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Best Debt Consolidation Loans 2024
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- Lower your total debt by approx. 50%
- Reduce your monthly payments
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- Make one affordable monthly program payment
- A+ Better Business Bureau rating
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Best Debt Consolidation Loans
A debt consolidation loan allows you to pay off multiple personal loans and credit cards with just one monthly payment and one interest rate. This can save you money on interest and allow you to pay off your debts faster.
To help you find the right debt consolidation companies, we’ve carefully looked at all the companies offering debt consolidation loans and narrowed down the list to 10 of the best debt consolidation loan companies.
Here are our expert picks for our best debt consolidation loans and their features and requirements.
Our Best Debt Consolidation Loans of 2024
1. Freedom Debt Relief: Our Best for Large Debts
2. National Debt Relief: Our Best for No Upfront Costs or Obligations
3. JG Wentworth: Our Best for Their Free Consultations
4. Accredited Debt Relief: Our Best for Reducing Monthly Payments
5. Sofi: Our Best for Quick Funding
6. Upgrade: Our Best for Small Loan Amounts
7. Achieve: Our Best for Building Better Financial Habits
8. LightStream: Our Best for Avoiding Fees
9. ClearOne: Our Best for Personalized Debt Relief
10. LendingTree: Our Best for Comparing Debt Consolidation Options
Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Debt Consolidation Loans
We compiled the list of the best debt consolidation services for bad credit by assessing several factors, including:
- Loan cost: We assessed loan charges to avoid hidden fees and to ensure affordability.
- Loan details: Understanding specific loan features helps borrowers select a product that comprehensively meets their needs.
- Eligibility and accessibility: Knowing these requirements helps ensure borrowers don't waste time with loans that won't suit their needs.
- Rates and terms: Comparing these allows those seeking financial relief to find the most favorable conditions for specific financial situations.
- Repayment experience: A smooth repayment process can prevent additional stress and help maintain financial stability.
A Closer Look at Our Best Debt Consolidation Loans
1. Freedom Debt Relief - Our Best for Large Debts
| APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
15% to 25% of debt amount | $1,000-100,000+ | N/A | Varies by creditor | A+ |
Freedom Debt Relief negotiates with creditors to settle debts in 24 to 48 months. The company can assist you in consolidating credit card balances, personal loans, private student loans, medical debt, collections, payday loans, and lines of credit.
Why we chose Freedom Debt Relief: Freedom doesn’t just offer some of the best debt consolidation loans for bad credit; in the free debt evaluation. We chose to include Freedom in this list because their agents will help you determine the best debt-relief program, whether credit counseling, bankruptcy, or a consolidation loan.
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Read Freedom Debt Relief review
2. National Debt Relief - Our Best for No Upfront Costs or Obligations
| APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A | N/A | N/A | Typically 24-48 months | A+ |
APR range: 15-25% of enrolled debt total
Loan Amount: $100,000+
Loan terms: N/A
Origination fee: None
Min. credit score: None
National Debt Relief doesn’t offer straightforward debt consolidation loans but they will negotiate with creditors to reduce the amount you have to pay back by as much as 30%. Their services can help you eliminate debt within 24 to 48 months.
Why we chose National Debt Relief: We chose to include National Debt Relief in this list especially for those with bad credit looking for a more stable situation with their debts. If you have bad credit, National Debt Relief offers many useful financial resources, such as educational articles and calculators, to help you figure out your cost of debt. Also, there’s no minimum credit score to work with National.
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Read National Debt Relief Review
3. JG Wentworth - Our Best for Their Free Consultations
| APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7.99%-35.99% | $5,000-25,000 | Not disclosed | 24-60 months | A+ |
You may have heard of JG Wentworth from their catchy TV commercial. For 30 years, JG Wentworth has provided customized solutions for debt relief, including structured settlements and debt consolidation loans for bad credit. In addition to providing debt consolidation loans of up to $25,000, JG Wentworth can negotiate with creditors on your behalf to settle your debts.
Why we chose JG Wentworth: We chose to include JG Wentworth in this list because of their service flexibility. Even if you aren’t sure if a debt consolidation loan is the best fit to settle your debts, JG Wentworth also offers debt relief services. There's also this: If you show a better offer from a debt settlement competitor, JG Wentworth will give you a $1,000 check if they can't beat it.
