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Best Debt Consolidation Loans Of 2025

Audited & Verified: Jul 6, 2025, 12:17pm
Written By
Staff Writer
Edited By
Staff Editor
& 1 other
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Debt consolidation loans can lower your monthly payments and interest rates. Yet, not all debt consolidation loans are the same, and choosing the wrong one can worsen a debt situation.

Our team of loan experts and data analysts researched and scored loans from 35 popular lenders to bring you the best debt consolidation loan options. The most heavily weighted factor in our scoring methodology was whether lenders offer a direct payment to third-party creditors. We also considered loan costs and terms to whittle down our list from 35 to 10. Read on for our top picks, and learn when taking out a debt consolidation loan may be the right move.

Read More

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editorial team has over 20 years of cumulative experience and relies on research and data-driven methodologies to provide unbiased ratings for emergency loans. We are not influenced by advertisers and provide honest and transparent product evaluations. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the loans methodology below.

  • 35 nationwide lenders researched
  • 19 data points evaluated and scored
  • Lenders re-evaluated every month

Compare the Best Debt Consolidation Loans of 2025

5.0
Via Credible.com’s Website
Minimum Credit Score
650
Apr Range
9.49% to 29.99%
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
4.3
Via MoneyLion’s Website
Minimum Credit Score
720
Apr Range
7.99% to 24.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $50,000 for existing U.S. Bank customers and up to $25,000 for new customers
4.1
Read Our Review
Minimum Credit Score
300
Apr Range
6.60% to 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
4.1
Via MoneyLion’s Website
Minimum Credit Score
Not disclosed
Apr Range
8.99% to 17.99%
Loan Amounts
$600 to $50,000
4.1
Via Credible.com’s Website
Minimum Credit Score
660
Apr Range
6.49% to 25.79%
Loan Amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
4.1
Via Credible.com’s Website
Minimum Credit Score
620
Apr Range
7.99% to 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
3.9
Read Our Review
Minimum Credit Score
Not disclosed
Apr Range
10.24% to 18.51%
Loan Amounts
$2,500 to $100,000
3.9
Via Credible.com’s Website
Minimum Credit Score
640
Apr Range
9.12% to 29.99%*
Loan Amounts
$2,000 to $45,000
3.9
Via Credible.com’s Website
Minimum Credit Score
600
Apr Range
7.90% to 35.99%
Loan Amounts
$1,000 to $40,000
3.9
On Citi’s Website
Minimum Credit Score
740
Apr Range
8.99% to 19.49%**
Loan Amounts
$2,000 to $30,000

Best Debt Consolidation Loans: A Closer Look

BEST DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN FOR CREDIT CARD DEBT

SoFi®

5.0

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

650

APR range

9.49% to 29.99%

Loan amounts

$5,000 to $100,000

Compare Rates Arrow

Via Credible.com’s Website

650

9.49% to 29.99%

$5,000 to $100,000

Editor’s Take

SoFi has risen to prominence as one of the most recognizable online lenders. At SoFi, you can apply for various types of loans, including loans for school, debt consolidation and more.

Why We Like It

SoFi loans feature no origination fees or late fees. Additionally, SoFi loans offer a 0.25% rate discount when using autopay, and SoFi can send loan funds directly to your creditors.

What We Don’t Like

You need a credit score of at least in the mid-600s to qualify. However, SoFi accepts co-applicants, and applying with someone who has good credit could improve your loan terms.

Who It’s Best For

SoFi is a good choice for credit card debt consolidation because it lacks fees and offers large loan amounts that can cover high card balances. Borrowers also receive one complimentary financial planning session, which could be an opportunity to discuss credit card spending with an advisor.

