Consolidating debt is often a smart financial move, simplifying multiple payments into one and potentially lowering interest rates. Here, we present a roundup of the best debt consolidation loans for January 2024 to allow you to make informed decisions.
1. Upgrade: Best Overall
Pros:
Multiple rate discounts.
Secured and joint loans.
Mobile app for easy loan management.
Payments are made directly to creditors with debt consolidation loans.
Long repayment terms on home improvement loans.
Cons:
There’s an origination fee.
No option to choose the initial payment date.
2. SoFi: Best for No Fees
Pros:
No fees, including no late fees.
Joint loan option.
Multiple rate discounts.
Hardship program for borrowers in need.
Mobile app for convenient loan management.
Cons:
High minimum loan amount.
No option to choose the initial payment date.
3. Happy Money: Best for Paying Off Credit Card Debt
Pros:
There’s an option that allows you to get pre-qualified with a soft credit check.
Direct payment to creditors.
Fast funding.
No late fee.
Hardship program for borrowers in need.
Cons:
Origination fee.
No rate discount.
No co-sign or joint loan option.
No option to choose the initial payment date.
4. LightStream: Best for Low Rates
Pros:
No fees.
Rate discount for autopay.
Long repayment terms.
Rate Beat program and Experience Guarantee.
Cons:
No option to pre-qualify.
The payments are not directly to the creditors with debt consolidation loans.
High minimum loan amount.
5. Universal Credit: Best for Bad Credit
Pros:
Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.
Fast funding.
Multiple rate discounts.
Free credit score access.
Cons:
Origination fee.
Two repayment term options.
6. Best Egg: Best for Secured Loan Option
Pros:
There’s an option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.
Wide range of loan amounts.
Secured loan options.
Direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans.
No late fees.
Cons:
Origination fee.
No rate discounts.
No option to choose the initial payment date.
No mobile app to manage the loan.
7. Discover: Best for Fast Funding
Pros:
There is no origination fee.
There’s an option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.
Fast funding.
Mobile app for convenient loan management.
Cons:
May charge a late fee.
No co-sign or joint loan option.
No rate discount.
8. Achieve: Best for Rate Discounts
Pros:
Multiple rate discounts.
Payments are directly made to the creditors with debt consolidation loans.
There’s an option to pre-qualify with a soft credit check.
Joint loan option.
Cons:
Charges an origination fee.
No mobile app to manage the loan.
High minimum loan amount.
When contemplating a debt consolidation loan, evaluate its pros and cons in alignment with your financial situation and objectives. Choosing the appropriate option can greatly influence your path towards financial stability. It’s essential to conduct comprehensive research and evaluate your specific requirements before making any financial decisions, perhaps utilizing financial spreadsheet templates for a more organized analysis.