Customer Experience: We noticed that some borrowers experienced aggressive sales tactics and communication issues on behalf of JG Wentworth. Overall, customers seem happy with JG Wentworth's professionalism and timely customer service. The company has a BBB rating of A+.
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4. Accredited Debt Relief - Our Best for Reducing Monthly Payments
| APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.9% to 35.99% | $1,000-100,000 | Not disclosed | 4-84 months | A+ |
Accredited Debt Consolidation offers a reliable solution for consolidating and reducing your debt. They cater to both secured and unsecured debts and provide a free consultation to assess eligibility. Certified by the American Fair Credit Council, Accredited DR stands out for its trustworthiness and customer support available 7 days a week.
With more than 800 U.S.-based debt consolidation experts, Accredited offers a simple process for finding a personalized debt repayment strategy. All you have to do is either call or fill out a short questionnaire online for your contact information and approximately how much debt you owe. Then, a debt consultant will reach out to you.
Why we chose Accredited Debt Relief: We chose to review Accredited because of its straightforward, transparent process and stellar personalized service. It has a near-perfect customer score on BBB and Trustpilot and also has a reputation for responding to the vast majority of negative reviews within one week. Accredited DR connects clients with certified debt consultants and offers an online portal for monitoring accounts. The service is particularly helpful for those with over $10,000 in debt, providing a tailored approach to debt reduction.
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Read Accredited Debt Relief review
5. SoFi - Our Best for Quick Funding
| APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8.99-29.49% | $5,000-100,000 | Varies by lender; 670 on average | 2-7 years | A+ |
Not only does SoFi offer great debt consolidation loans for bad credit, but it also offers other services, including investing, banking, insurance, and financial insights. Its personal loans can be used to consolidate numerous debts. SoFi’s tools are excellent for getting back on financial track: You can use SoFi’s personal loan calculator to see what rate you might qualify for by entering information about your current debts.
Why we chose SoFi: We chose to include SoFi in this list specifically because the service notes that around 82% of its personal loans are same-day funded. Plus, in addition to providing some of the best conditions for debt consolidation, SoFi offers financial insights tools that allow you to get weekly updates on your credit score and create a budget, both of which can help you rebuild your credit.
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6. Upgrade - Our Best for Small Loan Amounts
| APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8.49%-35.99% | $1,000-50,000 | 600 | 24-84 months | A+ |
Upgrade is a financial company based in San Francisco, providing tools and services to help consumers manage their finances. Upgrade offers some of the best debt consolidation loans for bad credit. It also offers personal loans up to $50,000, credit cards, checking and savings accounts, and credit health monitoring services.
Why we chose Upgrade: We chose to include Upgrade in this list because borrowers can settle debts as low as $1,000. Upgrade also offers the option to directly pay your creditors, which means you don’t have to spend time writing checks or scheduling bills for each of your outstanding debts.
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7. Achieve - Our Best for Building Better Financial Habits
| APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8.99%-35.99% | $5,000-50,000 | 620 | 2-5 years | A+ |
Achieve offers personal loans, which can be used debt consolidation for bad credit. It also offers debt resolution services for those with $7,500-$100,000+ in debt.
Why we chose Achieve: Consolidating debt is just one step of better financial habits. Achieve takes it another step by offering its GOOD™ app, which helps you create a debt payoff plan, make a budget, and set spending limits.
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8. LightStream - Our Best for Avoiding Fees
| APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8.89%-21.64% | $5,000-100,000 | 660 | 24-240 months | A |
LightStream offers debt consolidation loans that are tailored for individuals looking to simplify their financial obligations. Their service provides competitive interest rates and a straightforward online application process, making it an attractive option for those seeking to manage their debts efficiently.
You can get flexible terms up to 10 years and competitive interest rates to help you get out of debt faster. Their unique Rate Beat Program ensures you receive the lowest rate by beating any qualifying competitor's offer by 0.10 percentage points.
