DEBT
15 mins

Top 10 Debt Consolidation Loans

Feb 22, 2024

Top 10 Debt Consolidation Loans

DEBT
15 mins
February 22, 2024
Here's a list of the best debt consolidation loans suitable to your needs and personal preferences.

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Features

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Pros

Fast funding
Loose fee structure
0.1% points off as compared to other lenders
Fast loan funds credited to your account within a day of approval
0.5% autopay discount
1% to 3% points every time you directly pay off your debt

Cons

Autopay is mandatory if you want the advertised rates, otherwise it will go up by 0.5%
Loans with bad credits are less likely to be approved
Cons of debt consolidation loans of Upgrade include a high origination fee
Predetermined loan payment date

Upgrade

Personal loans are best for paying off debt faster. Customers can build their credit history with this loan. The low minimum score requirement and debt-to-income ratio combined with rate discounts, longer repayment terms, and direct payment make it an appealing choice.

Features

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
8.49-35.99%
$1,000 to $50,000
560
-
-
-
1.85% to 9.99%

Pros

Joint and secured loans

Rate discounts

Direct payment to creditors

Cons

Non-flexible payment dates

Origination fee is compulsory

SoFi

Applying for a debt consolidation loan at SoFi invites a plethora of benefits. It covers everything from estate planning discounts and unemployment protection to financial and career advising sessions. Customers can enjoy flexible repayment terms and a convenient range of loan amounts.

Features

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
8.99-25.81%
$5,000 to $100,000
None
-
-
-
0%-6%

Pros

No late fee

Joint loan option

Hardship program

Cons

High minimum credit line

Rigid payment dates

LightStream

LightStream offers unsecured loans to borrowers with good credit scores at a loose fee structure. Flexible funds transfer and repayment dates allow you to tailor the loan to your needs.

Features

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
8.49-25.49%
$5,000 to $50,000
660
-
-
-
None

Pros

Rate beat program

No fee Rate

Discount on autopay

Cons

No option to pre-qualify

No direct payment

Achieve

Achieve fits best for those aiming to consolidate unsecured and large debts. By directly paying off your creditors, you can reduce 4% points off your rate. On the other hand, retirement savings bring you up to 5% points down the rate.

Features

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
8.99-35.99%
$5,000 to $50,000
620
-
-
-
1.99% - 6.99%

Pros

Pre-qualifying is available

Joint loan option

Rate discounts

Cons

High minimum credit line

Mandatory origination fee

Happy Money

Loan agreements with competitive APRs are where Happy Money shines. Since it reports to the three primary bureaus, you have a better shot at boosting your credit history. You can pay off the creditors directly using Happy Money personal loans.

Features

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
11.72-24.67%
$5,000 to $40,000
640
-
-
-
1.5% to 5%

Pros

Monthly FICO reviews

Fewer fees

Changeable payment dates

Cons

No cosigner loans

Origination fee

Low maximum credit line

Best Egg

Consolidate your debt with Best Egg's borrower-friendly offers. With a minimum annual income of $3,500, you can avail yourself of beneficial features like financial health tools and competitive APRs. It compensates for non-negotiable origination fees by paying up to 10 creditors at a time.

Features

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
8.99-35.99%
$2,000 to $50,000
600
-
-
-
0.99% - 8.99%

Pros

Unsecured and secured loan options

No late fee

Direct payment to the creditors

Cons

No rate discounts

Compulsory origination fee

Discover

Discover personal loans, which are known for being widely accessible and convenient. They offer large unsecured loans to borrowers with good-to-excellent credit scores. Discover performs only a soft credit check and helps you qualify for a debt.

Features

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
7.99-24.99%
$2,500 to $40,000
660
-
-
-
None

Pros

Fast funding

Zero origination fee

Soft credit pull

Cons

No rate discounts

Late fee

LendingClub

LendingClub is the ideal option for small loan borrowers. Apart from the origination fee and late fee, the structure is liberating for customers. Its competitive APRs save you money on interest.

Features

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
9.57- 35.99%
$1,000 to $40,000
600
-
-
-
3% to 8%

Pros

Direct debt disbursement

Flexible payment dates

Joint loan

Cons

High minimum APR

Late fee

PNC

PNC Bank pulls through for those wanting a loan with bad credit scores. Without minimum credit requirements and origination fee, its loans are the go-to choice for many. Its pre-qualify option—which has no effect on your credit score— is available in some states, so do your research well.

Features

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
7.49-30.49%
$1,000 to $35,000
None
-
-
-
None

Pros

No minimum credit score

Joint loan option

No origination fee

Cons

No large loans

Could mandate an in-person visit

Universal Credit

Using Universal Credit personal loans to pay off your high-interest debts will help you build your credit score. Although UC's starting rates are higher than those of other lenders, fast funding and multiple rate discounts make up for it.

