Category: Real Estate

You might feel like you’re ready to buy a home, but in addition to hunting for the perfect property, you’ll likely need to shop for the right mortgage loan before you commit to that purchase.

Knowing how to shop for a mortgage and compare offers can help you find the home loan that fits your situation and potentially save you thousands of dollars.

Here are some important things to consider when you’re shopping for a mortgage:

Consider mortgage typesCheck your credit scoreReview your credit reportExplore different financing optionsShop around for best ratesGet pre-approved

1. Consider mortgage types

A mortgage loan allows you to borrow the funds needed to buy a home. Understanding the features and requirements of each major mortgage program can help you figure out which one is right for your situation.

Most mortgages require a minimum down payment, usually around 3% to 5% of the sale price, and a minimum credit score.

If you’re looking for a great mortgage rate, Credible’s streamlined process can help. We make comparing multiple mortgage lenders easy. In just a few minutes, you can see prequalified rates all without leaving our platform.

Credible makes getting a mortgage easy

Instant streamlined pre-approval: It only takes 3 minutes to see if you qualify for an instant streamlined pre-approval letter, without affecting your credit.We keep your data private: Compare rates from multiple lenders without your data being sold or getting spammed.A modern approach to mortgages: Complete your mortgage online with bank integrations and automatic updates. Talk to a loan officer only if you want to.Find Rates Now

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Conventional loan

Conventional loans are mortgages offered by private banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders but aren’t backed by government institutions. Instead, conventional loans are typically backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two agencies that purchase mortgages and set borrower qualification requirements.

To get a conventional loan, you usually must pay at least 3% to 5% of the home’s purchase price as a down payment. You’ll also need a credit score of around 620 or higher, and the loan amount must follow conforming loan limits.

FHA loan

An FHA loan is a mortgage that’s funded by a bank, credit union, or other mortgage lender but insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

The government guarantee allows mortgage lenders more flexibility here, so you might qualify with a credit score of 580 if you can put down at least 3.5%. With a credit score in the 500 to 579 range, you’d need a down payment of 10% or more.

VA loan

VA loans are funded by private lending institutions and backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These mortgages are available to eligible members of the armed forces, veterans, and surviving spouses.

If you qualify, you could get approved for a mortgage with a 0% down payment and no mortgage insurance, though you’ll typically need to pay a funding fee. The VA doesn’t set minimum credit score requirements, but your lender may have its own limit.

USDA loan

USDA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These loans are designed for low-income borrowers who plan to purchase a home in a USDA-designated rural area.

You won’t have to make a down payment on a USDA loan, but you’ll be responsible for paying an upfront fee and an annual fee.

Keep Reading: What Is a Mortgage? Everything to Know About Home Loans

2. Check your credit score

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders typically pull your credit scores from all three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Your credit scores help lenders predict how likely you are to repay a loan. As such, it factors into whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage and the loan terms you’ll receive.

All three of your credit scores may differ, so the lender will order the scores from lowest to highest and use the middle score to determine loan qualification. So, for example, if your scores are 620, 630, and 640, the lender may use 630 to make a lending decision.

A higher credit score — usually in the mid-700s and above — can help you get a good mortgage rate and potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. It may also help you qualify for more mortgage programs and a lower down payment requirement.

Tip: If your credit needs work, you may want to pause your mortgage search for a few months and focus on improving your credit score.

3. Review your credit report

Lenders will also review your credit reports, which are documents that capture the details of your credit history. Many consumers have a credit report with each of the three major credit bureaus.

Your credit report includes a list of credit accounts opened in your name, such as credit cards and student loans, plus the following:

Payment historyMonthly minimum paymentBalance informationWhether the account is in good standing

Lenders use the information in your credit report to:

Find your monthly financial obligations, which impacts your debt-to-income ratioLook for signs of loan delinquency, such as missed paymentsCheck for red flags, such as bankruptcy or foreclosure

Tip: Credit scoring companies, such as FICO and VantageScore, use the information in your credit reports to calculate your credit scores. Unfortunately, mistakes on credit reports are common — and these errors may affect your credit score and your ability to qualify for a mortgage.

So, before applying for a mortgage, check your credit reports and dispute any mistakes. You can pull your credit reports for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

4. Explore different financing options

A mortgage lender — such as a bank or credit union — is the company that funds your home loan. Each lender offers different loan programs and sets different borrower requirements. It’s important that you get quotes from several types of mortgage lenders to find one that offers the best loan program for you.

Banks

Banks are for-profit financial institutions that typically offer a number of different products such as mortgages, credit cards, checking and savings accounts, and more. Many large banks have branches nationwide or throughout a specific region where you can get in-person support, and they also might offer a wider selection of mortgage products.

One downside to banks is that they tend to charge slightly higher interest rates on home loans compared to credit unions, according to a side-by-side comparison by the National Credit Union Administration.

Credit unions

Credit unions are nonprofit organizations that offer banking services to their members. In addition to offering lower interest rates on mortgages and other financial products, credit unions have historically earned the highest customer satisfaction ratings.

However, you’ll need to join a credit union to get a mortgage. Some credit unions are open to anyone, but others may require you to work in a certain industry or live in a certain area.

Other mortgage lenders

You might also find a home loan with another type of lender. For instance, online lenders, such as Rocket Mortgage, offer an end-to-end digital process. You may be able to get pre-approved, upload loan documents, and close on the loan all online. By saving money on overhead costs, online lenders may also be able to offer lower rates or special discounts.

5. Shop around for best rates

Getting rate quotes from multiple lenders and comparing offers is one of the easiest ways to save money on your mortgage. That’s because the interest rate is one of the key components of the mortgage’s total cost, and rates can vary considerably with each lender. Despite this, about half of homebuyers skip shopping for the best rate.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, borrowers could save $300 a year on average by shopping for more than one rate quote. You might save even more, depending on what you qualify for.

Example: Let’s say you get rate quotes from two different lenders on a $200,000 home loan, and you compare the monthly principal and interest payments on each. With a 3% interest rate, you save $44 per month compared to the same loan with a 3.5% rate. That might not sound like much, but it adds up to $528 in savings per year or $15,840 over a 30-year term.

Get Started: Find Your Mortgage Rate Today

6. Get pre-approved

A pre-approval is a letter from a mortgage lender that shows how much you’re qualified to borrow. This can help you set a homebuying budget and strengthen your purchase offer when you find a home you want to buy.

To start the process, you can contact a lender and ask for a pre-approval. They’ll pull your credit, look over your financial documents, and gauge how much money you have for a down payment. If you fit qualification requirements, the lender will hand you a mortgage pre-approval letter.

Getting pre-approved with Credible: With Credible, you can generate a streamlined pre-approval letter based on your unique situation. It only takes a couple of minutes to see loan details from all of our partner lenders. We also provide transparency into lender fees that other brokers typically don’t.

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Building a home gives you an opportunity to have everything you could possibly want in a home — within your budget, of course. You don’t have to be rich to make it happen, you just have to qualify for a construction loan.

Construction loans are different from traditional mortgages. For one, a traditional mortgage is a long-term loan that helps you pay for an existing home, whereas a construction loan is a short-term loan that pays for the building of a new home and can convert into a traditional mortgage once the building process is completed.

Here’s what you need to know about the different types of construction loans and how they work:

What is a construction loan?What does a construction loan cover?How do construction loans work?Construction loan ratesConstruction loan typesHow to get a construction loanIs it hard to get a construction loan?How to choose a construction loan lender

What is a construction loan?

A construction loan allows you to borrow money to build or renovate a home.

When you buy a move-in ready home, the mortgage only needs to cover the purchase price and sometimes the closing costs.

When you build a home (or buy a home you want to overhaul), there are more steps involved: buying land, paying contractors, passing inspections. This more complicated process warrants a different type of loan.

Learn More: How Much It Costs to Renovate a House

What does a construction loan cover?

Construction loans pay for costs like:

LandArchitectural plansDesign feesBuilding permitsConstruction materialsContractor laborContingency reserves (in case your project goes over budget)Interest reserves (to cover your interest expenses during construction)Closing costsLong-term financing once construction is complete

How do construction loans work?

A construction loan is designed to pay for work in stages. This arrangement, called a “draw schedule,” reduces the risk to both the borrower and the lender that the builder will get a huge sum up front and fail to complete the work.

It also reduces the risk of shoddy work, as the lender will require inspections after each phase of building before releasing more funds. In fact, construction lenders require borrowers to work with experienced builders that do a high volume of work and that are financially sound, licensed, and insured.

While you won’t find construction loans at Credible, we can help you secure a competitive rate on your next conventional mortgage. In just a few minutes, you can compare loan options from all of our partner lenders — it’s easy and free.

Credible makes getting a mortgage easy

Instant streamlined pre-approval: It only takes 3 minutes to see if you qualify for an instant streamlined pre-approval letter, without affecting your credit.We keep your data private: Compare rates from multiple lenders without your data being sold or getting spammed.A modern approach to mortgages: Complete your mortgage online with bank integrations and automatic updates. Talk to a loan officer only if you want to.Find Rates Now

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Construction loan rates

Construction loan interest rates vary by lender, but can be similar to existing home loan rates or a few percentage points higher. Having a strong borrower profile (such as an excellent credit score and debt-to-income ratio) and working with a lender that specializes in construction loans will help you qualify for the best possible rate.

Construction loans can have either a fixed or variable interest rate during the construction phase. If you choose a construction loan with a variable interest rate, it’s important to understand the range within which your interest rate can fall and when you’ll be able to lock the rate on your permanent (post-construction) mortgage. That said, permanent loans can have adjustable rates, too.

If you don’t want that uncertainty, seek out a construction-to-permanent loan with a fixed rate so that the rate stays the same during the construction phase and permanent phase.

Learn More: How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in 2021?