Why we chose LightStream: We chose to review LightStream because of its reputation for excellent customer service and its unique approach to debt consolidation. Unlike many lenders, LightStream provides unsecured loans without requiring home equity or other collateral, making it accessible to a wider audience. This flexibility and commitment to a seamless online experience set them apart in the debt consolidation market.
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9. ClearOne - Our Best for Personalized Debt Relief
| APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A | From $10,000 | N/A | Typically 24-60 months | A |
ClearOne Advantage offers comprehensive debt relief solutions aimed at helping individuals regain control of their finances. Their services focus on negotiating with creditors to reduce overall debt, providing a structured plan to achieve financial freedom. That being said, while ClearOne doesn’t offer debt consolidation loans, it does offer debt settlement services and can help customers save 40% on their debts. You aren’t charged a fee until your debts are settled.
Why we chose ClearOne: We chose to review ClearOne because of its strong track record in successfully reducing clients' debt through effective negotiation. Their personalized approach, combined with a dedicated team of professionals, makes it a standout choice for those struggling with significant debt burdens.ClearOne has teams of Certified Debt Specialists who provide a consultation to understand your specific needs and debts. They then develop a unique solution.
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10. LendingTree - Our Best for Comparing Debt Consolidation Options
| APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5.99%-35.99% | $1,000-$50,000 | Around 600 | 1-12 years | A |
LendingTree is an online marketplace with over 300 lenders that connects borrowers with a wide range of lenders, offering various debt consolidation loan options. With a solid reputation built over 20 years, LendingTree provides access to multiple loan types, including personal loans, balance transfer credit cards, and home equity loans, making it a comprehensive resource for those looking to consolidate debt. With one application, you can see what you prequalify for and compare results.
Why we chose LendingTree: We chose to review LendingTree because of its extensive reach in the loan marketplace and the wealth of information it offers to borrowers. The site's resource center, lender reviews, and calculators are particularly helpful for individuals who may not be fully aware of their debt consolidation options. Additionally, the availability of a chat option to guide users through the initial inquiry stage makes it stand out in the industry.
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Compare the Top Debt Consolidation Loans
APR Range | Loan Amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment Terms | |
| 15% to 25% of debt amount | $1,000-100,000+ | N/A | Varies by creditor | |
| National | N/A | N/A | N/A | Typically 24-48 months |
| JG Wentworth | 7.99%-35.99% | $5,000-25,000 | Not disclosed | 24-60 months |
| Accredited | 4.9% to 35.99% | $1,000-100,000 | Not disclosed | 4-84 months |
| SoFi | 8.99-29.49% | $5,000-100,000 | varies by lender; 670 on average | 2-7 years |
| Upgrade | 8.49%-35.99% | $1,000-50,000 | 600 | 24-84 months |
| Achieve | 8.99%-35.99% | $5,000-50,000 | 620 | 2-5 years |
| LightStream | 8.89%-21.64% | $5,000-100,000 | 660 | 24-240 months |
| ClearOne | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24-60 months |
| LendingTree | 5.99%-35.99% | $1,000-$50,000 | Around 600 | 1-12 years |
What is a Debt Consolidation Loan?
A debt consolidation loan pays off any outstanding unsecured debt, such as credit card balances and personal loans. You consolidate your debt into a single loan with one interest rate and one monthly payment. This approach can streamline the repayment process and often reduces the total interest paid over time.
When is a Debt Consolidation Loan a Good Idea?
When you are struggling to pay multiple debts, each with its own due date and interest rate, taking out a debt consolidation loan can help you reduce what you pay in interest and help you pay off your debts sooner.
Thomas Holgate, Vice President of Auto Refinance at Way.com, says that reducing the interest rates you pay and freeing up some extra cash every month can be a good idea in certain circumstances.
“The most important thing to look at is the total amount of payments to eradicate the debt. Sometimes when you consolidate, it will cost you a lot more over time," Holgate notes. "But If your immediate need is because you can't put food on the table, then you have to balance your goals.”
Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation Loans
The main benefit of debt consolidation loans is that you may be able to get out of debt faster. Also, if you get a loan with a lower interest rate than you are paying for your current debts, you may save on interest. Debt consolidation can also help make debt feel more manageable due to fixed repayment terms and fewer payments each month. When managed well, debt consolidation can also positively impact credit scores.
