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Kiah Treece is a small business owner and personal finance expert with experience in loans, business and personal finance, insurance and real estate. Her focus is on demystifying debt to help individuals and business owners take control of their fina...
Kiah Treece is a small business owner and personal finance expert with experience in loans, business and personal finance, insurance and real estate. Her focus is on demystifying debt to help individuals and business owners take control of their fina...
Kiah Treece is a small business owner and personal finance expert with experience in loans, business and personal finance, insurance and real estate. Her focus is on demystifying debt to help individuals and business owners take control of their fina...
Kiah Treece is a small business owner and personal finance expert with experience in loans, business and personal finance, insurance and real estate. Her focus is on demystifying debt to help individuals and business owners take control of their fina...
Jordan Tarver has spent seven years covering mortgage, personal loan and business loan content for leading financial publications such as Forbes Advisor. He blends knowledge from his bachelor's degree in business finance, his experience as a top perf...
Jordan Tarver has spent seven years covering mortgage, personal loan and business loan content for leading financial publications such as Forbes Advisor. He blends knowledge from his bachelor's degree in business finance, his experience as a top perf...
Jordan Tarver has spent seven years covering mortgage, personal loan and business loan content for leading financial publications such as Forbes Advisor. He blends knowledge from his bachelor's degree in business finance, his experience as a top perf...
Jordan Tarver has spent seven years covering mortgage, personal loan and business loan content for leading financial publications such as Forbes Advisor. He blends knowledge from his bachelor's degree in business finance, his experience as a top perf...
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
If you’re struggling to make multiple monthly credit card payments, a credit card consolidation loan can simplify your finances and help you save money. This type of loan can help you pay off your existing credit card debt, yielding a single lower-interest monthly payment.
Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Advertisers do not and cannot influence our ratings. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the personal loans methodology for the ratings below.
29 nationwide lenders researched
16 data points evaluated and scored
Unbiased editorial team
No AI writing
Best Credit Card Consolidation Loans of February 2025
BEST FOR PAYING OFF CREDIT CARD PROVIDERS DIRECTLY
Achieve
4.0
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Achieve is an indirect lending platform that offers personal loans underwritten by Cross River Bank or MetaBank. Founded in 2014, the lender is one of our top picks for debt consolidation loans because of the flexible loan terms (two to five years) and loan amounts ($7,500 to $40,000). These characteristics make it easier to consolidate a large amount of debt while spreading payments out over a lengthy period of time and reducing monthly payments.
Like some of our other top picks, Achieve also offers direct payment to creditors. In fact, borrowers who put 85% of the total loan amount toward debt consolidation via direct payment are more likely to qualify for a loan.
That said, depending on the interest rates on your current debts, the potentially high APR Achieve charges may make it more difficult to save money by consolidating. Likewise, the origination fee from 1.99% to 6.99% of the loan amount can make the loan more expensive. If you’re considering Achieve for debt consolidation, it’s important to do the math before you sign on the dotted line.
Pros & Cons
Funds available within 48 hours
Flexible repayment terms
Allows co-borrowers
Application is not entirely online
Imposes a minimum income requirement
High minimum loan amount
Details
Overview: Achieve is an indirect lending platform that offers personal loans underwritten by Cross River Bank or MetaBank. Like some of our other top picks, Achieve also offers direct payment to creditors. In fact, borrowers who put 85% of the total loan amount toward debt consolidation via direct payment are more likely to qualify for a loan.
That said, depending on the interest rates on your current debts, the potentially high APR Achieve charges may make it more difficult to save money by consolidating. Likewise, the origination fee from 1.99% to 6.99% of the loan amount can make the loan more expensive. If you’re considering Achieve for debt consolidation, it’s important to do the math before you sign on the dotted line.