Construction loan types

There are several types of construction loans. Learn which type might be right for you.

Renovation loan

A renovation loan is a type of construction loan that helps you buy an existing home and pay for any major structural and aesthetic changes. Examples of renovation loans include the FHA 203(k) loan and the Fannie Mae HomeStyle loan.

The key difference between a renovation loan and a regular purchase loan is that it gives you money to buy the home as well as to fix it up. This may mean borrowing more money than the home is currently worth.

Good to know: Real estate investors will often use a renovation loan to buy a fixer-upper. The idea is to bring the home’s value up through renovations, ideally to a higher value than the amount borrowed for instant equity.

Construction-to-permanent loan

Similar to a renovation loan, a construction-to-permanent loan combines what would normally be two loans. It gives you both money to build the home and the long-term financing to pay for the home over time.

Instead, you’ll have one loan with one closing, one appraisal, and one set of closing costs. Plus, you’ll only have to qualify once. If your financial situation changes while your home is being built, you’ll still be able to move in.

Good to know: You’ll make interest-only loan payments during construction (or borrow extra to cover this expense) and principal and interest payments after construction.

A construction-to-permanent loan will also allow you to finance the purchase of the land if you don’t already own it. Or, if you have an existing lot loan, you can use a construction-to-permanent loan to pay it off.

FHA construction loan

Borrowers with smaller down payments and lower credit scores may want to consider an FHA construction loan. These loans require a borrower contribution of just 3.5%. You can use your land equity toward your down payment if you’ve already purchased the land you’ll be constructing your home on.

The FHA’s construction loan has a single closing (meaning it’s a construction-to-permanent loan) and doesn’t require you to make any payments during the construction process. The interest rate may be fixed or variable during construction.

The FHA also allows you to be the homebuilder if you’re a licensed general contractor. The minimum credit score to qualify tends to be 620 or 640, depending on the lender.

Important: FHA loans come with additional fees, including upfront mortgage insurance and monthly mortgage insurance premiums.

VA construction loan

Qualifying military service members with VA loan eligibility may want to consider a VA construction loan to build a home. These loans allow up to 100% financing that covers both the land and home construction.

The VA guarantees two types of construction loans:

One-time close loan (construction-to-permanent)Two-time close loan (a construction loan followed by a separate permanent loan)

As its name suggests, a two-time close loan involves two separate closings and, in turn, requires you to pay two sets of closing fees.

When you get a VA construction loan, you won’t make any payments during the construction phase. Instead, your loan term will be shortened by the length of the construction period. If it takes a year to build your home, you’ll pay it off over 29 years instead of 30.

Good to know: You must use a registered VA builder. Lenders are allowed to charge a construction fee of up to 2% of the loan amount plus a 1% origination fee.

The VA requires the builder to cover a number of fees that borrowers might pay on other construction loans, such as loan interest during construction, inspection fees, and hazard insurance premiums. Like other VA loans, the veteran must pay a VA funding fee.

Owner-builder construction loan

If you’re a professional builder and want to construct your own home, you can get an owner-builder loan by proving that you’re experienced, licensed, insured, and have a financially sound business. You’ll also need to meet the standard personal financial requirements.

This type of loan may be attractive if you want the cost savings, control, and personal satisfaction of building your home yourself.

Tip: The VA doesn’t guarantee this type of construction loan, but the FHA does. You can also get an owner-builder construction loan from a private lender.

One-time close construction loan

A one-time close construction loan (also called a single-close construction loan or construction-to-permanent loan, as discussed above) is any construction loan where a single loan covers your entire project. For example, a VA construction loan can also be a one-time close construction loan.

Over the months it takes to build your home, your financial situation and interest rates may change. These changes can affect loan costs and your ability to qualify for a permanent loan. In addition, each loan requires its own down payment, underwriting, and closing costs.

Tip: A single-closing loan can save you a lot of time, money, and uncertainty. Without this type of loan, you might need three loans: one loan to finance the lot, a second loan to build the home, and a third loan to pay off the first two loans plus the home itself.

Learn More: Buying New Construction: Pros, Cons, Step-by-Step Guide

How to get a construction loan

Like with any home loan, you’ll need to meet a certain set of requirements to obtain a construction loan. Requirements vary by lender and by the type of construction loan you’re applying for.

Construction loan requirements

In general, here are the criteria you’ll want to meet to qualify for a construction loan:

Credit score: You’ll want to have a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for an FHA or VA construction loan. For a Fannie Mae single-close loan, the minimum credit score is 700.Down payment: For a conventional construction loan, you may need a down payment of as little as 5%. Sometimes you’ll need 10% to 20% of the sales price (land plus construction costs) or equity from your land value. An FHA construction loan requires a down payment of 3.5%, while a VA construction loan doesn’t have any down payment requirement.Debt-to-income ratio: Your DTI should be 43% or lower. A higher ratio may be allowed if you otherwise have strong finances.Repayment plan: Construction loans usually require no payments or interest-only payments during the construction phase. You’ll make fully amortizing principal and interest payments once construction is complete.

Steps to get a construction loan

Here’s how to get a construction loan:

Get pre-approved with a construction loan lender.Sign a contract with a builder. Make sure it has a loan contingency so you can exit the contract if you can’t finalize your construction loan.Submit your builder contract and the usual underwriting documents to your lender for approval. If you already own the land you will be building on, submit a copy of the deed, survey, and, if you bought the land recently, the settlement statement.Get a “subject to completion” appraisal for your proposed home.Get final approval and close on your construction loan.

After closing, construction can begin. Your lender will pay your builder through a series of disbursements and will inspect each phase of work.

Once construction is complete, your construction loan will be modified to a permanent loan or you’ll obtain permanent financing.

Is it hard to get a construction loan?

It shouldn’t be hard to qualify for a construction loan if you’re working with a reputable builder and you have a strong financial profile.

However, there are more steps in the qualification process, so it can be more involved and take longer than qualifying for a traditional mortgage.

How to choose a construction loan lender

The first thing you should look for when choosing a construction lender is expertise with construction loans. A lender that processes a high volume of construction loans and understands their intricacies will be easier to work with.

Chances are you have never built a home before, so you’ll want to choose a lender who can help you manage the construction process most effectively. A lender who has gone through the homebuilding experience numerous times will have a strong sense of how the process is supposed to work, what can go wrong and how to avoid problems. They can help you make sure your build gets done correctly.

The post Construction Loans: What They Are and How They Work appeared first on Credible.

If you’re a senior, you may have thought about taking advantage of record-low interest rates and refinancing your mortgage to save money or access your equity. However, you might also be wondering whether you can qualify for a refinance with your retirement income.

Read on to learn more about refinance programs for seniors, along with home loan refinancing options available to you during retirement:

How to refinance for seniorsRefinance program options for seniorsShould a senior refinance their mortgage?

How to refinance for seniors

The steps to refinance as a senior are essentially the same as the steps to refinance as a younger adult. One of the main differences is that you might be submitting Social Security statements instead of W-2s, and your assets could play a bigger role than your income in qualification.

Here’s how the refinancing process generally works:

Establish your goals for refinancing Ask yourself if you want a lower interest rate, a longer or shorter loan term, a pile of cash, or all of these.Check your credit. Figure out if your credit score is high enough to qualify for a conventional refinance or if you might want to consider an FHA refinance.Gather your most recent statements. Get statements from Social Security, your pension, your retirement accounts, and any other documentation of your income and assets.Shop around. Request quotes from several mortgage lenders to learn about your refinancing options.Choose the right loan. Find a loan that offers the best value and meets your needs.Apply for the loan and begin the underwriting process Promptly supply any additional documentation your lender requests, such as signed tax returns and proof of homeowners insurance.Close. Close on your refinance and enjoy your improved financial situation.

Refinance program options for seniors

Employment income is not a requirement to get a mortgage, and lenders aren’t allowed to discriminate based on an applicant’s age (you just have to be old enough to legally agree to a contract). So, you can still qualify for a mortgage if you’re over the age of 60 or retired.

Along with Social Security income, lenders will count distributions from retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and Roth IRAs, as long as their calculations show that this income will be available for at least three years after closing.

Important: Government refinance programs for seniors aren’t really a thing. While many mortgages are guaranteed or supported in some way by federal taxpayers, these mortgages are open to all adult homeowners who qualify financially. State housing finance agencies sometimes have programs to help struggling senior homeowners, however.

Rate and term refinance

A rate and term refinance, also known as a traditional refinance, is a type of mortgage refinancing that meets Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac’s requirements. It can be the most cost-effective way for seniors in good financial standing to refinance their home loan.

A conventional rate and term refinance can give you a lower interest rate, shorter term, or both. If you have at least 20% equity, you won’t have to pay for private mortgage insurance, and these loans don’t have the additional costs that FHA and VA loans do.

Cash-out refinance

Seniors who want to do a cash-out refinance have many options, including a conventional loan, HomeReady cash-out refinance, FHA cash-out refinance, and VA cash-out refinance. This mortgage type will be most helpful if you can get a lower rate on your existing mortgage in the process. If not, a second mortgage might be a less expensive option.

Increasing how much you owe on your home during retirement goes against the conventional wisdom of paying off your mortgage before retirement. Still, it’s always worth checking to see if the usual advice makes sense in your situation.

When mortgage rates are low and you have enough cash flow from retirement accounts, Social Security, and other assets to make monthly mortgage payments, a cash-out refinance can be a good option to explore. It can help you unlock some of the equity in your home and allow you to enjoy your retirement more. Credible makes it easy to compare refinancing options.

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Fannie Mae HomeReady refinance

This loan may be a good fit for seniors because it’s designed for low-income borrowers. In 2021, the average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers is $1,555, and it’s the sole source of income for many retirees.