Pros & Cons
  • No origination fees or late fees
  • Rate discounts for using autopay
  • Direct pay to third-party creditors
  • Strong credit may be necessary
  • Rates higher than other lenders

Details

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score: 650
  • Co-applicants: Permitted
  • Direct pays third-party creditors: Yes

BEST DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN FOR LOW INTEREST RATES

U.S. Bank

4.3

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

720

APR range

7.99% to 24.99%

with autopay

Loan amounts

$1,000 to $50,000 for existing U.S. Bank customers and up to $25,000 for new customers

Depends on the area you live in

Compare Rates Arrow

Via MoneyLion’s Website

720

7.99% to 24.99%

with autopay

$1,000 to $50,000 for existing U.S. Bank customers and up to $25,000 for new customers

Depends on the area you live in

Editor’s Take

US Bank is a major bank with 2,000 physical branches across 26 states. It also serves borrowers nationwide through online lending services.

Why We Like It  

US Bank offers loans with no origination fees or late fees, and its interest rate cap (24.99% APR) is lower than that of several other competing lenders on this list.

What We Don’t Like

The average turnaround time for loans is one to four days. In comparison, competing lenders may offer next-day funding or even same-day funding. US Bank also doesn’t provide the option to pay your third-party creditors directly, so you’ll have to get funds and pay creditors yourself.

Who It’s Best For

US Bank is a good no-fee option for borrowers with a credit score above 700 who need to consolidate high-interest debt balances of less than $50,000.

Pros & Cons
  • Low interest rates
  • Prequalification without a hard credit inquiry
  • 0.50% rate discount for using autopay
  • Strong credit necessary
  • Loan funding may take several days

Details

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score: 720
  • Co-signers: Permitted
  • Direct pays third-party creditors: No

BEST DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN FOR LIMITED CREDIT

Upstart

4.1

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

300

APR range

6.60% to 35.99%

Loan amounts

$1,000 to $50,000

Learn More Arrow

Read Our Review

300

6.60% to 35.99%

$1,000 to $50,000

Editor’s Take

Upstart utilizes an underwriting model that considers factors beyond just credit to approve borrowers for loans. According to Upstart, its underwriting approach can approve 43% more applications and provide interest rates that are 33% lower than traditional underwriting models.

Why We Like It

Upstart may accept borrowers for debt consolidation loans who have limited credit or less-than-perfect credit.

What We Don’t Like

Upstart offers only two loan terms: 36 months and 60 months. This limits your ability to personalize your debt payoff schedule.

The origination fee, which can be as high as 12%, is also substantial. If the fee to consolidate debt with Upstart exceeds the interest savings, it may not be a cost-effective option.

Who It’s Best For

Upstart is best suited for borrowers who want to consolidate debt balances but don’t have strong enough credit to qualify for other loan options with lower fees.

Pros & Cons
  • Loans up to $50,000
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Low income requirement
  • High origination fees
  • Limited repayment terms
  • Co-borrowers and co-signers not permitted

Details

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score. 300
  • Minimum annual income. $12,000
  • Co-borrowers/co-signers. Not permitted

Funding Speed

Funding can happen in as little as 24 hours.

*Upstart’s minimum credit score is 300, but prequalification through Credible starts at 620.

BEST DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN FOR SMALL DEBT BALANCES

PenFed

4.1

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

Not disclosed

APR range

8.99% to 17.99%

Loan amounts

$600 to $50,000

Compare Rates Arrow

Via MoneyLion’s Website

Not disclosed

8.99% to 17.99%

$600 to $50,000

Editor’s Take

Founded in 1935, PenFed is a credit union that anyone can join by opening a PenFed savings account and making an initial deposit of $5. Becoming a member unlocks access to loan products, deposit accounts and other banking services.

Why We Like It

PenFed loan amounts start at just $600 with loan terms as short as 12 months, so it’s an option for borrowers who need to consolidate small sums. Additionally, PenFed provides loans with no origination fee and lets you send money to third-party financial institutions via ACH transfer.

What We Don’t Like

PenFed doesn’t offer any discounts for using autopay, and the best interest rates available aren’t as low as those offered by competing lenders.

