How much can I actually save by consolidating? +
It depends on your current balances and rates. Use our savings calculator above to enter your current balance, rate, and monthly payment, we'll show you exactly how much you could save with a consolidation loan at a lower rate. As a rough benchmark: consolidating $15,000 of credit card debt from 24% APR to 12% APR over 48 months saves approximately $4,200 in interest.
Will debt consolidation hurt my credit score? +
In the short term, applying for a consolidation loan may cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score due to the hard inquiry by the lender. However, consolidation often improves your score over time by lowering your credit utilization ratio and establishing a positive payment history on the new loan.
Is debt consolidation the same as debt settlement? +
No, these are very different. Debt consolidation combines your debts into a new loan that you repay in full. Debt settlement involves negotiating to pay less than the full amount owed, which damages your credit and has tax implications. Lendifi.io connects borrowers with consolidation loan lenders, we are not a debt settlement service.
Should I close my credit cards after consolidating? +
Not necessarily. Closing accounts reduces your available credit and can hurt your credit score by increasing your utilization ratio. It's often better to keep the accounts open but stop using them. Talk to a financial advisor if you're unsure what's right for your situation.
How does debt consolidation actually work? +
You take out one new loan (with a lower interest rate) and use the funds to pay off multiple high-interest debts like credit cards. Now you have just one monthly payment at a lower rate, which can save you thousands in interest and help you become debt-free faster.
What types of debt can I consolidate? +
You can consolidate credit card debt, medical bills, payday loans, personal loans, and other unsecured debts. Federal student loans typically should not be consolidated with private loans because you'd lose federal protections like income-driven repayment.
How long does a debt consolidation loan take to pay off? +
Most consolidation loans have terms between 2 and 7 years. Shorter terms have higher monthly payments but cost less in total interest. Longer terms have lower monthly payments but cost more overall. We'll help you find the right balance.