Eligibility:
Minimum credit score: 620
Minimum annual income: $21,500
Allows co-signers and co-applicants
Loan uses:
Debt consolidation
Home projects
Medical expenses
Travel costs
Disclosures
Personal loans available through Achieve.com (NMLS #138464) or Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977) are made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Equal Housing Lenders. Loan applications are subject to credit review, underwriting criteria and approval. Loans are not available in all states and available loan terms/fees may vary by state. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000. APRs range from 8.99 to 29.99% and include applicable origination fees that vary from 1.99% to 6.99%. The origination fee is deducted from the loan proceeds. Repayment periods range from 24 to 60 months. Example loan: four-year $20,000 loan with an origination fee of 6.99%, a rate of 15.49%, and corresponding APR of 19.54%, would have an estimated monthly payment of $561.60 and a total cost of $26,956.80. To qualify for a 8.99% APR loan, a borrower will need excellent credit, a loan amount less than $12,000.00, and a term of 24 months. Adding a co-borrower with sufficient income; using at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the loan proceeds to pay off qualifying existing debt directly; or showing proof of sufficient retirement savings, could also help you qualify for lower rates. Funding time periods are estimates and can vary for each loan request. Same day decisions assume a completed application with all required supporting documentation submitted early enough on a day that our offices are open. Achieve Personal Loans loan consultants’ hours are Monday-Friday 6am-8pm AZ time, and Saturday-Sunday 7am-4pm AZ time. $6,000 savings: Average savings claim for personal loans are based on 2023 data for 2, 3, and 4-year terms on funded debt consolidation loans for $21,600. Savings will vary based on several factors, subject to credit approval and other conditions. Any savings will be reflected in the offer. $784 Monthly Payment: Average payment amount claim for personal loans is based on an average loan amount of $28,771, average APR of 23% and average term of 47 months.
Home Equity loans are available through our affiliate Achieve Loans (NMLS ID #1810501). All loan requests are subject to eligibility requirements, application review, loan amount, loan term, and lender approval. Product terms are subject to change at any time. Offers are a line of credit. Loans are not available to residents of all states and available loan terms/fees may vary by state where offered. Line amounts are between $15,000 and $300,000 and are assigned based on product type, debt-to-income ratio, and combined loan-to-value ratio. Minimum 640 credit score applies for debt consolidation requests, minimum 700 applies for cash out requests. Other terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Fixed rate APRs range from 8.75% – 15.00% and are assigned based on underwriting requirements; offer APRs include a .50% discount for automatic payment enrollment (autopay enrollment is not a condition of loan approval). Example: average HELOC is $57,150 with an APR of 12.75% and estimated monthly payment of $951 for a 15-year loan. 10, 15, 20, and 30-year terms available (20 and 30 year terms only available for cash out requests). All terms have a 5-year draw period with the remaining term being a no draw period. Payments are fully amortized during each period and determined on the outstanding principal balance each month. Closing fees range from $750 to $6,685, depending on line amount and state law requirements and typically include origination (3.5% of line amount) and underwriting ($725) fees if allowed by law. Property must be owner-occupied and combined loan-to-value ratio may not exceed 80%, including the new loan request. Property insurance is required and flood insurance may be required if the subject property is located in a flood zone. You must pledge your home as collateral. Contact Achieve Loans for further details.
Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure: http://Achieve.com (NMLS #138464), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Achieve Company. Achieve Company also owns 99% of Achieve Loans. Because of this relationship, your referral to Achieve Loans may provide http://Achieve.com a financial or other benefit. Where permitted by applicable state law, Achieve Loans charges: 1) an origination fee of 2.50%, and 2) an underwriting fee of $725. You are NOT required to use Achieve Loans for a home equity line of credit. Please click here for the full Affiliated Business Arrangement disclosure form.
BEST FOR NO INTEREST IF REPAID WITHIN 30 DAYS
Discover
4.0
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Discover is an online bank that also offers customers credit cards, retirement solutions and personal loans in all 50 states. As a lending platform, Discover stands out because of its online application and mobile banking tools, well-reviewed customer support team and quick funding.
In general, loans are available from $2,500 to $40,000 and may be issued for between three and seven years. So, while borrowers may get a larger loan from another lender, the repayment terms are fairly flexible. Discover charges a late payment fee and does not offer an autopay discount; however, it does not charge any origination fees or prepayment penalties, making it competitive with other top personal loan providers.
Pros & Cons
No origination fees
Low interest rates
Direct creditor payoff with debt consolidation loans
No interest rate discount for automatic payments
No co-signers or co-borrowers accepted
Good credit needed to qualify
Details
Eligibility:
Minimum credit score required. 660
Minimum annual income. $25,000
Co-borrowers. Not permitted
Co-signers. Not permitted
Expert’s Take
It’s no surprise that Discover personal loans are popular. Discover was the original rewards credit card with a large, diverse customer base. It utilizes its app and website to make the application process easy (especially for existing customers). In some cases, the funds are available the next day. Discover doesn’t have an application fee and is flexible with repayment options. The entire process is consistent with the brand and experience Discover’s customers are familiar with.
— Herman Thompson, Jr., advisory board member
BEST FOR BAD CREDIT
Upgrade
4.0
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Minimum Credit Score
600
APR range
Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 7.99%-35.99%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 9.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade’s bank partners. Information on Upgrade’s bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners/.
Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 7.99%-35.99%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 9.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade’s bank partners. Information on Upgrade’s bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners/.