Low-income borrowers whose existing mortgage is owned by Fannie Mae may be eligible for a HomeReady refinance. This loan merely requires that you have a credit score — no minimum score applies. The income limit to qualify is 80% of the area median. You only need to have 3% equity (97% LTV).

Fannie Mae RefiNow

This refinance program can help lower-income borrowers who have a Fannie Mae mortgage. You may be eligible if your income doesn’t exceed specified limits for your area, you haven’t missed more than one payment in the last 12 months (and no missed payments in the last six months), and you have a credit score of 620 or higher.

With this loan, you can finance your closing costs as long as your new monthly payment will be lower and your interest rate will be at least 0.5% lower. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) can be as high as 65% and Fannie Mae will cover the appraisal fee.

Good to know: Most loans don’t allow a DTI higher than 50%. A generous DTI limit can help seniors whose retirement income is lower than their working income.

Freddie Mac Enhanced Relief Refinance

If your home loan is owned by Freddie Mac but your loan-to-value ratio is too high to qualify for a standard refinance — perhaps your mortgage is underwater — you may want to consider this program.

A high LTV ratio typically results in a higher rate, but the goal of this program is to make homeowners’ payments more affordable with a lower rate, shorter term, or fixed rate instead of an adjustable rate. A mortgage that can help you stretch your limited resources in retirement is worth a look.

Renovation refinance

Just because you’re a senior doesn’t mean you stop wanting to improve your home. In fact, renovations can be extra important to seniors who want to stay in their homes indefinitely. Certain improvements can make homes safer and more accessible as strength and mobility decline, and everyone needs a watertight roof over their head.

Renovation loans, like the Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation and Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation, can help senior homeowners replace their old mortgage with a new mortgage while also financing home improvements.

Tip: Renovation mortgages require you to jump through extra hoops to complete renovations, like submitting copies of purchase contracts and specifications to your lender and getting lender approval for change orders. You might prefer a more straightforward option to pay for your home improvements, such as a cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit.

FHA streamline refinance

Seniors who already have an FHA loan may want to consider an FHA streamline refinance. This loan doesn’t require an appraisal or credit check, which saves you money and allows you to refinance even if your home’s value has decreased or your credit has gotten worse.

An FHA streamline refinance is meant to provide a lower interest rate when refinancing from one fixed-rate mortgage to another, or payment stability when refinancing from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage. Stability and saving money are valuable benefits for seniors who need their retirement income and savings to go as far as possible.

Tip: Because of the expensive mortgage insurance required with FHA loans, seniors who qualify may be better off with a conventional loan. It’s also not the right choice if you need to cash out some of your equity.

VA IRRRL

Qualifying military service members with a VA loan may want to consider refinancing into a VA interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL). Similar to an FHA streamline refinance, a VA IRRRL may be appealing if your income or home value has decreased. A drawback to this loan is the VA funding fee you’ll have to pay, which equates to 0.5% of the loan amount.

Learn More: VA Refinance: 3 Ways to Refinance a VA Loan

Should a senior refinance their mortgage?

Seniors who want to be debt free in retirement may not want to refinance into a longer loan term. However, you might be surprised to find that lenders offer terms other than 15- or 30-year mortgages. If you currently have eight years left on your mortgage and you don’t want to restart the clock on a 15-year loan, ask about refinancing into a five-, eight-, or 10-year loan.

Being debt-free isn’t an important (or realistic) goal for many seniors, though. If this describes your situation, you may want to refinance to take advantage of the equity in your home. As long as you can afford the monthly payments on your new loan, refinancing can allow you to access more equity at a lower cost than a reverse mortgage would.

Tip: Like all homeowners, as a senior, you’ll want to consider the breakeven period before refinancing. For instance, if you might move before recouping your closing costs, you may want to skip it.

There are a few other things you’ll want to consider before refinancing your mortgage as a senior. Think about whether you might end up downsizing, moving in with a relative, or relocating to a senior living community as you age. And, if you’re married, also think about whether you or your spouse might want to move out upon the other’s passing.

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If you miss a payment on a federal student loan, your loan will be considered delinquent. After missing payments for a certain amount of time (270 days for most federal loans), your loan will enter default.

While getting back on track after ending up in default might feel impossible, the good news is that there are a few ways to recover — including rehabilitation and consolidation. Refinancing your loans could also be an option in some cases.

If you’re considering student loan rehabilitation vs. consolidation, here’s what you should know:

Rehabilitation vs. consolidation: What’s the difference?Student loan rehabilitationStudent loan consolidationStudent loan refinancing with a cosignerConsequences of ignoring student loan defaultRecovering from student loan default: How is my credit affected?

Rehabilitation vs. consolidation: What’s the difference?

Student loan rehabilitation and consolidation are the two of the most common ways to recover from federal student loan default. Which one is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances and financial goals.

Keep in mind: You also have the option to pay off your loans in full to get out of default. However, this is unrealistic for most borrowers struggling with defaulted loans.

Here’s how rehabilitation and consolidation work:

Rehabilitation: With this option, you’ll need to make on-time payments for nine to 10 consecutive months, depending on the type of loans you have. If you successfully complete the terms of your rehabilitation agreement, the default status will be removed from your loan as well as your credit report.Consolidation: You could also choose to consolidate your federal loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan, which could extend your repayment term up to 30 years. Keep in mind that before you can consolidate, you’ll have to agree to either repay the loan under an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan or make three consecutive, on-time, full payments first. Also note, that while this will remove the default status from your loan, it will remain on your credit report.RehabilitationConsolidationHow it worksRemoves default status from existing loansCombines old loans into new Direct Consolidation LoanProcessDirect or FFEL Loans:
Must agree to make 9 voluntary, reasonable, and affordable payments over the span of 10 consecutive monthsPayments will typically be 15% of your annual discretionary income divided by 12 (lender might calculate lower payment if you can’t afford this)

Perkins Loans:
Must make full monthly payments within 20 days of your due date for 9 consecutive monthsMust agree to:
Repay consolidated loan on an IDR plan; ORMake 3 consecutive, on-time, full monthly payments before consolidatingHow long to complete9 to 10 months
(depending on loan type)30 to 45 days
(might take longer if you decide to make 3 payments before consolidating)Can use for multiple loans?No, must be done separately for each loanYes, can consolidate multiple loans at onceAllowed if wages are being garnished?Yes, but wages might continue to be garnished during the rehab processNo, you can’t consolidate unless the order is lifted or judgment is vacatedImpact on credit reportIf you successfully make the required payments:
Default status will be removed from loan and from credit reportLate payments could stay on your credit reports for up to 7 yearsAfter consolidation:
Default status will be removed from loan but not from credit reportLate payments could stay on your credit reports for up to 7 yearsCan do more than once?No, can only be done once for each loan No, can consolidate to get out of default only onceProsMight lower your paymentsWill restore eligibility for other federal benefits, such as access to IDR plans and student loan forgiveness programsHaving default removed from credit report could help your credit scoreFaster process than rehabilitationCan consolidate multiple loansCan extend your repayment term up to 30 years, which could lower your paymentsConsLonger process than consolidationIf you want to rehabilitate multiple loans, must enter separate agreements for each of themWon’t stop wages being garnishedDoesn’t remove default status from credit reportAny interest or collection costs from your old loans will be added to your new loan balanceCan’t consolidate if wages are being garnished

Student loan rehabilitation

Best for: Borrowers who want to start rebuilding their credit

To rehabilitate defaulted federal loans, you’ll have to make consecutive, on-time payments for nine to 10 months, depending on the kind of loans you have.

If you successfully complete rehabilitation, the default status will be removed from both your loans and your credit report — this could make rehabilitation a good choice if you want to begin rebuilding your credit.

Keep in mind, though, that any late payments could stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

Tip: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, payments and interest accrual on federal student loans have been paused by the CARES Act through Jan. 31, 2022.

If you decide to enter a rehabilitation agreement during this administrative forbearance period, your suspended monthly payments will qualify as on-time payments — meaning you could get credit for rehabilitation without actually paying anything.

However, if you haven’t made each of the required rehabilitation payments before the forbearance ends, you’ll still need to make the remaining payments.

Learn More: Federal Student Loans and COVID-19: What You Need to Know

Pros of rehabilitation

Default status removed from credit report: After making each of the required payments, the default will be cleared from your loans and from your credit report.Might lower your payments: If you have Direct Loans or loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, your rehabilitation payments will generally be limited to 15% of your discretionary income. If you can’t afford this, your servicer might calculate a lower alternative after you provide documentation of your income and expenses. If you have Perkins Loans, your payments will stay the same.Restores eligibility for other federal benefits: Having defaulted loans makes you ineligible for federal protections, such as access to IDR plans and student loan forgiveness programs. But if you rehabilitate your loans, you’ll regain these benefits.

Cons of rehabilitation

Long process: You’ll have to make consecutive, on-time payments for nine or 10 months to complete rehabilitation — a much longer process compared to consolidation.Only applies to one loan: A rehabilitation agreement only applies to one loan. If you have multiple loans you want to rehabilitate, you’ll have to set up an agreement for each one.Won’t stop wage garnishment: If your wages are being garnished, agreeing to rehabilitation won’t necessarily stop these involuntary payments.

Check Out: How to Find Your Student Loan Balance

How to rehabilitate a defaulted student loan

If your federal loans are held by the Department of Education, follow these three steps to apply for rehabilitation:

Mail or fax a copy of your latest tax return or transcript. The Department of Education will use this information to calculate your monthly payment. Keep in mind that if you are married, live with your spouse, and file taxes separately, you’ll also need to submit your spouse’s tax returns. Additionally, if your tax returns don’t accurately represent your income, you can fill out the Loan Rehabilitation Income and Expense Form.Sign and return the agreement. You’ll be mailed a loan rehabilitation agreement to review within 10 business days of the Department of Education receiving your income information. This will include your payment amount, payment options, and agreement terms. You’ll need to sign and return this form to officially begin rehabilitation.Make the required payments. After the rehabilitation agreement is in place, you’ll need to make the agreed-upon monthly payments. For Direct or FFEL Loans, this means you’ll have to make nine consecutive, on-time payments. Perkins Loans, on the other hand, require 10 full payments. If you successfully make each of these payments, the default status will be removed from your loans and credit report.Tip: If your federal student loans aren’t owned by the Department of Education, you’ll need to reach out to your loan holder to see what steps are required to apply for rehabilitation.

