REVIEWS
4 Mins

Happy Money

Apr 8, 2024
Will Happy Money’s debt consolidation loan keep you happy? Find out term, rates and fees of this debt consolidation loan and learn how it compares to other debt consolidation loans.
Debt consolidation is a financial move many people use to make repaying debts more straightforward. Happy Money, a notable player in this arena, partners with various financial institutions to provide beneficial features for its debt consolidation loans. Happy Money's debt consolidation loans offer substantial amounts, ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, enabling every individual to combine different debts like credit card balances and student loans. A significant advantage is the fixed interest rate of 11.72% APR to 24.67% APR. The flexibility in loan duration allows borrowers to adjust the repayment schedule to match their financial capacity. Happy Money charges origination fees, which can be anywhere from 0% to 5% of the loan amount on personal loans. This fee will be subtracted from the loan before you are given the money.

Summary

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
11.72% APR to 24.67% APR
$5,000 to $40,000
640
Credit card debt
-
-
N/A

At a Glance

  • Loan Amount: You can borrow anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 with Happy Money's debt consolidation loans. Empowering them to consolidate different debts, credit card balances or student loans. This range caters to diverse financial needs.  

  • Interest Rate: A standout feature is the low fixed interest rate, ranging from 11.72% APR to 24.67% APR. This feature positions borrowers to potentially save substantial amounts, effectively reducing the overall cost of their debts.

  • Bad Credit Options: Happy Money expands the opportunities for individuals with various credit backgrounds to explore debt consolidation. The provision of a low fixed interest rate ensures inclusivity, accommodating a broad spectrum of borrowers.

  • Process: Happy Money has streamlined the consolidation process, offering a user-friendly platform. Borrowers can discover their rate and initiate their journey toward debt consolidation. This simplicity enhances the overall borrowing experience.
PROS
Cons
Pre-Qualification Ease: Happy Money allows you to check your eligibility through a soft credit check, giving you the advantage of understanding your potential loan options without affecting your credit score.
Direct Payments to Creditors: The platform offers the convenience of making payments directly to your creditors.
No Late Fees: Happy Money stands out by eliminating late fees.
Hardship Program: Happy Money provides a hardship program for borrowers facing financial difficulties. This demonstrates a commitment to supporting individuals during challenging times.
Origination Fee: One notable drawback is the presence of an origination fee.
No Rate Discounts: Happy Money does not provide rate discounts. The interest rate remains fixed, without potential reductions based on specific criteria.
No Co-Sign or Joint Loan Option: Happy Money does not offer the flexibility of having a co-signer or joint loan option.
Limited Control Over Initial Payment Date: Borrowers don't have the option to choose their initial payment date. This lack of flexibility could be a factor in your budgeting strategy.

Fees and Charges

When considering a Happy Money debt consolidation loan, it's essential to understand the associated fees and charges to make well-informed financial decisions. Here's a clear breakdown:

  • Origination Fees: Happy Money charges an origination fee ranging from 0% to 5%. This fee will be subtracted from the loan amount before sending it to your account or creditors. 

  • Prepayment Flexibility: Happy Money distinguishes itself by refraining from imposing prepayment penalties. This means borrowers have the freedom to settle their loans ahead of schedule without incurring additional charges, providing them with valuable flexibility in managing their finances.

  • Interest Rate: The primary cost consideration is the fixed interest rate, which ranges from 11.72% APR to 24.67% APR. This rate influences the overall expense of the loan, impacting monthly payments and the total amount repaid.

  • Late Payment Consideration: One notable feature of Happy Money is its policy of not charging late fees. This leniency is especially beneficial for borrowers who might encounter difficulties making timely payments. It offers them financial flexibility, acknowledging that unforeseen circumstances sometimes affect payment schedules.

  • Check Processing Fees: Happy Money ensures transparency and does not burden borrowers with extra fees when dealing with check processing.

  • Returned Check Fees: Happy Money takes a customer-friendly approach by not charging additional fees for returned checks, contributing to a clear and straightforward lending experience.

Eligibility Criteria for the Loan

Before applying for a debt consolidation loan, you must check if you meet the eligibility requirements. Here's what you need to ensure to be eligible for a Happy Money personal loan for debt consolidation:

1. You should be at least the age of majority in your state and capable of entering into a binding contract

2. Residents of Massachusetts or Nevada are not eligible

3. You must be qualified as a U.S. citizen and have permanent residency or a valid visa

4. Only meeting these criteria doesn't guarantee approval; here are the financial considerations:

  • Minimum credit score: 640
  • Minimum credit history: six years
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 55%

Documents Required

You need certain documents to apply for a Happy Money Debt Consolidation loan. While the exact needs can vary, common documents are:

  • Check Your Credit: Before you apply for a personal loan with Happy Money, check your credit score and reports. This will help you determine whether you meet Happy Money's basic loan requirements and whether there are any mistakes on your credit reports that might be affecting your score.