The drawbacks include that some lenders charge an origination fee or closing costs. And if your credit score is low, you may not qualify for a loan with a lower interest rate than what you’re currently paying. Finally, debt consolidation will not necessarily address any bad habits that got you into financial trouble in the first place.
Debt Consolidation vs. Debt Relief: What's the Difference?
Debt consolidation involves taking out a new loan to pay off old debts and can involve fees and other costs that go toward new loan requirements.
Debt relief isn’t a loan. Instead, the debt relief company negotiates with your creditors to reduce the amount you pay back and to create a settlement plan for you to pay off all debts. While debt relief may offer a faster path to becoming debt-free compared to traditional repayment, keep in mind it can severely impact credit scores.
How Your Credit Score Impacts Loan Rates
Your credit score reflects your total financial history: how much debt you have, whether you pay your monthly bills on time, and whether you pay off credit cards and loans in full. Other factors include your credit mix (credit cards vs. mortgages, for example) and your total credit limits vs. how much of that amount you are using.
When your score is high, it signals to lenders that you are more likely to pay off a loan, so you may qualify for lower interest rates. On the other hand, if your credit score is low, you may be seen as a risky investment, and lenders may charge higher interest rates.
Average APR and Loan Amounts by Credit Score
Curious about what sort of interest rate you qualify for with the credit score you have? Generally speaking, the following chart shows how your credit history and financial habits affect personal loan interest rates:
| Category | Credit score | Avg. Int. Rate |
| Excellent credit | 720-850 | 10.3%-12.5% |
| Good credit | 690-719 | 13.5%-15.5% |
| Fair credit | 630-689 | 17.8%-19.9% |
| Bad credit | 300-629 | 28.5%-32% |
How to Compare Debt Consolidation Loans
When searching for the best debt consolidation loans for bad credit, the time you invest in your research can pay off by helping you find the best rate and terms. Include the following steps:
- Look for an annual percentage rate lower than your existing debts. That way, you can save on the interest you pay.
- Avoid origination fees if you can. Some lenders charge them, while others do not. Generally speaking, the higher your credit score, the better your chance of avoiding an origination fee or having it waived.
- Check that the available loan amounts and terms match your debt. Some loans cap out at a certain amount, which may be less than your total debt. Instead, find a loan that will completely cover all your current debts. Also, look at how much you will pay per month per the debt consolidation loan repayment period.
- Look for special debt consolidation features. Not all debt consolidation lenders operate the same way, so look for features that could be of interest. These can include:
- Payment flexibility to choose your own payment date
- Direct creditor repayment
- Co-borrower allowance
- Fee waivers for vulnerable or deserving groups such as veterans
Do Debt Consolidation Loans Hurt Your Credit?
Taking out any kind of new loan may temporarily cause your credit score to drop — usually around five points or less — and a debt consolidation loan is no different.
However, it's worth keeping in mind the longer-term effect. If the amount you're borrowing will pay off more than one maxed-out credit card, it will ultimately improve your credit since you'll consolidate those into one loan. Keep in mind, of course, that loan payments must be made on time for your credit to remain in good standing.
How to Qualify for a Debt Consolidation Loan
To qualify for a debt consolidation loan, review the requirements to ensure you qualify. If your credit score isn’t adequate to get a good rate, first work on building your credit. To do so, you might open a credit card account, use it to make purchases, and pay your balance in full for several months to increase your score. Or, work to reduce your current debts to boost your score.
You can also consider applying for a joint or co-signed loan with someone who has better credit than you. You can also take out a secured loan. These are easier to qualify for and have good interest rates.
Finally, consider different types of lenders. Some lenders, like banks, may have strict requirements for qualifying for a loan, while online lenders or those that specialize in bad credit loans may have easier criteria.
How to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan with Bad Credit
Even with bad credit, you may qualify for financing. You may need to prove your annual income, which helps lenders determine whether you can repay the loan. Some lenders will look at your debt repayment history to see that you've been responsibly paying back what you owe on time.
Alternatives to Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation loans aren’t for everyone. Here are a few other options to consider.