7.99% to 35.99%
$1,000 to $50,000
Editor’s Take
Upgrade offers accessible online credit and banking services, including personal loans of $1,000 to $50,000.
Why We Like It
Upgrade allows borrowers to apply with co-signers and sets a low minimum credit requirement of 600, increasing the chances of approval.
What We Don’t Like
Upgrade’s loans only go up to $50,000. The lender also charges origination fees between 0% and 12% of the loan amount, which can decrease the total borrowed amount.
Who It’s Best For Upgrade’s personal loans are best for borrowers with poor credit histories who may not qualify for a personal loan without a co-signer.
Consumer Sentiment Index
5.4
5.4/10
Consumer Score
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Advisor uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
Consumer Sentiment Index
5,884
How do we calculate
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Insights Analyzed
#
Interest Rates and Fees
For Interest Rates and Fees
54% of people had positive sentiments
10% of people had neutral sentiments
36% of people had negative sentiments
54%
10%
36%
For Interest Rates and Fees
54% of people had positive sentiments
10% of people had neutral sentiments
36% of people had negative sentiments
#
Customer Service
For Customer Service
67% of people had positive sentiments
3% of people had neutral sentiments
30% of people had negative sentiments
67%
3%
30%
For Customer Service
67% of people had positive sentiments
3% of people had neutral sentiments
30% of people had negative sentiments
#
Loan Terms and Flexibility
For Loan Terms and Flexibility
74% of people had positive sentiments
10% of people had neutral sentiments
16% of people had negative sentiments
74%
10%
16%
For Loan Terms and Flexibility
74% of people had positive sentiments
10% of people had neutral sentiments
16% of people had negative sentiments
#
Ease of Approval and Process
For Ease of Approval and Process
94% of people had positive sentiments
2% of people had neutral sentiments
4% of people had negative sentiments
94%
2%
4%
For Ease of Approval and Process
94% of people had positive sentiments
2% of people had neutral sentiments
4% of people had negative sentiments
Upgrade customers report mixed experiences with its personal loan offerings. Some wins that jump out include the streamlined application process, easy approval and quick funding. But their experiences were not perfect. Some users are dissatisfied with the high APRs and loan fees that make working with Upstart costly.
Pros & Cons
Flexible eligibility requirements
Can pay off creditors directly
High loan amounts available
High APR range
Fees for late payments and insufficient funds
Charges origination fees from 0% and 12%
Details
Eligibility:
Minimum credit score. 600
Minimum income. None
Co-applicants. Permitted
Customer service
We called Upgrade to gauge the responsiveness of its customer service team and found it to be one of the most responsive lenders on our list. While we waited just over one minute for their team to answer our call—which is not the fastest time—they were transparent and knowledgeable about Upgrade’s loans.
We received information on loan amounts, required documentation, interest rate ranges, approval speed, fees and various perks, like hardship programs and autopay discounts. The representative also confirmed that they report payments to credit bureaus.
Disclosure
Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 7.99%-35.99%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 9.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade’s bank partners. Information on Upgrade’s bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners/.
BEST FOR COMPARING MULTIPLE OFFERS
Universal Credit
4.0
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Universal Credit is an online lending platform that offers personal loans between $1,000 to $50,000 through its partners. Repayment terms range from three to seven years.
While Universal Credit makes finding a personal loan accessible even to those with damaged credit, it comes with a few tradeoffs. First, it charges high APRs, well above the most competitive rates seen on our list. Second, Universal Credit charges a 5.25% to 9.99% origination fee on all personal loans. Because this is deducted from your loan proceeds, you’ll need to factor this in when determining your loan amount to ensure you receive the necessary amount after the fact.
Pros & Cons
Flexible qualification requirements
Next-day funding
No prepayment penalty
APRs are higher than those offered by top competitors
Origination fees from 5.25% to 9.99%
Details
Eligibility:
Minimum credit score. 560
Minimum income. Does not disclose
Co-signers. Not permitted
Co-borrowers. Not permitted
BEST FOR FLEXIBLE REPAYMENT TERMS
Happy Money
3.5
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Overview: Founded in 2009, Happy Money (previously Payoff) is an online lending platform that connects prospective borrowers with fixed-rate credit card debt consolidation loans in every state except Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska and Nevada. Happy Money specializes in helping borrowers eliminate their high-interest debt, and will pay off members’ outstanding credit balances directly.