Learn More: Federal Student Loan Repayment Calculator

Student loan consolidation

Best for: Borrowers who want to get out of default quickly

Another option for getting out of student loan default is consolidating your federal loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan. A request to consolidate your loans could be processed within as little as 30 to 45 days, which makes it a faster option than rehabilitation.

Additionally, while consolidation won’t change your interest rate, you can extend your repayment term up to 30 years. This could greatly reduce your monthly payments — though keep in mind that it also means you’ll pay more in interest over time.

Check Out: How to Consolidate Your Student Loans

Pros of consolidation

Faster process: Consolidating your federal student loans could take as little as 30 to 45 days — a much shorter process compared to the nine to 10 months of payments required by rehabilitation.Can combine multiple loans: Federal consolidation lets you combine multiple federal loans — leaving you with just one loan and payment to manage.Could reduce your payments: Through consolidation, you can extend your repayment term up to 30 years. This could greatly reduce your monthly payments — though remember that it also means you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

Cons of consolidation

Default won’t be removed from credit report: Unlike rehabilitation, consolidation won’t remove your default status from your credit report.Capitalization of interest and collection costs: After you consolidate your loans, any interest or collection costs from your old loans will capitalize — meaning they’ll be added to your new loan balance.Can’t consolidate if wages are being garnished: If you’re subject to wage garnishment, you won’t be able to consolidate until the wage garnishment order is lifted or judgment is vacated.

Learn More: Pros and Cons of Consolidating Student Loans

How to consolidate defaulted student loans

If you want to consolidate your federal loans, follow these three steps:

Contact your loan holder. Before you can consolidate defaulted federal loans, you must contact your loan holder and agree to either repay your consolidated loan under an IDR plan or make three consecutive, on-time, full monthly payments first. If you choose to make the three payments, the payment amount will be calculated by your loan holder based on what you can reasonably afford according to your total financial circumstances.Apply for consolidation. You can fill out an online application at StudentAid.gov or a paper application from your servicer. When completing the application, you’ll need to provide your personal information, list the loans you want to consolidate, and choose your repayment plan. Afterward, you’ll need to sign and submit the application.Manage your payments. A consolidation request generally takes 30 to 45 days to process. Once your loans have been consolidated, you can begin making your new monthly payments.Keep in mind: If you have a defaulted Direct Consolidation Loan that you want to reconsolidate, you must have at least one other eligible federal loan to include in the consolidation.

However, if you have a defaulted FFEL Consolidation Loan, you don’t need to include any additional loans in the new consolidation as long as you agree to repay the loan on an IDR plan.

Check Out: Private Student Loan Consolidation

Student loan refinancing with a cosigner

Best for: Borrowers who know someone with good credit who is willing to act as a cosigner

Refinancing your student loans could also help you get out of default. With this process, your federal loans will be paid off with a new private student loan. You’ll typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for refinancing, which could be difficult if your loans are in default.

To increase your chances of approval, consider applying with a creditworthy cosigner. A cosigner can be anyone with good credit — such as a parent, other relative, or trusted friend — who is willing to share responsibility for the loan. Having a cosigner might also get you a lower interest rate than you’d get on your own.

Keep in mind: While you can refinance both federal and private loans, refinancing federal student loans will cost you access to federal benefits and protections — such as IDR plans and student loan forgiveness programs.

You’ll also no longer be eligible for the suspension of federal student loan payments and interest accrual under the CARES Act.

Learn More: Defaulted Student Loans: Can You Refinance?

Pros of refinancing

Might get a lower interest rate: Depending on your credit and if you apply with a cosigner, you might qualify for a lower interest rate. This could save you money on interest and even help you potentially pay off your loan faster.Could reduce your payments: If you choose to extend your repayment term, you could reduce your monthly payments. Just remember that this means you’ll pay more interest overall.Can combine multiple loans: Through private refinancing, you can consolidate multiple federal as well as private loans.

Cons of refinancing

Could be hard to qualify: Defaulting on student loans can severely damage your credit, which could make it difficult to qualify for refinancing.Loss of federal benefits: If you refinance your federal loans into a private loan, you’ll no longer have access to federal benefits and protections.Lack of repayment options: Private loans don’t offer federal student loan repayment options. For example, you generally won’t be able to sign up for an IDR plan after you refinance.

Check Out: Student Loan Consolidation vs. Student Loan Refinancing

How to refinance a defaulted student loan

If you decide to refinance a defaulted student loan, follow these steps:

Check your credit. When you apply for refinancing, the lender will review your credit to determine your creditworthiness — so it’s a good idea to check your credit beforehand so you know where you stand. You can use a site like AnnualCreditReport.com to review your credit reports for free. If you find any errors, dispute them with the appropriate credit bureaus to potentially boost your credit score.Compare lenders and pick a loan option. Be sure to compare as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for your situation. Consider not only interest rates but also repayment terms, any fees charged by the lender, and eligibility requirements. After comparing lenders, choose the loan option that works best for your needs.Complete the application. Once you’ve picked a lender, you’ll need to fill out a full application and submit any required documentation, such as tax returns or pay stubs. Also be prepared to provide information regarding each of the loans you want to refinance.Manage your payments. If you’re approved, continue making payments on your old loans while the refinance is processed. Afterward, you might consider signing up for autopay so you won’t miss any payments in the future — several lenders offer a rate discount to borrowers who opt for automatic payments.

Before your refinance, remember to consider as many lenders as you can to find the right loan for you. Credible makes this easy — you can compare your prequalified rates from our partner lenders in the table below in two minutes.

LenderFixed rates from (APR)Variable rates from (APR)Loan terms (years)Loan amountsMin. credit score

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Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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4.54%+N/A10, 15, 20$7,500 up to $200,000
(larger balances require special approval)Does not discloseFixed APR:
4.54%+Variable APR:
N/AMin. credit score:
Does not discloseLoan amount:
$7,500 up to $500,000Loan terms (years):
10, 15, 20Max. undergraduate loan balance:
$250,000 – $500,000Time to fund:
4 monthsRepayment options:
Immediate repayment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
NoneDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Must be a resident of KentuckyCustomer service:
PhoneSoft credit check:
NoCosigner release:
After 36 monthsLoan servicer:
Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan CorporationMax. graduate loan balance:
$250,000 – $500,000Credible Review:
Advantage Education Loan reviewOffers Parent PLUS Refinancing :
Yes

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Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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2.15%+
1.87%+5, 7, 10, 15, 20$10,000 up to $250,000
(depending on degree)690Fixed APR:
2.15%+Variable APR:
N/AMin. credit score:
Does not discloseLoan amount:
$10,000 to $400,000Loan terms (years):
5, 7, 10, 15, 20Repayment options:
Military deferment, forbearanceFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Must have a credit score of at least 720, a minimum income of $60,000, and must be a resident of TexasCustomer service:
Email, phoneSoft credit check:
Does not discloseCosigner release:
NoLoan servicer:
Firstmark ServicesMax. Undergraduate Loan Balance:
$100,000 – $149,000Max. Graduate Loan Balance:
$200,000 – $400,000Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:
Does not disclose

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Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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2.44%+1
2.24%+15, 7, 10, 15, 20$10,000 to $500,000
(depending on degree and loan type)Does not discloseFixed APR:
2.44%+1Variable APR:
2.24%+1Min. credit score:
Does not discloseLoan amount:
$10,000 to $750,000Loan terms (years):
5, 7, 10, 15, 20Repayment options:
Immediate repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
Autopay, loyaltyEligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have at least $10,000 in student loansCustomer service:
Email, phone, chatSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 24 to 36 monthsLoan servicer:
Firstmark ServicesMax. Undergraduate Loan Balance:
$100,000 to $149,000Max. Graduate Loan Balance:
Less than $150,000Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:
Yes

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Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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2.99%+2
2.94%+25, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20$5,000 to $300,000
(depending on degree type)Does not discloseFixed APR:
2.99%+2Variable APR:
2.94%+2Min. credit score:
Does not discloseLoan amount:
$5,000 to $300,000Loan terms (years):
5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20Repayment options:
Military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
All states except for MECustomer service:
Email, phone, chatSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 24 to 36 monthsLoan servicer:
College Ave Servicing LLCMax. Undergraduate Loan Balance:
$100,000 to $149,000Max. Graduate Loan Balance:
Less than $300,000Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:
Yes

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Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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2.16%+
2.11%+5, 7, 10, 15, 20$5,000 to $500,000

680

Fixed rate:
2.44%+1Variable rate:
2.24%+1Min. credit score:
680Loan amount:
$5,000 to $500,000Cosigner release:
YesLoan terms (years):
5, 7, 10, 15, 20Repayment options:
Academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Available in all states, except MS and NVCustomer service:
Email, phone, chatSoft credit check:
YesLoan servicer:
FirstMarkMax. undergraduate loan balance:
$500,000Max. graduate loan balance:
$500,000Offers Parent PLUS refinancing:
YesMin. income:
$65,000 (for 15- and 20-year products)