Who It’s Best For

PenFed loans are ideal for borrowers seeking a small loan with no fees.

Pros & Cons
  • Next-day funding possible
  • Prequalification without a hard credit inquiry
  • Credit union membership is open to anyone with a $5 deposit
  • No discount available for using autopay
  • Does not disclose the minimum credit score

Details

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
  • Co-applicants: Permitted
  • Direct pays third-party creditors: Yes

BEST DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN FOR EXCELLENT CREDIT

LightStream

4.1

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

660

APR range

6.49% to 25.79%

with autopay

Loan amounts

$5,000 to $100,000

Compare Rates Arrow

Via Credible.com’s Website

660

6.49% to 25.79%

with autopay

$5,000 to $100,000

Editor’s Take

LightStream, the online lending division of Truist, offers loan rates as low as 6.49% APR on debt consolidation loans for borrowers with strong credit.

Why We Like It

LightStream has no origination fees and offers an autopay discount of 0.50% points. The lender also provides a rate beat program, which promises to beat competitor rates if you’re approved for a better deal on the same loan terms elsewhere.

What We Don’t Like

LightStream doesn’t offer the option to prequalify for loans without a hard credit check, so you’ll have to complete the full application to shop for rates with the lender.

Who It’s Best For

LightStream loans are best suited for borrowers with very good to excellent credit, which is defined as a FICO Score of 740 or higher. For eligible borrowers, LightStream loans can be an affordable way to consolidate high-interest debt, thanks to low rates and no fees.

Pros & Cons
  • Low interest rates
  • Same-day funding possible
  • 0.50% rate discount for using autopay
  • Good to excellent credit is necessary
  • No option to prequalify without a hard credit check

Details

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score: 660
  • Co-applicants: Permitted
  • Direct pays third-party creditors: No

BEST DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN FOR CREDIT BUILDING

Upgrade

4.1

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

620

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/.

7.99% to 35.99%

Loan amounts

$1,000 to $50,000

Compare Rates Arrow

Via Credible.com’s Website

620

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 is a provider of loans and other financial products, including reward checking accounts and credit monitoring services.

Why We Like It

Upgrade loans offer terms of two to seven years, providing you with multiple years to repay your debt consolidation loan if necessary. When you take out a personal loan with Upgrade, you also get access to credit health insights in your Upgrade account dashboard.

What We Don’t Like

Upgrade has an origination fee of up to 9.99%, which is important to consider before borrowing.

Who It’s Best For

Upgrade loans are ideal for borrowers working on building strong credit history. Credit health monitoring is free and can help you track credit score growth as you pay off debt.

Pros & Cons
  • Fair credit accepted
  • Rate discounts for using autopay and for using loans to pay off existing debt
  • Free credit health monitoring
  • Origination fees
  • Potentially high interest rates

Details

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score: 620
  • Co-applicants: Permitted
  • Direct pays third-party creditors: Yes

BEST DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN FOR MILITARY MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

USAA

3.9

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

Not disclosed

APR range

10.24% to 18.51%

with autopay

Loan amounts

$2,500 to $100,000

Learn More Arrow

Read Our Review

Not disclosed

10.24% to 18.51%

with autopay

$2,500 to $100,000

Editor’s Take

USAA is a bank that serves active-duty service members, veterans, certain government employees and qualifying family members.

Why We Like It

USAA’s lack of origination fees can significantly reduce borrowing costs. USAA also accepts co-applicants, and applying with someone who has strong credit could improve your loan terms.

What We Don’t Like

We couldn’t find an option to prequalify without a hard inquiry, so it’s less convenient to shop for rates with the lender.

Who It’s Best For

USAA is best for existing USAA members, service members and eligible family members. Members may find low rates and fees on loans and other banking products.