Eligibility:
Minimum credit score: 640
Minimum credit history: Three years
Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%
Loan uses:
Debt consolidation
Consumer Sentiment Index
5.6
5.6/10
Consumer Score
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Advisor uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
Consumer Sentiment Index
1,928
How do we calculate
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Insights Analyzed
#
Interest Rates and Fees
For Interest Rates and Fees
79% of people had positive sentiments
6% of people had neutral sentiments
15% of people had negative sentiments
79%
6%
15%
For Interest Rates and Fees
79% of people had positive sentiments
6% of people had neutral sentiments
15% of people had negative sentiments
#
Customer Service
For Customer Service
79% of people had positive sentiments
1% of people had neutral sentiments
20% of people had negative sentiments
79%
1%
20%
For Customer Service
79% of people had positive sentiments
1% of people had neutral sentiments
20% of people had negative sentiments
# 3
Loan Terms and Flexibility
For Loan Terms and Flexibility
53% of people had positive sentiments
9% of people had neutral sentiments
38% of people had negative sentiments
53%
9%
38%
For Loan Terms and Flexibility
53% of people had positive sentiments
9% of people had neutral sentiments
38% of people had negative sentiments
#
Ease of Approval and Process
For Ease of Approval and Process
93% of people had positive sentiments
1% of people had neutral sentiments
6% of people had negative sentiments
93%
1%
6%
For Ease of Approval and Process
93% of people had positive sentiments
1% of people had neutral sentiments
6% of people had negative sentiments
Happy Money borrowers express mixed feelings about its personal loans. While many appreciate the streamlined application, quick approvals and competitive interest rates, others report poor communication, difficulties with payment adjustments and frustrations with the online platform.
Pros & Cons
Pays creditors directly
Offers low rates
No late fees, returned check fees or prepayment penalty fees
Has origination fees
Primarily consolidates credit card debt
Doesn’t allow co-signers or co-borrowers
Details
Eligibility:
Minimum credit score. 640
Minimum income. None
Co-signers. Not permitted
Co-borrowers. Not permitted
Customer service
We tested Happy Money’s customer service quality to gauge a prospective borrower’s experience. Through our research, we found that Happy Money had the longest wait time, two minutes and 15 minutes, which may be frustrating for some customers.
Once we connected with a representative, they disclosed much of the information we hoped to receive. For example, they shared loan amounts, interest rates, required documentation and turnaround times for the entire loan process, including preapproval, approval and funding. Besides the wait time to speak with a representative, the call was helpful and effective.
BEST FOR DEBT CONSOLIDATION PERKS
Best Egg
3.5
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Best Egg is a lending platform available to borrowers in every state except Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. Personal loans are issued by Cross River Bank and range from $2,000 to $50,000. Loan proceeds can be used for debt consolidation, and payment terms are available from three to five years, so Best Egg can be a great way to consolidate your other debts and spread the payments out over time.
That said, Best Egg does not directly pay off creditors, so you’ll have to manage the repayment process on your own. What’s more, borrowers have to pay an origination fee from 0.99% to 9.99% of the loan amount. This fee is an important consideration when calculating how much you can save by consolidating your debts with a Best Egg personal loan. Borrowers can, however, pay off their loan early without incurring a prepayment penalty.
Pros & Cons
Offers direct payment to third-party creditors
Low minimum APR
No prepayment penalty
Charges an origination fee
No co-signers or co-borrowers accepted
Details
Eligibility:
Minimum credit score. 600 (700 for lowest APR)
Minimum income. $100,000 for lowest APR
Co-signers. Not permitted
Co-borrowers. Not permitted
Expert’s Take
Best Egg offers loans between $2,000 and $50,000. They charge an origination fee but are also willing to consider a second loan if you stay current with your first. The debt consolidation loan product will allow you to send funds directly to up to 10 creditors to streamline payoffs.
— Herman Thompson, Jr., advisory board member
BEST FOR PEER-TO-PEER LENDING
LendingClub
3.5
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
LendingClub offers various financial products, including personal loans and banking services. The lender operates in every state except Iowa and the U.S. territories.
Why We Like It
LendingClub makes debt consolidation loans with direct creditor payoff accessible to borrowers with bad credit.
What We Don’t Like
Borrowers pay an origination fee between 3% to 8% of the total loan amount, which is deducted from the loan proceeds at funding. LendingClub’s APRs are also higher than those available from some competitors, and there’s no autopay discount.
Who It’s Best For LendingClub’s personal loans are best for those with bad credit histories looking to consolidate debt into one monthly payment.