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Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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1.8%+5
1.8%+55, 10, 15, 20$1,000 to $250,000700Fixed APR:
1.8%+5Variable APR:
1.8%+5Min. credit score:
700Loan amount:
$7,500 to $200,000Loan terms (years):
5, 10, 15, 20Repayment options:
Immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
NoneDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and submit two personal referencesCustomer service:
Email, phoneSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 36 monthsLoan servicer:
Granite State Management & Resources (GSM&R)Max. Undergraduate Loan Balance:
$150,000 to $249,000Max. Graduate Loan Balance:
$150,000 to $199,000Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing :
Yes

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Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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2.47%+3
2.39%+35, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20Minimum of $15,000680Fixed APR:
2.47%+3Variable APR:
2.39%+3Min. credit score:
680Loan amount:
No maximumLoan terms (years):
5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20Repayment options:
ForbearanceFees:
NoneDiscounts:
NoneEligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have at least $15,000 in student loan debt, and have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an approved schoolCustomer service:
Email, phoneSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
NoLoan servicer:
MohelaMax. Undergraduate Loan Balance:
No maximumMax. Graduate Loan Balance:
No maximumOffers Parent PLUS Refinancing:
Yes

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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3.47%+4
2.44%+45, 10, 15, 20$5,000 to $250,000670Fixed APR:
3.47%+4Variable APR:
2.44%+4Min. credit score:
670Loan amount:
$5,000 to $250,000Loan terms (years):
5, 10, 15, 20Repayment options:
Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearanceFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Must be U.S. citizen or permanent residentCustomer service:
Email, phone, chatSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
YesMax undergraduate loan balance:
$250,000Max graduate loan balance:
$250,000Offers Parent PLUS refinancing:
Yes

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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2.24%+7N/A5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20Up to $300,000670Fixed APR:
2.24%+7Variable APR:
N/AMin. credit score:
670Loan amount:
Up to $300,000Loan terms (years):
5, 7, 10, 15, 20Time to fund:
Usually one business dayRepayment options:
Academic deferral, military deferral, forbearance, death/disability dischargeFees:
NoneDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Available in all 50 statesCustomer service:
Email, phoneSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 24 monthsMax. undergraduate loan balance:
$300,000Max. graduate balance:
$300,000Offers Parent PLUS loans:
YesMin. income:
None

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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3.05%+
3.05%+7, 10, 15$10,000 up to the total amount of qualified education debt670Fixed APR:
3.05%+Variable APR:
3.05%+Min. credit score:
670Loan amount:
$10,000 up to the total amountLoan terms (years):
7, 10, 15Repayment options:
Military deferment, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
NoneDiscounts:
NoneEligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have at least $10,000 in student loansCustomer service:
Email, phoneSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
NoLoan servicer:
AESMax. Undergraduate Loan Balance:
No maximumMax. Gradaute Loan Balance:
No maximumOffers Parent PLUS Refinancing:
Yes

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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2.89%+N/A5, 8, 12, 15$7,500 to $300,000670Fixed APR:
2.89%+Variable APR:
N/AMin. credit score:
670Loan amount:
$7,500 to $300,000Loan terms (years):
5, 8, 12, 15Repayment options:
Does not discloseFees:
NoneDiscounts:
NoneEligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen and have and at least $7,500 in student loansCustomer service:
Email, phone, chatSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 12 monthsLoan servicer:
PenFedMax. Undergraduate Loan Balance:
$300,000Max. Graduate Loan Balance:
$300,000Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:
Yes

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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3.29%+N/A5, 10, 15$7,500 up to $250,000
(depending on highest degree earned)680Fixed APR:
3.29%+Variable APR:
N/AMin. credit score:
680Loan amount:
$7,500 to $250,000Loan terms (years):
5, 10, 15Repayment options:
Academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
NoneDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Available in all 50 states; must also have at least $7,500 in student loans and a minimum income of $40,000Customer service:
Email, phoneSoft credit check:
Does not discloseCosigner release:
NoLoan servicer:
Rhode Island Student Loan AuthorityMax. Undergraduate Loan Balance:
$150,000 – $249,000Max. Graduate Loan Balance:
$200,000 – $249,000Offers Parent PLUS Refinancing:
Yes

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

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2.49%+6
2.25%+65, 7, 10, 15, 20$5,000 up to the full balance of your qualified education loansDoes not discloseFixed APR:
2.49%+6Variable APR:
2.25%+6Min. credit score:
Does not discloseLoan amount:
$5,000 up to the full balanceLoan terms (years):
5, 7, 10, 15, 20Repayment options:
Academic deferment, military defermentFees:
NoneDiscounts:
Autopay, loyaltyEligibility:
Available in all 50 statesCustomer service:
Email, phone, chatSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
NoMax undergraduate loan balance:
No maximumMax graduate loan balance:
No maximumOffers Parent PLUS refinancing:
YesAll APRs reflect autopay and loyalty discounts where available | 1Citizens Disclosures | 2College Ave Disclosures | 5EDvestinU Disclosures | 3 ELFI Disclosures | 4INvestEd Disclosures | 7ISL Education Lending Disclosures | 6SoFi Disclosures

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Consequences of ignoring student loan default

If you’ve defaulted on federal student loans, it’s important to address the default instead of ignoring it. This way, you have a better chance of avoiding or resolving some of the potential consequences of default, which include:

Damaged credit: Missing payments and defaulting on a student loan can severely damage your credit. The longer you continue to miss payments on your loan, the more harm will come to your credit. Keep in mind that having bad credit could make it hard to access more credit in the future.Loan acceleration: If you default on a loan, your entire balance could become due.Loss of hardship benefits: Loans in default no longer have access to federal hardship benefits, such as deferment and forbearance. You also won’t be able to access more federal financial aid.Wage garnishment: In some cases, your wages could be garnished, or your tax returns could be withheld.Collection costs: Your defaulted loan might be sent to a collections agency that will try to obtain payments from you. If this happens, you’ll be held responsible for covering the collection costs incurred by your loan holder.

Learn More: 6 Ways Student Loans Can Impact Your Credit Score

Recovering from student loan default: How is my credit affected?

How your credit is affected will depend on the method you choose to get out of default. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Rehabilitation: If you successfully rehabilitate your loan, the default status will be removed from your loan and your credit report, which could have a positive impact on your credit. Any late payments you made on your loan will remain on your credit report for up to seven years — but the more time that passes, the less effect these will likely have on your credit.Consolidation: Unfortunately, consolidating your federal loans doesn’t remove the default from your credit report — like late payments, a default can stay on your credit report for up to seven years. But if you’re careful to make on-time payments on your consolidated loan, you might see an improvement in your credit score over time.Refinancing: When you apply for refinancing, the lender will perform a hard credit check to determine your creditworthiness. This could cause a slight drop in your credit score — though this is usually only temporary, and your score will likely bounce back within a few months. Additionally, refinancing might actually help your credit in the long run. For example, consistently making on-time payments on your refinanced loan could help you build a positive payment history and raise your credit score.

If you decide to refinance your student loans, remember to consider as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for your needs.

This is easy with Credible: You can compare your prequalified rates from multiple lenders in two minutes — without affecting your credit.

Find out if refinancing is right for you

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Becoming a nurse generally isn’t as expensive as becoming a doctor, but it still isn’t cheap.

The exact cost of nursing school will depend on the kind of schooling you choose but could range anywhere from $3,000 up to $100,000, according to NurseJournal.

If you’re wondering how much nursing school is and how to pay for it, here’s what you should know:

How much is nursing school?Additional costs of nursing schoolHow to pay for nursing school8 student loans for nursing schoolStudent loan forgiveness for nursesStudent loan repayment for nursesIs it worth it to go to nursing school?

How much is nursing school?

There are several types of education programs available for becoming a nurse. These programs will range in price depending on how advanced they are as well as whether you choose to attend an in-state or out-of-state school.

Here’s a look at the typical nursing school costs you can expect by program:

ProgramAverage costProgram lengthPractical Nursing Diploma$4,000 to $15,0001 yearAssociate Degree in Nursing$6,000 to $20,0002 to 3 yearsBachelor of Science in Nursing$40,000 to $100,0004 yearsMaster of Science in Nursing$35,000 to $70,0001 to 2 yearsDoctor of Nursing Practice$30,000 to $70,0002 to 3 years

Practical Nursing Diploma

Average cost: $4,000 to $15,000

One of the quickest ways to begin working as a nurse is to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN).

These nurses work as assistants to physicians and registered nurses (RN) in various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes.

To begin your career as an LPN or LVN, you’ll need to earn a Practical Nursing Diploma — these programs usually take one year to complete.

ssociate Degree in Nursing

Average cost: $6,000 to $20,000

If you choose to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you’ll be trained to work as an RN over the course of two years. RNs with associate degrees can work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, outpatient care centers, and various other healthcare facilities.

Keep in mind that with the recent push for nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree, your career options could be limited by some employers if you pursue an ADN instead.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Average cost: $40,000 to $100,000

Another way to become an RN is by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which generally takes about four years.

Like an ADN, a BSN will train you in the skills you need to perform nursing care — however, you’ll also receive more extensive education in research, social sciences, leadership, and management as well as public and community health.

Generally, a BSN-prepared nurse will be better equipped to handle more complex procedures compared to an ADN-prepared nurse. Because of this, BSN nurses can earn $80,000 or more per year while ADN nurses earn an average salary of just over $74,000, according to NursingProcess.org.

Tip: Some hospitals and other healthcare facilities prefer nurses with BSNs as the additional education provides lower mortality rates for patients and fewer medical errors.

However, an ADN could still be a good place to start your nursing career. Many students choose to earn their ADN so they can begin working as a nurse before returning to school to pursue a BSN.

Master of Science in Nursing

Average cost: $35,000 to $70,000

Having a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can open more career doors for a nurse — for example, graduates could find employment as nurse practitioners, nurse researchers, nurse administrators, or nurse educators.

