What credit score do you need for a debt consolidation loan?
Every lender sets its own guidelines when it comes to minimum credit score requirements for debt consolidation loans. However, it's likely lenders will require a minimum score between 580 and 680.
The minimum credit score needed to secure a debt consolidation loan ranges from 580 to the mid-600s, depending on the lender. The best terms and rates go to borrowers with scores that are around 700 or higher.
Lenders like to see a credit score of at least 670 for a debt consolidation loan, but probably closer to 700 just to be safe. It's not the only factor that matters, but a low credit score could stop you from getting a debt consolidation loan with reasonable interest rates and terms.
It's possible to qualify for a debt consolidation loan with bad credit (a credit score of under 670). However, it's important to pay attention to the terms. Interest rates on personal loans for poor credit may at times exceed APRs on credit cards, especially if you apply with a low credit score.
You need a minimum credit score between 580 and 680 to get a debt consolidation loan that offers reasonable rates with most lenders. The higher your credit score is, the lower your APR is likely to be - and the main purpose of a debt consolidation loan is to get a lower APR for your debt.
Insufficient credit history or poor payment history can also lead to a denial of a debt consolidation loan. Remember, your payment history is the most important factor in your credit score, comprising 35% of your FICO® Score. Even one missed payment can damage your score.
You'll typically need a credit score of at least 700 to qualify for a debt consolidation loan with a competitive interest rate. Although a lower credit score doesn't automatically equal a denial, as some lenders offer loans for bad credit, the borrowing costs will likely be higher.
In general, your chances of getting a debt consolidation loan are better if you have a good credit score, usually defined as 670 or above by FICO. In some cases, your credit report may have errors that are bringing your score down, so first, you'll want to check your credit report to make sure everything is correct.
While there are no government debt relief grants, there is free money to pay other bills, which should lead to paying off debt because it frees up funds. The biggest grant the government offers may be housing vouchers for those who qualify.
It is 180 points away from being a “good” credit score, which many people use as a benchmark, and 120 points from being “fair.” A 520 credit score won't knock any lenders' socks off, but it shouldn't completely prevent you from being approved for a credit card or loan, either.
Can I get a $5000 loan with a 620 credit score?
With FICO, fair or good credit scores fall within the ranges of 580 to 739, and with VantageScore, fair or good ranges between 601 to 780. Many personal loan lenders offer amounts starting around $3,000 to $5,000, but with Upgrade, you can apply for as little as $1,000 (and as much as $50,000).
Requirements vary by lender, but most lenders require borrowers to have a credit score in the good to excellent range — meaning a score of at least 670. Some lenders state they require stable, consistent income, while others list a minimum income requirement.
Lender | Loan Amounts | APRs |
---|---|---|
Upstart | $1,000 - $50,000 | 6.4% - 35.99% |
Oportun | $300 - $18,500 | 10.07% - 35.95% |
OneMain Financial | $1,500 - $20,000 | 18% - 35.99% |
RISE | $500 - $5,000 | 60% - 299% |
You can likely borrow anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $50,000 with a 500 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.
Your credit score can make or break your ability to get a $10,000 loan. Generally, it can be hard to meet personal loan requirements if your credit score is below 640. That doesn't mean that it's impossible, but you may need to stick to bad credit loans (which typically have higher APRs).
What is the easiest loan to get approved for? The easiest types of loans to get approved for don't require a credit check and include payday loans, car title loans and pawnshop loans — but they're also highly predatory due to outrageously high interest rates and fees.
No-credit-check loans skip the credit check and use other criteria to approve borrowers. For example, a lender might look at your income or bank account balance instead. Or it may ask for collateral and grant you a loan based on its value. Once approved, you'd pay the loan back just as you would any other type of loan.
Debt settlement is a risky and costly way to deal with debt, but National Debt Relief we ranked it as the best debt relief company if you want to pursue it. Its fees are quite low, it services common forms of problem debt (like credit card debt), and it's available in most of the country.
Private education loans are not eligible for consolidation. Direct PLUS Loans received by parents to help pay for a dependent student's education cannot be consolidated together with federal student loans that the student received.
- SoFi: Best for fast funding.
- Upgrade: Best for poor or thin credit.
- Achieve: Best for quick approval decisions.
- LendingClub: Best for co-borrowers.
- Discover: Best for excellent credit.
- Happy Money: Best for credit card consolidation.
- LightStream: Best for large loans.
How can I get out of debt with no money and bad credit?
- Step 1: Stop taking on new debt. ...
- Step 2: Determine how much you owe. ...
- Step 3: Create a budget. ...
- Step 4: Pay off the smallest debts first. ...
- Step 5: Start tackling larger debts. ...
- Step 6: Look for ways to earn extra money. ...
- Step 7: Boost your credit scores.
If a credit card account remains open after you've paid it off through debt consolidation, you can still use it. However, running up another balance could make it difficult to pay off your debt consolidation account.
Loan debt consolidation is when you take out a new loan to pay off multiple debts. Four types of debt are commonly consolidated: credit card debt, student loan debt, medical debt and high-interest personal loan debt. You may reduce the overall cost of repayment by securing better terms and interest.
Expert Take: Achieve takes the spot as best debt consolidation loan due its competitive terms, quick funding and low minimum credit score requirements. The lender also allows potential borrowers to apply jointly, which makes it easier for those with fair credit to qualify for a loan.
Getting a debt consolidation loan if you have bad credit (a credit score below 630) may require some shopping around, but there are options, including loans from credit unions and online lenders.
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