Consumer Sentiment Index
6.0
6/10
Consumer Score
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Advisor uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
Consumer Sentiment Index
10,607
How do we calculate
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Insights Analyzed
#
Interest Rates and Fees
For Interest Rates and Fees
64% of people had positive sentiments
13% of people had neutral sentiments
23% of people had negative sentiments
64%
13%
23%
For Interest Rates and Fees
64% of people had positive sentiments
13% of people had neutral sentiments
23% of people had negative sentiments
#
Customer Servic
For Customer Service
68% of people had positive sentiments
2% of people had neutral sentiments
30% of people had negative sentiments
68%
2%
30%
For Customer Service
68% of people had positive sentiments
2% of people had neutral sentiments
30% of people had negative sentiments
#
Loan Terms and Flexibility
For Loan Terms and Flexibility
84% of people had positive sentiments
7% of people had neutral sentiments
9% of people had negative sentiments
84%
7%
9%
For Loan Terms and Flexibility
84% of people had positive sentiments
7% of people had neutral sentiments
9% of people had negative sentiments
#
Ease of Approval and Process
For Ease of Approval and Process
95% of people had positive sentiments
2% of people had neutral sentiments
3% of people had negative sentiments
95%
2%
3%
For Ease of Approval and Process
95% of people had positive sentiments
2% of people had neutral sentiments
3% of people had negative sentiments
Borrowers are typically satisfied with LendingClub and value the competitive interest rates and efficient application process. However, some cite concerns about high origination fees and communication issues.
Pros & Cons
Directly pay off creditors with debt consolidation loans
Offers loans as small as $1,000 to $40,000
No minimum credit or income requirements
Charges origination fees
Terms available for two to five years
Details
Eligibility:
Minimum credit score. None
Minimum annual income. None
Co-borrowers. Permitted
Customer service
We tested LendingClub’s customer service to assess how helpful it is for prospective borrowers and found the representative could provide only surface-level answers. For example, after waiting just over one minute to connect with a rep, they confirmed you can set up autopay but did not confirm if any autopay discounts are available. In another case, they mentioned LendingClub charges an origination fee but didn’t disclose anything further like the amount.
However, this does not mean they were not responsive or able to provide helpful information. We connected with a rep in just over one minute. Through our evaluation, we gathered key information, including loan amounts, required documentation such as W-2s and bank statements, loan assistance options and funding turnaround times.
BEST FOR LOW INTEREST RATES
LightStream
3.5
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
LightStream offers loans with both a low minimum and maximum interest rate, along with a rate-beat program. LightStream’s unsecured personal loans range from $5,000 to $100,000 with loan amounts varying based on the loan purpose. In addition to offering appealing and flexible terms, LightStream charges no origination, late payment or prepayment fees. The lender also offers a 0.50% rate discount for borrowers who enroll in autopay.
Consumer Sentiment Index
4.0
4/10
Consumer Score
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Advisor uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
Consumer Sentiment Index
1,791
How do we calculate
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Insights Analyzed
#
Interest Rates and Fees
For Interest Rates and Fees
64% of people had positive sentiments
14% of people had neutral sentiments
22% of people had negative sentiments
64%
14%
22%
For Interest Rates and Fees
64% of people had positive sentiments
14% of people had neutral sentiments
22% of people had negative sentiments
#
Customer Service
For Customer Service
19% of people had positive sentiments
1% of people had neutral sentiments
80% of people had negative sentiments
19%
1%
80%
For Customer Service
19% of people had positive sentiments
1% of people had neutral sentiments
80% of people had negative sentiments
#
Loan Terms and Flexibility
For Loan Terms and Flexibility
71% of people had positive sentiments
18% of people had neutral sentiments
11% of people had negative sentiments
71%
18%
11%
For Loan Terms and Flexibility
71% of people had positive sentiments
18% of people had neutral sentiments
11% of people had negative sentiments
#
Ease of Approval and Process
For Ease of Approval and Process
77% of people had positive sentiments
8% of people had neutral sentiments
15% of people had negative sentiments
77%
8%
15%
For Ease of Approval and Process
77% of people had positive sentiments
8% of people had neutral sentiments
15% of people had negative sentiments
LightStream borrowers appreciate the user-friendly application process, fast funding and competitive interest rates. However, there are a handful of concerns about customer service and discrepancies between advertised and actual rates.
Pros & Cons
Long loan terms available
Low interest rates
Fast approval and funding
No prequalification option
High minimum loan amount
Low average customer rating on Trustpilot
Details
Eligibility:
Minimum credit score. 700
Minimum income. Does not disclose
Co-borrowers. Permitted
Customer service
We tried to call LightStream to test the quality of its customer service, but they don’t provide a customer service number. If you want to reach their customer service team, you must contact them via email. Its email support is available Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 7 pm and Saturday, 12 to 4 pm ET.
