customers. Unlike many other online lenders, SoFi is an FDIC-insured bank, which means SoFi makes loans directly and does not partner with a third-party to originate loans. It also means that you could have your checking, savings, and loan accounts all in one place.
To qualify for an unsecured loan, it's best to have good credit. But unlike other lenders, SoFi doesn't specify a credit score minimum. It also has optional origination fees — you might elect to pay on to reduce your interest rate. Minimum loan amounts start at $5,000.
pros
- Large loan amounts available
- Autopay and direct pay discounts
- Same day funding
- Long loan terms available
cons
- Not transparent about minimum credit score requirements
- 5,000 minimum loan amount
Fees
Option to pay an origination fee 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
Read full reviewOverview
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.
pros
- Borrowers with bad credit considered
- Funds as soon as the next business day
- 2-year loan terms available
cons
- No discounts offered
- Origination fee
- Not available in HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, WV, WA, AP, AE, and AA
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, dishonored payment fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except HI, IA, MA, ME, NY, VT, WV, WA, AP, AE, and AA
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
Read full reviewOverview
BHG Financial stands out for offering the largest loan amounts — up to $250,000 — 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.
Loan amounts start at $20,000, so look elsewhere for small loans. And BHG charges a modest origination fee between 3% and 4%, depending on your financial profile. Loan funds are available within five to 14 days of loan approval and must be used for debt consolidation or credit card refinancing.
pros
- Eligible applicants can borrow up to $250,000
- Considers borrowers with fair credit
- Long repayment terms
cons
- Not available in CT, ID, IL, LA, MD, ME, MT, NV, ND, and VT
- No discounts
- Minimum annual income requirement of $100,000
- Funding takes at least five days
Fees
Origination fees, late fees, other fees may apply
Eligibility
Available in all states except CT, ID, IL, LA, MD, ME, MT, NV, ND, and VT
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing
Read full reviewOverview
Universal Credit 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.
pros
- Borrowers with low credit scores considered
- $25,000 annual income requirement
- Autopay and direct pay discounts available
- Can fund in one business day
cons
- High APRs
- Potentially high origination fees
- Not available in Iowa
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
Read full reviewOverview
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.
pros
- Flexible eligibility requirements
- Offers secured options
- Competitive bad-credit loans
- Physical presence
cons
- Availability
- Origination fees
- High starting APR
- Low maximum loan amount
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
Read full review
Good to know
With personal loans and other types of credit, the cost of borrowing is typically expressed as the annual percentage rate, or APR. APR includes both the interest rate and any upfront lender fees, such as origination fees.
Cons of debt consolidation
Here are four downsides to consider before you make any moves:
Potential for higher overall costs
If you have a low credit score, you may not be able to qualify for a lower interest rate that would justify consolidation. Carefully review the interest rates and fees of debt consolidation loans to ensure that you can save money.
Risk of taking on more debt
If you have multiple maxed-out credit cards and take out a personal loan to consolidate that debt, don’t run the balances on your credit cards back up again. You could end up with a large monthly payment on a personal loan, plus multiple credit card bills, and be worse off than when you started.
Initial hit on credit score
While your credit score can gradually rise as you pay off a debt consolidation loan and decrease the amount of debt you owe, it could go down at first. A hard credit inquiry from a loan application could lower your credit score by as much as 10 points for up to one year.
Ways to consolidate debt
There are multiple ways to consolidate debt — here are the most common:
- Use a personal loan: Personal loans are a great way to consolidate debt. Available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders, these loans have relatively short repayment terms (usually 1 to 7 years) and have consistent monthly payments. They have lower interest rates on average than credit cards, so you can save money and pay off your debt faster.
- Tap into home equity: If you have equity in your home, you could get a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and use it to consolidate your debt. Since these loans are secured by your home, you may be able to get a low interest rate. But if you’re unable to make your payments, you could lose your home.
- Transfer balances to a credit card: Some credit cards offer a 0% interest rate for a period of time if you transfer your debt onto the card. There is usually a fee associated — generally a percentage of the amount you're transferring — but if you can pay off your balance before the 0% rate falls off, you can save a good deal of money. Once the promotional rate ends, however, the interest rate will resume at the standard rate, so time your payments with that in mind.
- Borrow against your 401(k): Some 401(k) plans will allow you to borrow against your balance. Whether you can borrow, how much you can borrow, and other factors will depend on your 401(k) provider, but interest rates are generally low. However, these loans sap your 401(k) balance and reduce your retirement investments. You also may have to pay back the loan very quickly if you leave your job, and you could owe tax penalties if you default on the loan.