Pros & Cons
  • 0.25% rate discount for using autopay
  • Large loans up to $100,000
  • Loan terms up to seven years
  • No option to prequalify without a hard credit check
  • Products are only available to borrowers with ties to the U.S. military and certain federal workers
  • Does not disclose the minimum credit score required

Details

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
  • Co-borrower: Permitted
  • Direct pays third-party creditors: Yes

BEST DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN FOR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Rocket Loans

3.9

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

640

APR range

*For example, a 5-year $16,000 loan with a 14.55% interest rate and a 6.95% ($1,112) origination fee would have 59 scheduled monthly payments of approximately $376.83 and 1 final monthly payment of approximately $399.09 for an APR of 17.90%.

9.12% to 29.99%*

minimum rate includes autopay discount

Loan amounts

$2,000 to $45,000

Learn More Arrow

Via Credible.com’s Website

640

*For example, a 5-year $16,000 loan with a 14.55% interest rate and a 6.95% ($1,112) origination fee would have 59 scheduled monthly payments of approximately $376.83 and 1 final monthly payment of approximately $399.09 for an APR of 17.90%.

9.12% to 29.99%*

minimum rate includes autopay discount

$2,000 to $45,000

Editor’s Take

Rocket Loans, under the Rocket Companies umbrella, offers personal loans that borrowers can use for various personal reasons, including debt consolidation.

Why We Like It

Rocket Loans receives high customer review ratings. What’s more, customer service is available on weekdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to answer loan questions.

What We Don’t Like

Rocket Loans only provides funding up to $45,000, which may not be enough to consolidate high balances. You also can’t apply with a co-applicant, making it a less viable option if you want to pay off joint debt you owe with someone else.

Who It’s Best For

Rocket Loans is best for borrowers with at least fair credit who value a high level of customer experience. The company receives positive customer feedback and has extended office hours on weekdays and weekends.

Pros & Cons
  • High customer feedback scores
  • Same-day loans available
  • Not available in Nevada, Iowa, West Virginia or Maryland
  • Co-applicants not permitted
  • Origination fees

Details

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score: 640
  • Co-applicants: Not permitted
  • Direct pays third-party creditors: Yes

BEST FOR DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN FOR RATE DISCOUNTS

LendingClub

3.9

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

7.90% to 35.99%

Loan amounts

$1,000 to $40,000

Compare Rates Arrow

Via Credible.com’s Website

600

7.90% to 35.99%

$1,000 to $40,000

Editor’s Take

LendingClub is a financial services company with a streamlined debt consolidation process. During the loan application, you specify the account information for the creditors you want to pay off with the loan funds. If approved, LendingClub sends the money directly to your creditors.

Why We Like It

LendingClub provides a discounted APR to customers who use loan funds to pay off existing debt. The minimum credit score requirement is 600.

What We Don’t Like

While borrowers with weak credit may qualify for LendingClub loans, be aware of potential high interest rates and the origination fee, which can reach up to 8%.

Who It’s Best For

LendingClub can be a good option for borrowers with below-average credit because you can apply with a co-applicant to strengthen your application, and rate discounts are available.

Pros & Cons
  • Low credit score requirement
  • Rate discount for using funds to pay off debt
  • Accepts co-applicants
  • Origination fees
  • High potential rates

Details

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score: 600
  • Co-applicants: Permitted
  • Direct pays third-party creditors: Yes

BEST CONSOLIDATION LOAN FROM A BRICK-AND-MORTAR BANK

Citi® Personal Loan

3.9

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

Credit score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a lender may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

740

APR range

8.99% to 19.49%**

Loan amounts

$2,000 to $30,000

Check Rates Arrow

On Citi’s Website

Credit score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a lender may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

740

8.99% to 19.49%**

$2,000 to $30,000

Editor’s Take

Citi is a traditional brick-and-mortar bank that provides a fully digital loan shopping experience with online applications and the option to prequalify without a hard credit check.

Why We Like It

Citi loans have no origination fees, and a 0.50% interest rate reduction discount is available for customers who use autopay.