BEST OVERALL DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN
SoFi®
3.5
Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
SoFi is an online lending platform that offers unsecured fixed-rate personal loans in every state. Founded in 2011, SoFi has extended over $50 billion in loans and stands out for allowing high loan amounts and its availability of extended loan terms.
Loans are available from $5,000 to $100,000, making SoFi a great option for those with excellent credit who need to borrow a large amount of money. Loan amounts available may vary by the state you live in. Repayment terms range from two to seven years, making SoFi an incredibly flexible option for those with sufficient credit (minimum does not disclose) and annual income (at least $45,000). SoFi also lets prospective borrowers submit joint applications—although co-signers are not permitted.
Approved borrowers are rewarded with comparatively low APRs. What’s more, SoFi doesn’t charge origination fees, late fees or prepayment penalties—a stand-out feature because personal loan lenders often charge origination or late payment fees at a minimum.
However, if you’re considering a debt consolidating loan from SoFi, keep in mind that the lender does not offer direct payment to a borrower’s other creditors. This means the loan proceeds will be deposited to your bank account and you’ll have to pay off your other lenders individually. The platform does offer customers a number of other perks and discounts.
Consumer Sentiment Index
4.2
4.2/10
Consumer Score
The Consumer Sentiment Index from Forbes Advisor uses a proprietary weighting system designed by our subject matter experts. It evaluates thousands of consumer insights and reviews from leading online forums to determine customer satisfaction at scale.
Consumer Sentiment Index
3,184
How do we calculate
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Insights Analyzed
#
Interest Rates and Fees
ForInterest Rates and Fees
57% of people had positive sentiments
14% of people had neutral sentiments
29% of people had negative sentiments
57%
14%
29%
ForInterest Rates and Fees
57% of people had positive sentiments
14% of people had neutral sentiments
29% of people had negative sentiments
#
Customer Service
For Customer Service
26% of people had positive sentiments
11% of people had neutral sentiments
63% of people had negative sentiments
26%
11%
63%
For Customer Service
26% of people had positive sentiments
11% of people had neutral sentiments
63% of people had negative sentiments
#
Loan Terms and Flexibility
For Loan Terms and Flexibility
56% of people had positive sentiments
23% of people had neutral sentiments
21% of people had negative sentiments
56%
23%
21%
For Loan Terms and Flexibility
56% of people had positive sentiments
23% of people had neutral sentiments
21% of people had negative sentiments
#
Ease of Approval and Process
For Ease of Approval and Process
64% of people had positive sentiments
10% of people had neutral sentiments
26% of people had negative sentiments
64%
10%
26%
For Ease of Approval and Process
64% of people had positive sentiments
10% of people had neutral sentiments
26% of people had negative sentiments
While some borrowers appreciate SoFi’s simple application and disbursement process, others are dissatisfied with communication and customer service. Borrowers are also frustrated with misleading promotional offers and how their loan inquiries were handled.
Pros & Cons
Prequalification without a hard inquiry
Same-day approval possible
Can pay off third-party creditors directly
High credit score requirement
Co-signers not permitted
Details
Eligibility:
Minimum credit score required. Does not disclose
Minimum annual income. $45,000
Co-borrowers. Permitted
Co-signers. Not permitted
Customer service
We evaluated SoFi’s customer service experience by calling its team directly. During our assessment, we found that its wait times were some of the longest—one minute and 41 seconds. Once we connected with customer service, its team was able to answer each of our questions effectively.
They disclosed loan amounts, available interest rates, required documents and loan approval times. They also shared information about prequalification and potential fees.
We reviewed 15 popular lenders based on 11 data points in the categories of loan details, loan costs, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and the application process. We chose the best lenders based on the weighting assigned to each category:
Loan cost. 35%
Loan details. 20%
Eligibility and accessibility. 20%
Direct payment to creditors. 15%
Customer experience. 10%
Within each category, we also considered several characteristics, including available loan amounts, repayment terms, APR ranges and applicable fees. We also looked at minimum credit score requirements, whether each lender accepts co-signers or joint applications and the geographic availability of the lender. Finally, we evaluated the availability of each provider’s customer support team.
Where appropriate, we awarded partial points depending on how well a lender met each criterion.
Tips for Comparing the Best Credit Card Consolidation Loans
Before committing to a consolidation loan, compare lenders to find loan amounts, terms and annual percentage rates (APRs) that meet your needs. Follow these tips before choosing a lender:
Pre-qualify if the option is available. Personal loan pre-qualification allows you to see the rates you’re likely to qualify for with only a soft credit check, which doesn’t impact your credit. This can save you time and energy when applying for a loan and reduce the number of hard inquiries on your credit report.
