Understanding Debt Consolidation Loans

Debt consolidation loans allow you to pay off one or more high-interest debts, preferably with a lower interest rate or other favorable terms. While debt consolidation can be a challenge if your credit is less than ideal, it is possible.

Steps to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan with Bad Credit

1. Review Your Credit

A poor credit score ranges from 300 to 579, according to FICO. Finding out where you fall can make it easier to assess your situation and options. Start by registering with Experian to get free access to your FICO® Score and Experian credit report, and also get free weekly copies of your credit reports with Equifax and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com.

2. Shop Around

Not all lenders are willing to work with borrowers who have bad credit, so it’s important to do your research. Focus on lenders that say they accept lower credit scores, and, when possible, go through the prequalification process with each to get an idea of your approval odds and possible loan terms.

3. Consider Ways to Boost Your Approval Odds

Before you submit an application with a lender, think about some ways you can increase your chances of getting loan terms that can help you save money. Options include:

• Get a cosigner: Some personal lenders allow you to add a cosigner to your application or open a joint loan.
• Consider a secured loan: Some lenders also offer secured personal loans that allow you to use an asset, such as a vehicle or investment account, as collateral.

4. Submit Your Application and Accept the Loan

Once you’ve decided on a lender, you can typically submit your application online. The lender may provide you with a decision the same day or even in minutes. If you’re approved, carefully review the loan agreement to ensure you know what you’re getting. Then, accept the loan by signing the contract.

Where to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan with Poor Credit

There are several types of lenders that can help you get the money you need to consolidate your debt. Each lender has its own criteria for determining eligibility and loan terms, so you’ll want to cast a wide net as you shop around.

Online Lenders

You’re more likely to find online lenders that are willing to work with bad-credit borrowers, particularly if you don’t have the necessary assets for a secured loan. Keep in mind, though, that some online lenders charge higher annual percentage rates (APRs), which can make a consolidation loan difficult to justify.

Credit Unions and Banks

Some credit unions and banks may also be willing to lend to you if you have a lower credit score, particularly if you have an established relationship with a smaller financial institution. Credit unions and banks are more likely to offer secured loans, which can be a good way to get better terms if you can come up with the collateral.

Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation Loans

Pros

• Streamlines your monthly payments
• Can save you money with a lower interest rate
• Can help you pay off your debt more quickly

Cons

• Favorable terms are typically reserved for borrowers with great credit
• Can result in a higher monthly payment, especially when consolidating credit card debt
• Doesn’t solve the core problem that created your debt

When Is a Debt Consolidation Loan a Good Idea?

The decision of whether or not to get a consolidation loan ultimately depends on your financial situation and goals. Here are some situations where it can make sense, even if you have bad credit:

• You’re prequalified for a lower interest rate than what you’re currently paying.
• You have a plan to avoid adding new debt.
• Your budget will benefit from a single monthly payment rather than multiple.
• The new loan can help you pay down your debt faster.
• You have a cosigner or collateral that you can use to get better terms.

Alternatives to Debt Consolidation Loans

While a debt consolidation loan can be a good choice in some situations, it’s important to research and compare other options to ensure you find the best one for you. Here are some to keep in mind:

New Budget

Making a budget and tracking your expenses is crucial to determining how much you can afford to pay toward existing debt each month. With a workable budget, you can set aside a given amount for your debt payments and inch toward your goal of eliminating your debt.

Home Equity Loan or HELOC

If you have a home with equity, you could pull out a portion of it to pay off debt through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Note, however, that these loans can come with hefty closing costs, and if you fail to repay, you could face losing your home.

Accelerated Debt Repayment Strategies

A good debt reduction plan can provide a roadmap to eliminating debt and help you track your progress. The most common repayment strategies are the debt avalanche and debt snowball methods.

Credit Counseling

If you are overwhelmed with debt and need help finding a way to pay it off, credit counseling may help. A nonprofit credit counselor can work with you to strategize debt payoff and may recommend a debt management plan (DMP).

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Debt Consolidation Work?

Debt consolidation involves taking out a new loan to pay off multiple high-interest debts, ideally at a lower interest rate.

Is Debt Consolidation Bad for Your Credit?

Debt consolidation can temporarily lower your credit score due to the hard inquiry and new account, but it can improve your score in the long run if you make timely payments.

What Is the Lowest Credit Score to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan?

While it varies by lender, some lenders may approve debt consolidation loans for credit scores as low as 580.

Improve Your Credit—and Your Options

While you may qualify for a debt consolidation loan with bad credit, you’ll likely pay more in interest rates. By taking a few months to improve your credit, you could boost your odds of approval for debt consolidation loans and other types of credit and with lower interest rates. Even a slightly lower interest rate could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.