Where Can I Secure a Debt Consolidation Loan for Bad Credit?
A debt consolidation loan is an excellent way to get out of debt faster and streamline your debt obligations. The approach is only suitable for some, and those individuals with bad credit may face challenges qualifying for such loans. You can secure a debt consolidation loan from the following lenders.
Online Lenders
Online lenders, including Symple Lending, provide fast funding and are more convenient for individuals with bad credit scores. Most online lenders charge higher rates and origination fees to cater to the costs associated with loan processing. The fee is deducted from the loan proceeds, and clients may have to request a significant loan to secure the total amount they require. Some online lenders evaluate alternative data like work history and college major on your application, which boosts your approval odds, allowing you to secure a low rate.
Credit Unions
Credit unions offer lower rates and flexible terms than online lenders. Some credit unions don’t allow customers to pre-qualify for a loan, and applying for a loan requires an extensive credit check, which may lower your overall credit score, making it harder to shop around for a loan. According to experts at Symple Lending, individuals who wish to apply for a loan must be members of a credit union, which means working or living nearby and paying a membership fee. You can start with local credit unions, although national credit unions also provide excellent debt consolidation loans.
Payday Lenders
Payday lenders are the last resort for individuals who require a loan to cater to emergencies despite their bad credit scores. These lenders provide clients with short-term loans with exceedingly high-interest rates amounting to 399% APR. Compare that to the 10%-18% you pay when servicing a debt consolidation loan and the 25%-30% paid on credit cards. The high-interest rates may result in individuals owing far more than they borrow, which ends up hurting their credit score if they fail to clear their balance on time.
Low Minimum Score Lenders
Some lenders offer debt consolidation loans to clients with low minimum credit scores. A score below 640 disqualifies the majority from commercial bank loans, but some online lenders approve borrowers with scores below 600. Lending is usually about risk; lenders demand more interest if you seem like a more significant risk. The interest you secure with a score below 600 may differ from that you pay on your credit cards.
How Can I Manage a Debt Consolidation Loan?
Individuals who can consolidate their debts with debt relief programs or loans can improve their overall credit score and eliminate their debt within five years. There are numerous steps you can take to improve your chances of success:
- Track your progress: Individuals in debt-relief programs and those with a bank loan should contact their banks to verify where they stand.
- Make on-time payments: Pay the maximum your budget allows and the minimum on every credit card. The approach alone helps improve your credit score in the long run.
- Have a budget: The most straightforward way of improving your financial situation is by creating an affordable and honest budget. Assess your monthly budget to identify those expenses you can cut or a single income source you can add.
Securing a debt consolidation loan requires a co-signer and a strong credit score. You can get a debt consolidation loan from online lenders and credit unions. Some lenders consider multiple factors, such as income, education, and job history, before giving you the loan.