Most traditional MSN programs are designed for students who have already earned their BSN and take one to two years to finish. There are also three- to four-year bridge programs available for nurses who don’t have their BSN.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Average cost: $30,000 to $70,000

You could also choose to continue your education through a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. With a DNP program, you can focus on learning advanced skills or pursuing advanced research.

If you’ve already earned a master’s degree, a DNP program will generally take about two to three years to complete. There are also BSN-to-DNP bridge programs available, which usually take three to five years to finish.

Learn More: How to Use Student Loans for College Living Expenses

dditional costs of nursing school

In addition to tuition, there are also other costs to consider when it comes to paying for nursing school. Some of these expenses include:

Uniform and accessories: $20 to $90Textbooks: $1,000 to $3,000Nursing supplies: $300 to $500Health insurance: $1,000 to $4,000National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX): $200NCLEX review courses: $25 to $400

Check Out: Tuition & Room and Board: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Costs

How to pay for nursing school

While nursing school can be expensive, there are several options that could help you cover the cost. Here’s how to pay for nursing school:

1. Fill out the FAFSA

Your first step when it comes to paying for nursing school should be completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Your school will use your FAFSA results to determine what federal student loans and other federal financial aid you qualify for.

Tip: It’s a good idea to fill out the FAFSA as early as possible. You can submit the FAFSA for the 2021-2022 academic year starting Oct. 1, 2020, up until June 30, 2022.

Make sure not to miss the deadline so you don’t miss out on any federal financial aid you might qualify for.

2. Apply for scholarships and grants

Unlike student loans, college scholarships and grants don’t have to be repaid — which makes them a great way to pay for school.

There’s no limit to how many scholarships and grants you can get, so it’s wise to apply for as many as you can. You might also qualify for school-based scholarships based on your FAFSA results.

There are several organizations that offer scholarships and grants to nursing students, including:

Nonprofit organizationsLocal and national businesses (such as Johnson & Johnson)Professional nursing associations

You can also use sites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com to easily search and apply for scholarships.

3. Explore employer tuition assistance

Many employers provide tuition assistance programs to nurses — for example, Intermountain Healthcare will reimburse up to 100% of tuition costs (up to $5,250 per year) for eligible nurses earning BSNs.

If you’re already employed as a nurse, be sure to check with your employer to see if they offer any tuition assistance.

Tip: Even if your employer doesn’t have an official program, it doesn’t hurt to ask. They might be willing to help you with your education costs in return for the benefits of improving your current skill set.

4. Take out federal student loans

If you need to borrow for school, it’s usually best to start with federal student loans. This is largely because these loans come with federal benefits and protections, such as access to income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness programs.

There are three main types of federal student loans available to nursing students:

Direct Subsidized Loans: These are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The government will cover the interest on these loans while you’re in school — so it’s often a good idea to take out subsidized loans first before turning to other types of loans.Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These are available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students regardless of financial need. Unlike with subsidized loans, you’re responsible for all of the interest that accrues on unsubsidized loans.Direct PLUS Loans: There are two kinds of Direct PLUS Loan — Grad PLUS Loans for graduate students and Parent PLUS Loans for parents who want to cover their child’s education costs. PLUS Loans typically have higher interest rates than Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. They also require a credit check.Keep in mind: Federal loans come with student loan limits based on the type of loan you get as well as what year you are in school.

5. Use private student loans to fill the gaps

After you’ve exhausted your scholarship, grant, and federal student loan options, private student loans can help fill any financial gaps left over.

Keep in mind that private loans don’t come with the protections of federal loans, which means they should be a last resort when it comes to borrowing for school.

However, private student loans do offer some benefits of their own, such as:

Higher loan limits: You might be able to borrow up to your school’s cost of attendance with private student loans.No application deadlines: Unlike with federal loans, you can apply for private student loans at any time while you’re enrolled in school.Tip: You’ll typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for private student loans — a good credit score is usually considered to be 700 or higher.

There are also some lenders that offer student loans for bad credit, but these loans tend to have higher interest rates compared to good credit loans.

If you’re struggling to get approved for a private student loan, consider applying with a creditworthy cosigner to improve your chances. Even if you don’t need a cosigner to qualify, having one could get you a lower interest rate than you’d get on your own.

Learn More: Private Student Loan Repayment Options

8 student loans for nursing school

If you decide to take out a private student loan for nursing school, be sure to consider as many lenders as possible. This way, you can find the right loan for your needs.

Here are Credible’s partner lenders that offer private student loans for nursing school:

LenderFixed Rates From (APR)
Variable Rates From (APR)Loan amountsLoan terms (years)

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
2.91%+
1.48%+$2,001 to $200,0007 to 20Fixed APR:
2.91%+Variable APR:
1.48%+Min. credit score:
540Loan amount:
$2,001 to $200,000 Loan terms (years):
5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20Repayment options:
Full deferral, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
NoneDiscounts:
0.25% to 1.00% automatic payment discount, 1% cash back graduation rewardEligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or DACA student enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking programCustomer service:
Email, phoneSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 24 monthsLoan servicer:
Launch Servicing, LLC

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
3.23%+1
1.03%+1$1,000 to $350,000 (depending on degree)5, 10, 15Fixed APR:
3.23%+1Variable APR:
1.03%+1Min. credit score:
720Loan amount:
$1,000 to $350,000Loan terms (years):
5, 10, 15Loan types:
Any private or federal student loanRepayment options:
Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
Autopay, loyaltyEligibility:
Available in all 50 states (international students can apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner)Customer service:
Email, phone, chatSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 36 monthsLoan servicer:
Firstmark Services

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
2.99%+2,3

0.99%+2,3$1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance5, 8, 10, 15Fixed APR:
2.99%+2,3Variable APR:
0.99%+2,3Min. credit score:
Does not discloseLoan amount:
$1,000 up to cost of attendanceLoan terms (years):
5, 8, 10, 15Repayment options:
Full deferral, full monthly payment, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.Customer service:
Email, phoneSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 24 monthsLoan servicer:
College Ave Servicing LLC

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>3.75%+1.08%+$1,000 to $99,999 annually
($180,000 aggregate limit)7, 10, 15Fixed APR:
3.75%+Variable APR:
1.08%+Min. credit score:
Does not discloseLoan amount:
$1,000 to $99,999 annually>($180,000 aggregate limit)Loan terms (years):
7, 10, 15Repayment options:
Full deferral, immediate repayment, interest-only repayment, flat/full repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
NoneDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Not available to residents of AZ, IA, or WICustomer service:
Phone, emailSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 36 monthsLoan servicer:
American Education ServicesMin. income:
Does not disclose

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
3.0%+7
2.17%+7$1,000 to $200,0007, 10, 15Fixed APR:
3.0%+7Variable APR:
2.17%+7Min. credit score:
750Loan amount:
$1,000 to $200,000Loan terms (years):
7, 10, 15Repayment options:
Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a minimum income of $30,000.Customer service:
Email, phoneSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 36 monthsLoan servicer:
Granite State Management & Resources (GSM&R)

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
3.83%+8
1.69%+8$1,001 up to 100% of school certified cost of attendance5, 10, 15Fixed APR:
3.83%+8Variable APR:
1.69%+8Min. credit score:
670Loan amount:
$1,001 up to cost of attendanceLoan terms (years):
5, 10, 15Repayment options:
Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearanceFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
Autopay, reward for on-time graduationEligibility:
Must be an Indiana resident or a U.S. citizen attending an eligible Indiana schoolCustomer service:
Email, phone, chatSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 48 monthsLoan servicer:
American Education Services

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
3.75%+N/A$1,500 up to school’s certified cost of attendance less aid15Fixed APR:
3.75%+Variable APR:
N/AMin. credit score:
670Loan amount:
$1,500 up to cost of attendance less aidLoan terms (years):
10, 15Repayment options:
Full deferral, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferral, forbearanceFees:
NoneDiscounts:
NoneEligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.Customer service:
Email, phoneSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 48 monthsLoan servicer:
American Education Services (AES)

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
3.5% – 12.6% APR9
1.13% – 11.23% APR9Up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance15Fixed APR:
3.5% – 12.6% APR9Variable APR:
1.13% – 11.23% APR9Min. credit score:
Does not discloseLoan amount:
$1,000 up to cost of attendanceLoan terms (years):
10 to 15Repayment options:
Full deferral, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disabilityFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Also available to non-U.S. citizen students (including DACA students) attending a school located in the U.S. who apply with a qualifying cosigner.Customer service:
Phone, chatSoft credit check:
YesCosigner release:
After 12 consecutive on-time paymentsLoan servicer:
Sallie MaeCompare private student loan rates without affecting
your credit score. 100% free!

Compare Private Loans Now

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Student loan forgiveness for nurses

There are several student loan forgiveness programs available to nurses with federal student loans. Some of these programs include:

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you work for a nonprofit or government organization, you might be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). You can apply for PSLF after making qualifying payments for 10 years.

Perkins Loan Cancellation

If you have a federal Perkins Loan and work as a full-time nurse for an eligible employer, you might qualify to have up to 100% of your loan canceled after five consecutive years of service.

Income-driven repayment forgiveness

If you sign up for an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, your payments will be based on your income — typically 10% to 20% of your discretionary income.

Additionally, you could have any remaining balance forgiven after 20 to 25 years, depending on the plan.

Check Out: Private Student Loan Forgiveness Alternatives

Student loan repayment for nurses

In addition to student loan forgiveness programs, there are also several loan repayment programs available to nurses, including:

National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program

Nurses who work at an NHSC-approved location in a Health Professional Shortage Area might be eligible for up to $50,000 in loan repayment assistance. In return, you must agree to at least two years of service.

