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Discover Bank

Apr 16, 2024
Learn about the rates and fees of the Discover debt consolidation loan. This will help you make an informed decision about the perfect loan for you.
Discover is a remarkable player in the realm of debt consolidation loans. Be it student loans, medical bills, or unsecured credit, debt consolidation loans are aimed to be one-stop solutions. Customers can walk away with loans from $2,500 to $40,000 at affordable interest rates. Discover stands apart due to its zero origination fee policy, 7.99% to 24.99% APR, and flexible tenures. Debt consolidation loans allow you to repay a fixed amount monthly. Discover offers repayment periods ranging from 36 months to 84 months. The ideal processing fee for loans is 3.5 to 5% of the loan amount. Likewise, the fee structure of Discover abides by complete transparency.

Summary

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
7.99% to 24.99%
$2,500 to $40,000
660
Bills and credit card debt
-
N/A
None

At a Glance

  • Purpose: Discover's debt consolidation loans streamline high-interest rate loans into a monthly payment, helping you retrieve financial control on bills, credit card debt, and personal loans
  • Loan amount: Individuals can choose any amount in the range of $2500 to $40,000 to manage multiple debts at once
  • Interest Rates: Discover sets reasonable interest rates in today's competitive market. In the long run, you save thousands of dollars
  • Bad Credit Options: Giving the benefit of the doubt to poor credit score holders, Discover lowers its credit score requirement by 10 points as compared to other financial institutes
  • Process: Discover incorporates a fairly user-friendly interface. You can use its calculator to make a sound decision and proceed to apply for the personal loan then and there itself
PROS
Cons
No origination fee: Discover ensures that zero origination fee is charged. The same policy applies to depositing products.
Flexible tenures: You can choose to pay off your debt from anywhere between 3 to 7 years, offering customers the space they need to get back on their feet
Cashback: Although users come to the website looking for loans, deposit-friendly products with attractive cashback offers pique their interest
Low interest rates: With consistent interest rates, Discover reassures the customers of fixed monthly payments
Virtual: Since the bank only has one physical branch, faraway users cannot visit. This limits Discover mainly to the online audience.
Outgoing wire transfer fee: Discover charges a higher wire transfer fee, $30, than other banks.

Fees and Charges

  • Origination fee: Discover starts off positively with no origination fee. Not only does it make borrowers feel more welcomed, but it also sustains your loan amount

  • Outgoing wire transfer fee: Discover charges a fee every time you initiate outgoing wire transfers. $30 is debited from your account to facilitate this Discover service

  • Late fee: Surely, delayed monthly payments reflect on your credit score, but people often overlook that it hurts your pockets in multiple ways. If it is your first delay within a 6-month, you will be charged $28. Otherwise, $39 applies when you have had one or more delays in those 6 months

  • Overdraft fee: Discover loses its rigidity regarding overdraft fee policies. If your bank balance is lower than the overdraft fee and you've activated the overdraft protection feature, no fee will be levied. If this option is disabled yet you don't have sufficient balance, the fee transaction will still be declined.

Eligibility Criteria for the Loan

Finance is a foundational unit of a well-rounded life. If you're looking into debt consolidation loans, see if the eligibility criteria align with your situation. Discover debt consolidation loan mandates the following:

  • Citizenship status: Individuals eligible for Discover debt consolidation loans identify as U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Legal age: Only legal adults can sign up for these loans. This starts the age bar at 18
  • Credit score: Although Discover debt consolidation loans do not require a strictly flawless credit score, the lowest score accepted here is a minimum of 660
  • Minimum income: Since it is a loan, a fixed income reassures the lender of your repayment capability. The minimum income for eligibility is as $25,000.

Documents Required

Documentation is an integral part of the loan process. In most products, Discover asks you to check the following documents off your list before you hit apply:

  • Identity proof: Documents like a driver's license or identity cards trace your age and credibility. It is advised to keep these handy

  • Income proof: Since loans are committed to repay, a paycheck slip on you will boast your repayment capability

  • Bank details: If your loan application is approved, they will need your bank details to credit the loan amount to your bank account

  • Credit information: Since debt consolidation loans tend to be a coalition of personal loans, the lender requires your creditor's information to pay them

  • Contact details: Sometimes, banks contact loan applicants for verification or if they need you to answer some questions. It is best to list the correct contact details in your form

  • Employment history: It is part of Discover's background check to confirm with your current employer and sometimes check in with your employers in the last 5 years

  • Tax data: Lenders ask this to determine whether you're loyal to your taxes. Add a copy of your 1040 tax returns to your file.