What We Don’t Like

Citi doesn’t allow co-applicants, so you can’t apply with a spouse or partner. Additionally, existing Citibank deposit or credit card customers who have been with the bank for less than 12 months are not eligible for a loan.

Who It’s Best For

Citi loans are ideal for long-time Citibank customers and individuals who prefer to borrow from a major financial institution.

Pros & Cons
  • Low interest rates
  • No late fees
  • 0.50% rate discount for using autopay
  • Prequalification without a hard credit inquiry
  • Small loans, capping at $30,000
  • Does not disclose the minimum credit score required

Details

Eligibility

  • Minimum credit score: 740
  • Co-applicants: Not permitted
  • Direct pays third-party creditors: No

Details:

  • Apply for a personal loan online for up to $30,000
  • Rates as low a 8.99% APR, which includes a 0.5% discount for enrolling in automatic payments**
  • Zero fees – no origination fees, no late fees, no prepayment penalty, and no hidden fees
  • Up to 60 month repayment terms
  • Fast funding when using direct deposit – same day with an existing Citi account, or within 2 business days with a non-Citi account

Disclosure

Terms, conditions, and fees for accounts, products, programs and services are subject to change at any time.
You must be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age in Puerto Rico). Co-applicants are not permitted. Existing Citi deposit and credit card customers who have been a Citi customer for less than 12 months are not eligible for a Citi® Personal Loan.

If you apply online, you must agree to receive the loan note and all other account disclosures provided with your loan origination in an electronic format and provide your signature electronically.

**Rates as of 06-03-2025. Your APR may be as low as 8.99% or as high as 19.49% for the term of your loan. The lowest rate quoted assumes excellent credit, a loan term of 24 or 36 months , and includes a 0.5% APR discount for enrollment in automatic payments at the time of loan origination. Your APR will depend on a variety of factors including your creditworthiness, term of loan, and existing relationship with Citi. Citi offers personal loans with a period of repayment between 12 and 60-month terms. For example, if you borrow $10,000 for 36 months at 15.99% APR, to repay your loan you will have to make 36 monthly payments of approximately $351.52.

Existing Citigold and Citi Priority customers will receive an additional 0.25% discount to the APR. If you are in default, your APR may increase by 2.00%. Rates subject to change without notice.

To check for offers you may qualify for, Citi conducts a soft credit inquiry. If you are presented with an offer and choose to proceed with the application process, Citi will conduct a hard credit inquiry which may have an impact on your credit score.

Citi® Personal Loan proceeds cannot be used to pay for post-secondary education expenses or for business purposes. Credit cards issued by Citibank, N.A. or its affiliates, as well as Checking Plus and Ready Credit accounts, are not eligible for debt consolidation, and Citibank will not issue payoff checks for these accounts. If you are unsure of the issuer on the account, please visit https://www.citi.com/affiliatesproducts for a list of Citi products and affiliates.

If you are approved for a personal loan with Citi, you can get your funds the same day with a Citi deposit account, or up to 2 business days for a non-Citi account when using direct deposit. Or, you can select to receive a check by mail in approximately 5 business days.

Personal loans are made available by Citibank, N.A., Equal Housing lender

When Is Debt Consolidation the Right Option?

A debt consolidation may be right for you if:

  • You have a consistent income
  • You have good credit or recently improved credit
  • You have high-interest debt owed to multiple creditors
  • You want a fixed debt payment and a preset debt payoff schedule

A debt consolidation loan is a type of installment loan that offers a lump sum you can use to pay off other creditors. This can simplify repayment, lower your rate and help you pay off debt faster.

However, consolidation loans are not a “get out of debt” shortcut, especially for borrowers with bad credit. Generally, a strong credit score (740 or higher) is needed to qualify for the very best personal loans with the lowest interest rates. 

Some lenders offer consolidation loans for borrowers with bad credit, but these loans tend to have higher fees and interest rates, so borrowing costs could actually exceed interest savings. 