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

Qualifying nurses could have up to 85% of their student loans repaid through this program. In return, you must work full time at a Critical Shortage Facility or eligible nursing school for at least two years — you’ll receive 60% repayment over two years and could have another 25% repaid if you serve for a third year.

ctive Duty Health Professions Loan Repayment Program

Nurses who enlist and serve in the U.S Army Nurse Corps for at least three years could have up to $120,000 paid toward their qualifying student loans through this program.

Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program

This program offers up to $40,000 in student loan repayment for Advanced Practice Nurses. In return, you must agree to work for two years in a health facility that serves American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Disadvantaged Faculty Loan Repayment Program

Nurses who work as faculty members at eligible academic institutions could receive up to $40,000 in student loan repayment in return for a two-year service commitment.

To be eligible, these faculty members must also come from economically and environmentally disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tip: Many states also offer their own student loan repayment programs. You can find more information on your state’s website.

Learn More: College ROI: 6 Tools to Gauge the Return on Your Degree

Is it worth it to go to nursing school?

This depends on your individual goals. If a career in nursing will be fulfilling for you, then it might be worth it regardless of the expense.

Keep in mind: Nurses can earn $74,000 or more per year, which could make it easier to repay any student loans you end up with.

If you decide to take out a private student loan for nursing school, remember to consider as many lenders as you can to find the right loan for you.

Credible makes this easy — you can compare your prequalified rates from multiple lenders in two minutes.

Compare student loan rates from top lenders

Multiple lenders compete to get you the best rateGet actual rates, not estimated onesFinance almost any degreeSee Your Rates
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The post Nursing School Cost and How to Pay For It appeared first on Credible.

A personal loan could help you cover a variety of expenses, such as home improvements or medical bills. In some cases, lenders charge fees on personal loans that might increase your overall repayment cost.

One of the most common personal loan fees is an origination fee, which is deducted from your loan amount before you receive your funds. However, there are also some lenders that don’t charge origination fees.

Here’s what you should know about no-origination-fee personal loans and where to find them:

5 best personal loans with no origination feesOther personal loans to considerWhat is an origination fee?Other personal loan fees to considerHow to take out a no-origination-fee personal loanHow to keep your personal loan costs as low as possible

5 best personal loans with no origination fees

Before you take out a personal loan, it’s important to compare as many lenders as possible. This way, you can find the right loan for your needs — such as a loan without an origination fee.

Here are Credible’s partner lenders that offer no-origination-fee personal loans:

LenderFixed ratesLoan amountsMin. credit scoreLoan terms (years)

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
5.99% – 24.99% APR$2,500 to $35,0006603, 4, 5, 6, 7Fixed APR:
5.99% – 24.99% APRMin. credit score:
660Loan amount:
$2,500 to $35,000Loan terms (years):
3, 4, 5, 6, 7Time to fund:
As soon as the next business day after acceptanceFees:
Late feeDiscounts:
NoneEligibility:
 Available in all 50 statesCustomer service:
PhoneSoft credit check:
YesLoan Uses:
Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
2.49% – 19.99% APR$5,000 to $100,0006602, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
(up to 12 years for home improvement loans)Fixed APR:
2.49% – 19.99% APRMin. credit score:
660Loan amount:
$5,000 to $100,000Loan terms (years):
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7*Time to fund:
As soon as the same business dayFees:
NoneDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Available in all states except RI and VTCustomer service:
Phone, emailSoft credit check:
NoLoan servicer:
LightStreamMin. Income:
Does not discloseLoan Uses:
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
6.99% – 19.99% APR1$3,500 to $40,0002660
(TransUnion FICO®️ Score 9)3, 4, 5, 6, 7Fixed APR:
6.99% – 19.99% APR1Min. credit score:
660
(TransUnion FICO®️ Score 9)Loan amount:
$3,500 to $40,0002Loan terms (years):
3, 4, 5, 6Time to fund:
Many Marcus customers receive funds in as little as three daysFees:
NoneDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Available in all 50 statesCustomer service:
PhoneSoft credit check:
YesLoan servicer:
Goldman SachsMin. Income:
$30,000Loan Uses:
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, and other purposes

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
5.99% – 17.99% APR$600 to $50,000
(depending on loan term)6601, 2, 3, 4, 5Fixed APR:
5.99% – 17.99% APRMin. credit score:
660Loan amount:
$600 to $50,000*Loan terms (years):
1, 2, 3, 4, 5Time to fund:
2 to 4 business days after verificationFees:
NoneDiscounts:
NoneEligibility:
Does not discloseCustomer service:
Phone, emailSoft credit check:
NoMin. Income:
Does not discloseLoan Uses:
Debt consolidation, home improvement, transportation, medical, dental, life events

Credible Rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

View details>
5.99% – 18.83% APR$5,000 to $100,000Does not disclose2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7Fixed APR:
5.99% – 18.83% APRMin. credit score:
Does not discloseLoan amount:
$5,000 to $100,000Loan terms (years):
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7Time to fund:
3 business daysFees:
NoneDiscounts:
AutopayEligibility:
Available in all states except MSCustomer service:
Phone, emailSoft credit check:
YesMin. Income:
Does not discloseLoan Uses:
Solely for personal, family, or household uses

Discover

Best for: Longer repayment terms

If you’re looking for a personal loan with a longer repayment term, Discover could be a good choice — you can borrow $2,500 to $35,000 with terms from three to seven years. Just keep in mind that if you pick a longer term, you’ll pay more in interest over time.

4.4
Credible rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

Discover Personal Loans


Fixed APR


Range of fixed rates available from this lender
5.99% – 24.99% APR


Min. credit score


Minimum credit score needed to qualify660


Loan amount


Total amount you can borrow from this lender$2,500 to $35,000


Time to fund


How long it takes to receive your moneyAs soon as the next business day after acceptance

Ready to find a personal loan?

Compare rates from top personal loan lenders to find the right one for you.

Check Personalized Rates>Checking rates won’t affect your credit scoreView DetailsFixed APR:
5.99% – 24.99% APRMin. credit score: 660Loan amount: $2,500 to $35,000Loan terms (years): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7Time to fund: As soon as the next business day after acceptanceFees: Late feeDiscounts: NoneEligibility:  Available in all 50 statesCustomer service: PhoneSoft credit check: YesLoan Uses: Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding

Pros

Repayment terms up to 7 yearsAccepts fair credit scoresFast loan funding

Cons

Charges late feesNo discounts offeredCan only borrow up to $35,000

LightStream

Best for: Large loan amounts

With LightStream, you can borrow $5,000 to $100,000 — which could make it a good option if you need a large loan. Most LightStream loans come with terms from two to seven years, but if you use your loan for home improvements, you could have up to 12 years to repay it.

4.9
Credible rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

LightStream Personal Loans


Fixed APR


Range of fixed rates available from this lender
2.49% – 19.99% APR


Min. credit score


Minimum credit score needed to qualify660


Loan amount


Total amount you can borrow from this lender$5,000 to $100,000


Time to fund


How long it takes to receive your moneyAs soon as the same business day

Ready to find a personal loan?

Compare rates from top personal loan lenders to find the right one for you.

Check Personalized Rates>Checking rates won’t affect your credit scoreView DetailsFixed APR:
2.49% – 19.99% APRMin. credit score: 660Loan amount: $5,000 to $100,000Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7*Time to fund: As soon as the same business dayFees: NoneDiscounts: AutopayEligibility: Available in all states except RI and VTCustomer service: Phone, emailSoft credit check: NoLoan servicer: LightStreamMin. Income: Does not discloseLoan Uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes

Pros

Can borrow up to $100,000Fast loan fundingAccepts fair credit scores

Cons

Must borrow at least $5,000Doesn’t disclose minimum income requirementsNot available in Rhode Island or Vermont

Marcus

Best for: Budget-friendly payment options

With Marcus, you can borrow $3,500 to $40,000 with terms from three to six years. Marcus also offers tailored monthly payment options that could help you fit your payment more easily into your budget.

Plus, after you’ve made at least 12 consecutive, on-time payments, Marcus will let you defer one monthly payment interest-free.

4.3
Credible rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

Marcus Personal Loans


Fixed APR


Range of fixed rates available from this lender
6.99% – 19.99% APR1


Min. credit score


Minimum credit score needed to qualify660
(TransUnion FICO®️ Score 9)


Loan amount


Total amount you can borrow from this lender$3,500 to $40,0002


Time to fund


How long it takes to receive your moneyMany Marcus customers receive funds in as little as three days

Ready to find a personal loan?

Compare rates from top personal loan lenders to find the right one for you.

Check Personalized Rates>Checking rates won’t affect your credit scoreView DetailsFixed APR:
6.99% – 19.99% APR1Min. credit score: 660
(TransUnion FICO®️ Score 9)Loan amount: $3,500 to $40,0002Loan terms (years): 3, 4, 5, 6Time to fund: Many Marcus customers receive funds in as little as three daysFees: NoneDiscounts: AutopayEligibility: Available in all 50 statesCustomer service: PhoneSoft credit check: YesLoan servicer: Goldman SachsMin. Income: $30,000Loan Uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, and other purposes

Pros

Accepts fair credit scoresTailored monthly payment optionsCan defer one monthly payment interest-free after making 12 consecutive, on-time payments

Cons

Funding could take longer compared to other lenders$30,000 minimum income requirementCan only borrow up to $40,000

PenFed

Best for: Smaller loan amounts

If you need to borrow just a small amount, PenFed could be a good choice — you can borrow as little as $600 up to $50,000 with terms from one to five years.

Keep in mind that while you don’t need to be a PenFed member to apply for a loan, you’ll have to join the credit union if you are approved and want to accept the loan.

4.5
Credible rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

PenFed Personal Loans


Fixed APR


Range of fixed rates available from this lender
5.99% – 17.99% APR


Min. credit score


Minimum credit score needed to qualify660


Loan amount


Total amount you can borrow from this lender$600 to $50,000*


Time to fund


How long it takes to receive your money2 to 4 business days after verification

Ready to find a personal loan?