Credit Card BalanceTransfer
If you have a credit card, see if you’re eligible for a balance transfer offer. Often, credit card companies will offer a promotion with low or no interest for balance transfers for a period of time. This can help you save on interest while paying off your debts. Keep in mind that interest may accrue during the promotional period, so if you don’t pay off the balance in full, you may still be charged interest after the period is over.
Home Equity Loan/Line of Credit
Another option to consider is taking out a home equity line of credit or loan. This gives you access to cash based on the equity you have accrued in your home. You can use these funds to pay off your debts. This option may have a low interest rate and long repayment period, but keep in mind that if you are unable to pay off the loan, you could lose your home.
Credit Counseling
If your debts are overwhelming and you don’t know how to move forward, credit counseling can educate you on smarter financial practices that can help you get out of debt, create a budget, and manage your money smartly.
Debt Repayment Strategies
Having a strategy for how you pay off your debts can speed up the process. One option is the snowball strategy, where you pay off the smallest debts first, then move on to the next. Another is the avalanche strategy, where you pay off the debts with the highest interest rate first.
The Bottom Line: Manage Your Debt Carefully
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the average cardholder had nearly $5,300 in total credit card debt at the end of 2022. And that doesn’t account for other types of debt. With interest rates continually on the rise, paying off multiple debts can become a struggle. What started as a small debt could quickly grow to one that is unmanageable as those interest rates accrue over time.
Fortunately, there are debt consolidation loans available, even for borrowers with bad credit. Take your time to explore options that you qualify for, starting with this list of the best debt consolidation loans for bad credit. And if a loan isn’t the right fit, also consider debt relief or credit counseling to get back on track financially.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is debt consolidation worth it?
If you carry a large amount of debt across different credit cards or loans, debt consolidation may help you lower your monthly payments and interest rates and may help you pay off your debt sooner.
How does debt consolidation affect your credit?
While initially taking out a debt consolidation loan may show up on your credit report as a new inquiry and may cause your score to temporarily drop, you can raise your credit score by paying your bills on time each month and lowering your total debt.
How do I qualify for a debt consolidation loan?
To qualify for a debt consolidation loan, you’ll need to meet certain criteria, such as a credit score of at least 670, an ability to prove income, and show a government-issued ID. You may also need to have a certain debt-to-income ratio or other qualifications. Each lender may have its own criteria to approve loan applications.
What is the best way to consolidate debt?
You can consolidate multiple loans and credit card balances by taking out a debt consolidation loan. You then use the loan to pay off previous balances, leaving you with one single monthly payment and interest rate.
How much does debt consolidation cost?
Each debt consolidation lender may charge loan origination fees and other fees. The interest rate you pay will depend on the lender’s rates as well as your credit score and debt balance.
Can debt consolidation save me money?
By rolling all your debts and interest rates into one loan and paying at least the monthly minimum, if not more, you may save money. Keep in mind that, in order to save money, the interest on your debt consolidation loan should be lower than the highest interest rate you’re currently paying on other loans or credit card debts.
Can debt consolidation help get me out of debt sooner?
Debt consolidation may help you get out of debt sooner. By making one monthly payment rather than multiple payments, and by having a single interest rate instead of many, you may find a faster and simpler path to paying off your debts that leaves room for fewer mistakes like missed payments.
Where can I get a loan?
Many lenders offer debt consolidation loans, including Freedom Debt Relief, SoFi, National Debt Relief, Upgrade, and more. Make sure the lender you work with offers loans in your state.
What's the difference between secured and unsecured loans?
Secured loans, which may be easier to qualify for with a lower credit score, use an asset like property or cash to secure the loan in case you are unable to pay it. An unsecured loan does not use an asset as collateral and may have more strict requirements to qualify for.
How do I choose the best debt consolidation loans?
Compare what different lenders — both traditional banks and online lenders — have to offer. Start with the loans you qualify for based on the amount of debt you want to consolidate and your credit score. Then look at interest rates and see who offers the best debt consolidation loans. Finally, ensure the loan terms fit your budget and financial goals.
Explore more from BestMoney Debt Consolidation Loans:
Su Guillory is a freelance business writer and expat coach. She’s written several business books and has been published on sites including Forbes, Nav, SoFi, and AllBusiness. She writes about business and personal credit, insurance, loans, and credit cards.