Make sure the lender allows debt consolidation. The best personal loans are extremely flexible, but some lenders prohibit specific uses. In addition to choosing a lender that allows credit card debt consolidation, streamline the process by opting for a lender that provides direct creditor payoff.
Choose a loan that covers all of your credit card balances. Lenders typically offer personal loans between $1,000 and $100,000. Choose a loan that pays off all of your credit card debt without borrowing more than necessary.
Evaluate overall costs and fees. Compare the interest rates available from each lender and additional costs like loan origination fees. Many online lenders now offer a fee-free structure that can reduce the overall cost of borrowing.
Research customer support resources and reviews. Credit card consolidation often aims to simplify payments and streamline your finances. This makes a high-quality customer support team especially important when consolidating debt. Browse each lender’s support options and read customer reviews to look for significant shortfalls.
What Is Credit Card Consolidation?
Credit card consolidation involves taking out a personal loan and using the funds to pay off individual credit card debts. This effectively consolidates a consumer’s high-interest credit card debts into a single monthly loan payment. In addition to simplifying a borrower’s finances, credit card consolidation loans can also offer lower interest rates and smaller monthly payments.
How Does Credit Card Consolidation Work?
When you consolidate your credit card debt with a personal loan, you’re essentially taking out a new loan to pay off your debts. The process involves applying for a new personal loan and then using the proceeds to pay off each outstanding credit card balance. Sometimes, the lender further simplifies consolidation by sending the loan funds directly to creditors.
Once you combine your debt, you’ll consolidate your bills into one monthly payment instead of multiple payments to different creditors. This new debt structure can save you time and money, as you won’t have to keep track of multiple due dates. Plus, your monthly payments—and interest rates—may go down.
Should You Consolidate Your Credit Card Debt?
Consolidating your credit card debt can help you pay down debt faster. It can simplify your payment schedule into one monthly payment and in some cases, can reduce the interest you’re paying on the debt.
Before you consolidate your debt, make a plan for repaying the loan. A debt consolidation calculator can help you understand what your monthly payments could be and if they fit into your budget. The payments on a debt consolidation loan can be higher than the minimum payments required on your credit card.
Keep in mind that freeing up your credit card balance with a debt consolidation loan can lead to more overspending if you don’t have a plan to manage your spending going forward. Ultimately, that can lead to even more debt.
Pros and Cons of Credit Card Consolidation Loans
Debt consolidation loans can be a useful tool to pay off your debt quickly, but they have their downsides. Consider the pros and cons of debt consolidation loans to decide if they’re the right option for you:
Can be difficult to qualify for low interest rates
When Should You Get a Credit Card Consolidation Loan?
Credit card consolidation loans can help borrowers save money and make it easier to stay on top of monthly payments. However, this strategy isn’t the right fit for all borrowers. Consider credit card consolidation if you:
Consistently have enough cash to cover payments. Consolidating debt is only effective if you have enough cash to make the new monthly payment. Credit card consolidation likely won’t improve your financial situation if you’re already struggling to make ends meet each month.
Carry high-interest debt. If you carry a balance on your credit cards each month, you’re likely paying high rates—sometimes 27% or more. Personal loan interest rates typically range from 7% to 36%. So, if you can qualify for a consolidation loan with a lower interest rate, you may be able to pay off your debt faster and at a lower cost.
Have good credit. You’ll need a strong credit score to qualify for the best rates and loan terms. Borrowers with scores of at least 720 have the easiest time qualifying for a competitive loan. Those with bad or fair credit may still qualify but will likely pay higher rates.
Have debt that will take at least six months to pay off. If you only have a small amount of debt, you may be able to pay it off without taking out a consolidation loan. In general, consolidation loans are best for those with at least $5,000 in debt that will take at least six months to pay off.
Have a plan to avoid future debt. Even if consolidation saves you money each month, it won’t help if you rack up new debt. If you consolidate your credit card debt but don’t change your spending habits, you will likely find yourself in the same situation a few years later. Avoid this by making a budget and committing to only spending what you can afford.
How Does a Credit Card Consolidation Loan Affect Your Credit Score?
Credit card consolidation loans impact your credit in several ways:
Lower credit utilization rate. Revolving lines of credit, like credit cards, impact your credit utilization ratio, which factors into your score calculation. Paying off credit cards with a debt consolidation loan can improve your utilization rate and, in turn, your credit score.
Streamlined payments. Having a single loan payment each month is much simpler than multiple. A debt consolidation loan makes it easier to manage on-time monthly payments and safeguards the payment history portion of your credit score.
Lower interest rate. A lower interest rate indirectly impacts your credit because more of each monthly payment goes toward the loan principal rather than interest. Paying off debts faster translates into lower loan balances.