Features

APR
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
Best For
How many are using it?
Annual Fees
Joining Fees
11.69-35.99%
$1,000 to $50,000
560
-
-
-
5.25% to 9.99%

Pros

Free credit score reports

Fast funding

Direct payment

Cons

Fewer repayment term options

High origination fee

Consolidate multiple cards with APR starting 9%

Credit
Consolidate multiple cards with APR starting 9% No impact on score to check rates
Sign up in 2 mins
Consolidate multiple cards with APR starting 9% No impact on score to check rates
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* Secured line of credit with minimum deposit starting at $50. Loans provided by Bright Money and CBW Bank, Member FDIC. State Restrictions Apply. Credit score increase is not guaranteed, individual results may vary. Late payments or other defaults will have a negative impact on your credit score.
Consolidate multiple cards with APR starting 9% No impact on score to check rates
Consolidate multiple cards with APR starting 9% No impact on score to check rates
Consolidate multiple cards with APR starting 9% No impact on score to check rates
Consolidate multiple cards with APR starting 9% No impact on score to check rates
Sign up in 2 mins
Consolidate multiple cards with APR starting 9% No impact on score to check rates

Eligibility Criteria for the Loan

Before you apply for any debt consolidation loan, it is imperative that you check and see if you fit the eligibility criteria for the loan. Here’s what you need to ensure to be eligible for SoFi’s personal loan for debt consolidation:

  1. You are at least the age of majority in your state and able to enter into a binding contract.
  2. You are either a United States citizen, eligible permanent resident, or non-permanent resident alien (including DACA recipients and asylum seekers).
  3. You reside in a state where SoFi Lending Corporation or SoFi Bank, N.A is authorized to lend.
  4. You must be employed, have sufficient income from other sources, or have an offer of employment to start within the next 90 days.

Documents Required

To apply for a SoFi Debt Consolidation loan, prospective borrowers may need to provide certain documentation. While the specific requirements can vary, typical documentation includes:

  • Proof of Identity and Citizenship: As a borrower, you'll likely need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to confirm your identity and U.S. citizenship or eligible status.
  • Proof of Residence: Documentation confirming your current U.S. residency is often required. This could include utility bills or a lease agreement.
  • Underwriting Requirements: SoFi utilizes underwriting standards to assess eligibility. While specific details aren't explicitly outlined, factors such as credit history, income, and employment status may be considered.

Proof of Income: Demonstrating a stable income is crucial. Pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements may be requested to verify your financial capacity. You may also include other income documents as requested by SoFi.

How to apply?

To apply for a SoFi Debt Consolidation Loan, follow these steps:

  1. Eligibility Check: Visit the SoFi Debt Consolidation Loans page to check your eligibility. Ensure you meet the U.S. citizenship or eligible status requirements and reside in the U.S.
  2. Start Application: Initiate the application process by providing the necessary information, including your personal details, financial situation, and the purpose of the loan.
  3. Underwriting Requirements: SoFi has underwriting standards to assess eligibility. Be prepared to meet criteria such as credit history, income, and employment status.
  4. Documentation: Prepare documentation, including proof of identity, U.S. residency, proof of income, and any additional documents SoFi may require for the application process.
  5. Credit Score Check: SoFi typically looks for a minimum credit score of 680. Be aware that your credit score may impact your eligibility and the terms of the loan.
  6. Submit Application: Complete and submit the online application. The entire process is designed to be efficient, and it usually takes less than 30 minutes on average.
  7. Loan Approval: If your application is approved, you'll receive details about your loan offer, including the interest rate and loan terms.
  8. Acceptance and Funding: Review the terms carefully. If satisfied, accept the loan offer. Once accepted, funds are typically disbursed promptly.

Comparisons

Comparison Points
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
APR  
Origination Fee
Pre-Payment Fee
Best Egg
$2,000 to $50,000
600
7.99% to 35.99%
0.99% to 8.99%
Capital Good Fund
$300 to $25,000
None
0% to 15.99%
0.5% to 1%
None
Upgrade
$1,000-$50,000
560
8.49-35.99%
1.85%-9.99%
N/A
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
Comparison Points
Loan Amount
Credit Score Required
APR  
Origination Fee
Pre-Payment Fee
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

When considering a SoFi Debt Consolidation Loan, pay attention to the following key terms and conditions:

  • Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including U.S. citizenship or eligible status, residence in the U.S., and compliance with SoFi's underwriting standards.
  • Understand the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) associated with the loan. SoFi offers a range of APRs, and the rate you receive depends on factors like creditworthiness and loan terms.
  • Check for any fees associated with the loan. SoFi is known for not charging origination fees on personal loans.

Even though you're not making payments, interest keeps adding up during these breaks. This accumulated interest is added to your loan balance after each three-month pause. To use UPP, you need to show proof that you've applied for and qualify for unemployment compensation. Additionally, you should collaborate with SoFi counselors to help you find a new job.

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Disclaimers

FAQ's

How does LendingClub settle on approval?

LendingClub bases approval off credit scores and debt-to-income or DTI ratio. If you're applying as a single applicant with a low credit score, it is a long shot for them to pass the green-light. However, you can certainly improve your chances with a joint loan.

How does the Bi-weekly automated payment program help?

PNC devised this program to help borrowers pay off their mortgage loans faster. Every 14 days, half of your mortgage payment is deducted from your accounts. According to this, you will make a total of 13 payments instead of 12.

What if I fail to pay my loan?

Instead of ghosting your bank and ruining your credit score, you can take a more ethical approach. Contact your lender and ask if they can redirect your debt to a debt collection agency.

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.