Average Debt Consolidation Interest Rates By Credit Score

The table below provides an idea of the interest rates you may qualify for if you use a personal loan to consolidate your debt.

 

How To Qualify for a Debt Consolidation Loan

Pro Tip

When approved for a consolidation loan, make sure that the old credit balance is fully paid off with funds from your loan before you stop making payments. Paying late on your old credit accounts before the balance is paid off can result in late fees and a credit score hit.

Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation

The advantages of debt consolidation loans include the convenience of combining multiple payments and the potential for savings by securing a lower interest rate and monthly payment.

The downside to debt consolidation is that not everyone will qualify for an interest rate that makes it financially beneficial. Furthermore, using a loan to pay off balances on credit cards can free up more available credit on your cards, potentially leading to increased spending. 

When you consolidate credit card balances, it’s important to change spending habits to avoid getting deeper into debt.

Alternative Debt Payoff Strategies

Before choosing a debt consolidation loan to manage your debt, consider the following alternatives.

  • Try a credit card balance transfer. Some credit cards offer low-interest or 0% interest deals to borrowers for a specified period, typically 12 to 18 months. Opening a new card and paying off your balance during this period is essentially a free debt consolidation.
  • Enroll in a debt management plan (DMP). For a small fee, DMPs through credit counseling agencies offer a money plan that includes a debt repayment strategy. For the plan, counselors may negotiate a reduction of your interest rates and fees.
  • Negotiate a payment agreement. In some cases, creditors may agree to a pause in payments or a temporary reduction in interest to help you pay off a balance. Consider contacting your creditors to explore the available options.
  • Consider a debt settlement. A creditor may be open to settling your debt for a lesser amount than what you owe if you’re delinquent on the debt. Be sure to speak with a financial professional before settling debt to understand the implications, since this can impact your credit.

Methodology

We reviewed 35 popular lenders 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. 32%
  • Loan details. 20%
  • Eligibility and accessibility. 21%
  • Customer experience. 16%
  • Application process. 11%
  • Debt consolidation tools. 15%

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 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.

To learn more about how Forbes Advisor rates lenders, and our editorial process, check out our Loans Rating & Review Methodology.

Find the Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Of 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do consolidation loans hurt your credit score?

A debt consolidation loan could temporarily reduce your credit score due to the hard credit inquiry involved at application.

However, it could also be beneficial for your credit if paying off revolving debt (e.g., credit cards) reduces your credit utilization, since it’s a key factor in determining your credit score.

How can I pay off $60,000 in debt in two years?

A debt consolidation loan is one way to pay off $60,000 in two years. To illustrate, with a 10% APR, payments for a two-year loan would be $2,768.70 per month, totaling $6,448.69 in interest. However, consider consulting with a financial advisor or debt counselor to receive guidance on managing your unique debt situation.

Is there a downside to consolidating loans?

A consolidation loan only puts a Band-Aid on a debt problem unless you change your spending habits. Also, a consolidation loan might not always lower your interest rate or monthly payment, depending on the loan terms and the lender’s credit requirements.

Next Up In Personal Loans

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Taylor Medine
Staff Writer

Taylor Medine is a staff writer at Forbes Advisor who demystifies complex money topics to help everyday people make more informed financial decisions. Over her nearly a decade of experience, Taylor's work has been published on Bankrate, Experian, Credit Karma, MarketWatch, The Balance and more.

Angelica Leicht
Staff Editor

Angelica Leicht is a seasoned personal finance writer and editor with nearly two decades of experience but just one goal: to help readers make the best decisions for their wallets. Her expertise spans a wide range of financial topics, from the tools you need for retirement planning to navigating the ever-changing interest rate landscape, and has been featured in CBS News, Bankrate, The Motley Fool and more. When she's not editing, you can find her hanging out with her French bulldog or binging true crime podcasts.

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