How to apply for a debt consolidation loan
While the steps will vary depending on the type of consolidation loan you decide on and each lender’s own processes, here are the basic steps you can expect:
- Check your credit score: Before you apply for any loans, pull your credit reports and review them. If your score is low, you might be better off waiting until you can boost it to apply for loans. If there are any errors dragging your score down, contest them and get them removed before you apply.
- Prequalify: Many types of loans will allow you to prequalify by entering your basic information. Prequalification will give you an idea of the APRs and terms you may qualify for. But keep in mind that your final rate may differ, as prequalification is not an offer of credit.
- Compare options: Once you’ve prequalified for a variety of loans with different lenders, compare the loans to see which is best for you. Generally speaking, you’re looking for the loan that will cost you the least over its life, such as one with a low APR and fees and manageable monthly payments.
- Complete your application: Once you’ve identified the best loan for you, go back and finish your application. You can expect to provide proof of income, a government ID, and other supporting documentation. If you’re getting a secured loan, which is secured by collateral, the process will be longer and more involved. It is at this stage that your lender will conduct a hard credit pull, which can damage your score by a few points.
- Plan for repayment: Set up automatic payments if you can, or find another way to ensure you make your payments on time.
Alternatives to debt consolidation
If a debt consolidation loan isn’t an option for you, you may consider these alternatives. However, these should only be pursued if you’re sure that you can’t manage your debt via other methods.
- Debt management plans: When you work with a credit counseling service, they may be able to help you negotiate with your creditors to make repayment more manageable, often by lowering your payments or removing late fees. While these plans won’t directly affect your credit score, creditors may note it in your credit report, which may make future borrowing more difficult.
- Debt settlement: Unlike debt management organizations, debt settlement companies are usually for-profit and will charge you fees. They negotiate with your creditors on your behalf, often making an offer for a lump sum payment that’s lower than the amount you owe. These companies usually require that you stop making payments, which can tank your credit score and bring lawsuits. If your debt is forgiven, there may be tax consequences.
- Bankruptcy: You may consider bankruptcy if your debt is overwhelming. If you have regular income and want to keep a home you own, you will most likely file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In this process, you typically present a 3- to 5-year repayment plan in court. At the end of the plan, if you have successfully followed the repayment plan, your debt is discharged. When filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your unsecured debt is liquidated. But you can keep most of your assets. Bankruptcy is obviously a last resort: The process itself is not free, and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for up to 7 years, and a Chapter 7 for up to 10 years. Bankruptcies will likely make it extremely difficult for you to borrow money for years to come.
Should I consolidate my debt?
If you’re able to qualify for a loan with a much lower interest rate than your current debt carries, and you’re confident you’ll be able to make the monthly payments for the term of the loan, debt consolidation is probably a good option for you.
Also, if you can transfer your debt to a balance transfer card and know you can repay it before the 0% interest rate ends, that could be a wise choice — just ensure any fees associated with the card will cost less in total than the interest and fees associated with your current debt.
Carefully review your options before taking on any new debt.
FAQ
Can I still use my credit cards after consolidating my debt?
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Yes, you can still use your credit cards after debt consolidation, but it may not be a wise decision. If you can’t pay your monthly balance in full each month, you will have to pay interest on your balance each month in addition to your debt consolidation loan payment.
However, if you can pay off your balance each month before incurring interest and you have valuable credit card benefits like points or cash back, it could be a good decision.
Read more: What Is Credit Card Consolidation?Is it possible to consolidate all types of debt?
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The most common targets of debt consolidation are credit card debt and personal loan debt. Some types of debt are more difficult to consolidate, such as student loan debt.
Federal student loans can’t be consolidated by a personal loan, but can be consolidated separately by the federal government. Private student loans are not eligible for federal consolidation, but you can refinance your private student loan debt.
However, if you decide to refinance your federal and private loans together, or refinance federal loans at all, you will lose access to government protections such as forbearance, deferment, and income-driven repayment plans.
Read more: How Does Debt Consolidation Work?How long does it take to pay off debt through consolidation?
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That will depend on the specifics of your consolidation loan. Personal loans usually take one to seven years to repay. A balance transfer card usually offers a 0% APR for several months.
If your card has a 0% APR for 15 months, you will want to pay off the balance in full within that time frame to avoid paying interest at the card’s regular rate.
Meet the expert:
Hilary Collins
Hilary Collins is a finance writer and editor with over seven years of experience. Her work has been featured by USA Today, MSN, Yahoo Finance, AOL, and Fox Business.