How to Apply?

To nail the Discover debt consolidation loan process just right, follow these steps:

1. Review credit score: Check your credit score on the Bright Money Calculator. Discover grants debt consolidation loans to people with decent to great credit scores. If you want to hit the approved list quickly, that's a good starting point

2. Pay outstanding payments: Delayed payments can drastically impact your score, sometimes even by 100 points. Stay up-to-date with your existing loans first

3. Resolve credit report errors: Evaluate your credit reports to spot system errors if there are any. Resolve these before you combine your loans into a debt consolidation loan

4. Clear small debts: Your existing debts form 30% of your credit score. You can start by paying off credit card debts. Before applying for a Discover loan, this strategy can earn you a lower interest rate

5. Track your debts: Once you list the debts you aim to consolidate, see if the sum covers your loan amount. Delegate it monthly and see if the loan limit still fits

6. Compare loan offers: Discover is one of the lenders who allows you to pre-qualify. Study the loan alternatives until the right one speaks to you

7. Apply: Fill in the correct details, upload your documents, and voìla! The wait countdown begins

8. Close personal loans: If your loan is approved, check if your lender has paid off your loans. If not, do so manually once the amount is deposited in your account

Comparison

Comparison Points
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
APR  
Origination Fee
Pre-Payment Fee
Discover
$2,500 to $40,000
660
7.99% to 24.99%
None
None
Upgrade
$1,000-$50,000
560
8.49-35.99%
1.85%-9.99%
N/A
Upstart
$1,000 - $50,000
None
4.60 - 35.99%
0 to 12%
None
SoFi
$5,000-$100,000
None
8.99-25.81%
N/A
N/A
Sofi
10
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Upgrade
2
100
Unlimited
Unlimited
10
Light Stream
1
100
500
800
1,000
LendingClub
1
100
500
800
1,000

Terms and Conditions to look for

When thinking of applying for a Discover debt consolidation loan, beware of the following terms:

  • Conduct an in-depth study on APR ratings since Discover offers a comprehensive range of rates, so your loan terms and credit score will determine your ratings

  • If your financial condition improves and you wish to repay your full loan before the tenure ends, no fee will be levied

  • If you lose your job, notify Discover Bank immediately. They may walk you through the legal options of freezing your account or revising your interest rates. Either way, it is better than ghosting the company or letting your credit score suffer

  • A late fee is applied if you don't repay on time. If this is your first delay in 6 months, Discover charges you $28. If repeated in the last 6 months, Discover charges you $39.

Other Products

Debt consolidation loans account for only the tip of the iceberg Discover is. Do not miss out on the following unmatched products:

  • Home loans: Discover home loans cover remodeling, renovation, appliance upgrades, furniture, green energy loans, home additions, and repairs at an APR range of 7.99% to 24.99%. It offers home mortgage loans from $35,000 to $300,000.
  • Medical loans: At an APR of 7.99% to 24.99%, Discover covers accidents, emergencies, cosmetic treatments, LASIK, orthodontia, fertility treatments, and more. Borrowers can return the money anytime between 3 and 7 years.
  • Student loans: From undergraduate and residency loans to Bar exams and parent loans, Discover offers student loans at an APR of 5.24% to 15.99% under fixed rates.
  • Travel credit card: The Discover Travel credit card allows 1.5 to twice the miles on every transaction. You can redeem these miles in cash to pay for travel-related expenses.
  • Student cashback credit card: Discover student cashback cards offer 5% cashback on expenses at restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and more. The unlimited cash-back feature leverages a dollar-for-dollar match.

Discover's devotion to devising financial solutions is immeasurable. It is evident in its series of loans and credit cards. From students to midlife crises to medical emergencies, Discover covers it all. Discover tries its best to cater to your needs, no matter how layered or complex your financial situation is.

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Disclaimers

FAQ's

What is the tenure of Discover loans?

Whether you seek a student, medical, home, personal, or debt consolidation loan, you enjoy a flexible tenure. Borrowers can pick any period falling under the range of 36 to 84 months.

Is Discover Bank trustworthy?

As Discover Bank is FDIC-insured, it is reliable. The federal government is equipped to protect massive funds up to $250,000. SSL encryption, fraud monitoring and protection, and bill pay protection make Discover a safe reserve.

What fees should you consider before applying?

Firstly, Discover does not charge origination fees. However, there is a zero prepayment fee if you want to repay sooner. However, a late fee of $28 to $39 applies to payment delays.