  • Plan Your Budget: While doing this, determine how much you can borrow. Use a personal loan calculator to determine what Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and repayment term would make your monthly loan payments affordable. It's like planning how much you can comfortably pay each month.

  • Gather Your Documents: You'll need proof of income, which could be a W-2, a government-issued form of ID, or a pay stub. Also, keep your bank statements and Social Security number ready. Having these documents on hand can speed up the application process.

 

Plan for Repayment: Consider how you'll return the loan. Check your budget to ensure the monthly payments align. If paying back the loan requires cutting spending elsewhere, it's helpful to be aware before taking out the loan.

How to Apply?

To apply for a Happy Money Debt Consolidation Loan, you need to know the following steps:

 

1. Check Your Eligibility:

Visit Happy Money's website and pre-qualify. You must provide basic information such as your name, birthdate, and address.

 

2. Explore Loan Options:

Check out the loan offers presented and choose the one that suits your budget. Once you've decided, proceed to a formal application. You might need to submit additional documents like W-2s, pay stubs, and bank statements to confirm the details. Happy Money will conduct a credit check before finalizing your loan.

 

3. Manage Your Payments:

Stay on top of your loan payments. Happy Money reports your payments to major credit bureaus, so making timely payments can positively impact your credit score. Conversely, missing payments can have a negative effect. Consider setting up automatic payments and closely monitoring your budget to ensure smooth repayment.

Comparison

Comparison Points
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
APR  
Origination Fee
Pre-Payment Fee
Happy Money
$5,000 to $40,000
640
11.52% to 24.81%
1.5% to 5%
N/A
SoFi
$5,000-$100,000
None
8.99-25.81%
N/A
N/A
Upgrade
$1,000-$50,000
560
8.49-35.99%
1.85%-9.99%
N/A
LendingClub
Up to $40,000
600
9.57 - 35.99%
3.00% to 8.00%
None
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 opting for a Happy Money Debt Consolidation Loan, you must pay attention to the following key terms and conditions:

  • Understand the range of loan amounts available. Happy Money offers loans between $5,000 and $40,000, giving flexibility for various financial needs.


  • Grasp the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) linked to the loan. Happy Money provides a fixed interest rate ranging from 11.72% APR to 24.67% APR. Knowing this helps you calculate the overall cost of borrowing.


  • Familiarize yourself with the application process. Start by pre-qualifying on Happy Money's website. Although this step doesn't affect your credit score, note that a formal application will include a hard credit check.


  • Ensure you qualify for the loan. This includes factors like U.S. citizenship or eligible status, U.S. residence, and meeting Happy Money's underwriting standards.


  • Check for any fees associated with the loan. Happy Money is notable in the range between 0% to 5% imposing origination fees on personal loans.


  • Understand the consequences of late payments. While Happy Money doesn't charge late fees, payment delays may result in additional interest, leading to higher overall costs and monthly payments.


  • It's important to note that Happy Money doesn't provide any rate discounts for setting up auto payments.

Other Products

Primarily, Happy Money focuses on personal loans and emphasizes providing debt consolidation loans to help individuals manage and pay off their high-interest debts more effectively. These loans aim to simplify financial situations and potentially save borrowers money through lower interest rates.

However, financial institutions' specific product offerings can change over time, and new products may be introduced.

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Disclaimers

FAQ's

Does a Happy Money personal loan impact my credit score?

Does a Happy Money personal loan impact my credit score? Yes, Happy Money reports payments to all three major credit bureaus. Timely payments can positively impact your credit score, while missed payments may have a negative effect.

What loan amounts does Happy Money offer?

Happy Money provides loans ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. This allows borrowers flexibility to address various financial needs, whether it's consolidating debt or covering unexpected.

Is Happy Money Suitable for Debt Consolidation?

Yes, Happy Money is a solid choice for debt consolidation. It stands out with competitive interest rates and allows every individual to reduce the overall cost of their debts effectively. Happy Money charges origination fees ranging from 1.5% to 5% on personal loans. This fee is deducted from the loan amount before disbursing the funds. But Happy Money prioritizes transparency and doesn't impose any additional fees or late fees.

How do I apply for a Happy Money personal loan?

To apply, start by pre-qualifying on Happy Money's website. Provide details about the amount you need and some personal information. After pre-qualification, you can preview loan offers and select the one that fits your budget. The formal application may require additional documents like W-2s and pay stubs.