New inquiry on your credit report. When you apply for a loan or line of credit, the lender runs a hard credit check. This hard inquiry is reflected on your credit report and results in a temporary ding against your credit score. That said, the inquiry will fall off your report in two years and the impacts on your score only last about one year.
Check your credit score. Before shopping for a consolidation loan, check your credit score to understand the lenders whose loan requirements you meet and what interest rates you can expect. Doing so early gives you time to improve your score before submitting an application.
Pre-qualify. Some lenders allow you to pre-qualify for a loan without impacting your credit score. This provides insight into the interest rates and terms you may qualify for before formally applying.
Compare lenders. Once you know which lenders you may qualify with, compare loan offers to find the best deal based on interest rates, origination fees and repayment terms. Depending on your goals, the best option may be the lender with the lowest monthly payment, the most competitive rates or the most convenient repayment process.
Gather the necessary documents. In most cases, you’ll need to provide documentation that proves your employment, income and bank account information. Having this information on hand can speed up approval and funding.
Submit a formal application. Even if you prequalify, you’ll need to finish the formal application process with your chosen lender. This usually involves submitting information to help the loan underwriters decide if you are an acceptable lending risk or not.
Await approval. Most online personal lenders promise same-day approval, and some even offer same- or next-day funding. However, loan approval can take several business days, especially if the lender requests additional documentation to verify your income or identity. Continue to make necessary credit card payments during this period.
Consolidate credit card balances. If the loan funds go to your bank account, use the money to pay off your credit card balances immediately. If, on the other hand, you are working with a lender that specializes in credit card consolidation, it may pay off your cards directly.
How To Get Credit Card Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit
With bad credit, finding a credit card consolidation loan can be more challenging, but there are options. Start by looking for lenders with low minimum credit score requirements; some lenders offer debt consolidation loans for bad credit, and have credit score requirements below 600.
If you can’t qualify on your own for a credit card consolidation loan, apply with a co-signer who meets the lender’s requirements. Keep in mind that if you fail to repay your loan, your co-signer will be obligated to do so.
A secured loan can be another option to qualify for a debt consolidation loan. With a secured loan, your debt is backed by collateral like your savings or home. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender can take possession of your collateral. These loans can be easier to qualify for than unsecured loans.
With a credit card refinance, you swap your current debt from one or more credit cards onto a new one. Ideally, your new card will have a lower interest rate, and in some cases, an introductory 0% APR offer on balance transfers. This intro offer only lasts for a short amount of time, generally about one to two years.
If you pay all of your debt in that time, a balance transfer credit card can be a great option to avoid interest charges and get out of debt faster. But be aware that some cards charge a balance transfer fee, which may make sticking with your current card the cheaper option.
Debt consolidation generally refers to a personal loan that’s used to pay off credit card debt, repaid in monthly installments. These loans won’t have an interest-free period, but you can generally qualify for lower interest rates than with a credit card. That can make debt consolidation loans a better option if you’re paying off a moderate or large amount of debt.
What credit score do you need for a consolidation loan?
Most lenders require a credit score for personal loans in the mid-600s. However, a higher credit score usually results in a more competitive interest rate. You also can qualify for a loan with a lower credit score by applying with a co-signer or by applying for a loan with a lender that specializes in bad-credit borrowers.
Is credit card consolidation a good idea?
Debt consolidation may be worth it for borrowers with several high-interest credit cards and loans. A lower interest rate on a consolidation loan can save you money each month and help you pay off your debt faster. Just be sure to shop for the best interest rate and terms before taking out a consolidation loan.
How much does it cost to consolidate debt?
The cost of consolidating your debt depends on several factors, including the interest rate, loan terms and applicable fees. Personal loan APRs generally range from 3% to 36%, and origination fees may be around 1% to 10% of the total loan amount. That said, many online lenders offer fee-free personal loans.
How long does it take to get approved for a credit card consolidation loan?
Approval for credit card consolidation loans is typically quick because the application process is simple and streamlined. Some lenders, such as SoFi, even offer same-day approval and funding. Other lenders may take upwards of a week or more if they need to verify details with you.
What is the average length of a credit card consolidation loan?
Most lenders offer credit card consolidation loans ranging from one to five years in length. Yet, it’s possible to find lenders offering credit card consolidation loans for shorter or longer periods.
Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Kiah Treece is a small business owner and personal finance expert with experience in loans, business and personal finance, insurance and real estate. Her focus is on demystifying debt to help individuals and business owners take control of their finances. She has also been featured by Investopedia, Los Angeles Times, Money.com and other financial publications.
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