Compare rates from top personal loan lenders to find the right one for you.

Check Personalized Rates>Checking rates won’t affect your credit scoreView DetailsFixed APR:
5.99% – 17.99% APRMin. credit score: 660Loan amount: $600 to $50,000*Loan terms (years): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5Time to fund: 2 to 4 business days after verificationFees: NoneDiscounts: NoneEligibility: Does not discloseCustomer service: Phone, emailSoft credit check: NoMin. Income: Does not discloseLoan Uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, transportation, medical, dental, life events

Pros

Can borrow as little as $600Fair credit scores acceptedAllows cosigners on personal loans

Cons

Must join the credit union if you are approved and want to accept the loanDoesn’t disclose minimum income requirementsLoans are disbursed through the mail, which could make funding time longer compared to other lenders (unless you pay an expedited shipping fee)

SoFi

Best for: Borrower perks

SoFi is another lender that offers large loans — you can borrow $5,000 to $100,000 with terms from two to seven years. Additionally, SoFi borrowers have access to a variety of perks, such as unemployment protection, career coaching, and investing advice.

4.9
Credible rating>


Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

Rates and terms

Fees and Discounts

Customer Experience

SoFi Personal Loans


Fixed APR


Range of fixed rates available from this lender
5.99% – 18.83% APR


Min. credit score


Minimum credit score needed to qualifyDoes not disclose


Loan amount


Total amount you can borrow from this lender$5,000 to $100,000


Time to fund


How long it takes to receive your money3 business days

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Compare rates from top personal loan lenders to find the right one for you.

Check Personalized Rates>Checking rates won’t affect your credit scoreView DetailsFixed APR:
5.99% – 18.83% APRMin. credit score: Does not discloseLoan amount: $5,000 to $100,000Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7Time to fund: 3 business daysFees: NoneDiscounts: AutopayEligibility: Available in all states except MSCustomer service: Phone, emailSoft credit check: YesMin. Income: Does not discloseLoan Uses: Solely for personal, family, or household uses

Pros

Can borrow up to $100,000Allows cosigners on personal loansBorrower perks, such as unemployment protection and investing advice

Cons

Doesn’t disclose minimum credit requirementsDoesn’t disclose minimum income requirementsNot available in Mississippi

Methodology

To find the “best companies,” Credible looked at loan and lender data points from 10 categories to give you a well-rounded perspective on each of our partner lenders. Here’s what we considered:

Interest ratesRepayment termsRepayment optionsMaximum loan amountLoan funding timeFeesDiscountsCustomer service availabilityWhether the minimum credit score is available publiclyWhether consumers could request rates with a soft credit check

Our hope is that this will be a win-win situation for you and us — we only want to get paid if you find a loan that works for you, not by selling your data. This means Credible will only get paid by the lender if you finish the loan process and a loan is disbursed. Additionally, Credible charges you no fees of any kind to compare your loan options.

Learn More: Low-Income Loans: Personal Loans for a Tight Budget

Other personal loans to consider

Here are more personal loan companies we evaluated. Keep in mind that these lenders aren’t offered through Credible, so you won’t be able to easily compare your rates with them on the Credible platform like you can with our partner lenders listed above.

Also note that the loans offered by these lenders might come with origination fees.

LenderLoan terms (years)Loan amountBest for

Show details2, 3, 4, 5$3,000 – $50,000
(depending on relationship with HSBC Bank)HSBC: Best for existing HSBC customersRates: FixedLoan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5Loan amount: $3,000 – $50,000 (depending on relationship with HSBC Bank)Fees: NoneDiscounts: Does not discloseEligibility: Available in all states except WIMin. income: Does not discloseCustomer service: Phone, chatSoft credit check: YesMin. credit score: Does not discloseTime to get funds: 1 – 3 days

Show details3$1,000 – $35,000PNC: Best for small loan amountsRates: FixedLoan terms (years): 3Loan amount: $1,000 – $35,000Fees: NoneDiscounts: NoneEligibility: Does not discloseMin. income: Does not discloseCustomer service: PhoneSoft credit check: YesMin. credit score: Does not discloseTime to get funds: Does not disclose

Show details3, 5$2,000 – $45,000Rocket Loans: Best for quick loan fundingRates: FixedLoan terms (years): 3, 5Loan amount: $2,000 – $45,000Fees: Origination feeDiscounts: AutopayEligibility: Available in all states except IA, NV, and WVMin. income: Does not discloseCustomer service: Phone, emailSoft credit check: YesMin. credit score: Does not discloseTime to get funds: Does not discloseThe lenders in this table aren’t our partners. But you can use Credible to compare rates in 2 minutes from other lenders who offer personal loans.

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What is an origination fee?

A loan origination fee is the price the lender charges for offering the loan. This fee can include the costs of processing your application, underwriting, funding, and other associated administrative services.

Personal loan origination fees generally range from 1% to 8% of your loan amount, depending on the lender. For example, if you took out a $5,000 loan with a 5% origination fee, you’d be charged $250.

Keep in mind: While some lenders charge a flat origination fee, others have a range — for example, a personal loan from Upgrade could come with an origination fee from 2.9% to 8%.

In this case, the actual fee you’re charged will depend on several factors, such as your credit and income.

Check Out: Coronavirus Hardship Loans: 7 Options to Consider

Other personal loan fees to consider

In addition to origination fees, there are also other costs that could come with taking out a personal loan, depending on the lender. Some of these potential fees include:

Application fees: These are charged when you apply for a loan — before you get an approval decision. This type of fee can range from $25 to $50.Late fees: These are assessed if you make a past-due payment. On average, late fees can range from $25 to $50 or from 3% to 5% of the monthly payment amount.Returned check fees: These are charged if you make a loan payment that’s returned for insufficient funds. These typically range from $20 to $50.Payment protection insurance: This is a type of insurance that will cover your loan payments if you’re unable to work. Not all lenders offer payment protection insurance (PPI), but those that do might encourage you to sign up — however, keep in mind that it isn’t required. If you opt to get PPI, you’ll typically pay about 1% of your loan amount. Prepayment penalties: These are assessed if you pay off your loan ahead of schedule. These are typically 2% to 5% of the loan amount. Keep in mind that if you take out a personal loan with any of Credible’s partner lenders, you won’t have to worry about prepayment penalties.Tip: Before you get a personal loan, it’s important to consider the overall cost so you can be prepared for any added expenses. Also, be sure to ask the lender about any fees that could impact your total repayment costs.

You can estimate how much you’ll pay for a loan using our personal loan calculator below.

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How to take out a no-origination-fee personal loan

If you’re ready to take out a personal loan, follow these four steps:

Research and compare lenders. Be sure to consider as many personal loan lenders as possible to find the right loan for your situation. Compare not only interest rates but also repayment terms and eligibility requirements. If you’re looking to avoid origination fees with your loan, also make sure to check into any fees charged by the lenders you’re considering.Pick a loan option. After you’ve done your lender research, choose the loan option that best suits your needs.Complete the application. Once you’ve chosen a lender, you’ll need to fill out a full application and submit any required documentation, such as tax returns or pay stubs. Get your funds. If you’re approved, the lender will have you sign for the loan so your money can be released to you. The time to fund for a personal loan is usually about one week — though some lenders will fund loans as soon as the same or next business day after approval.

Learn More: Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit

How to keep your personal loan costs as low as possible

Although you might be able to avoid personal loan fees with certain lenders, you’ll still typically need to pay interest on your loan. Interest is essentially the cost of borrowing money and is the main factor that will impact your total repayment costs.

However, there are a few strategies that could help keep these personal loan costs as low as possible, such as:

Have good credit

You’ll typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for a personal loan. A good credit score is usually considered to be 700 or higher. There are also several lenders that offer personal loans for bad credit, but these loans usually come with higher interest rates and fees compared to good credit loans.

The lender will also consider your credit score to determine your interest rate. In general, the higher your credit score, the better your interest rate — and the less you’ll pay overall on your loan.

Tip: There are several strategies that could help you build your credit and qualify for better interest rates in the future.

For example, you might be able to improve your credit over time by making on-time payments on all of your bills, paying down credit card balances, or taking out a credit-builder loan.

pply with a cosigner

If you have bad credit, having a creditworthy cosigner could make it easier to get approved for a loan. Not all lenders allow cosigners on personal loans, but some do — including no-origination-fee personal loan lenders like LightStream, PenFed, and SoFi.

Even if you don’t need a cosigner to qualify, having one could get you a better interest rate than you’d get on your own — which could help you keep your overall costs lower.

Tip: A cosigner can be anyone with good credit — such as a parent, another relative, or a trusted friend — who is willing to share responsibility for the loan. Just keep in mind that this means they’ll be on the hook if you can’t make your payments.

Choose a short repayment term

While picking a longer repayment term could get you a lower monthly payment, you’ll also pay more in interest over time. Because of this, it’s usually a good idea to choose the shortest term you can afford — this way, you can keep your interest costs as low as possible.

Tip: Many lenders also offer better interest rates to borrowers who opt for shorter repayment terms.

Comparing lenders

Taking your time to shop around and compare as many lenders as possible can help you find the most cost-effective loan for your financial needs. In addition to personal loan interest rates, be sure to consider repayment terms and any fees charged by the lender.

Credible make it easy to compare lenders: You can see your prequalified rates from multiple lenders in just two minutes.

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The post 5 Best Personal Loans With No Origination Fee appeared first on Credible.

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When you’re checking out homes to buy in your area, there’s one architectural style you might skip over. With their staggered levels and retro curb appeal, split-level homes are seen by some homebuyers as outdated, inconvenient, and a little awkward. But these houses also come with plenty of perks, like a lower price tag, less competition, and lots of space and privacy.

Here’s what you need to know about split-level homes:

What is a split-level house?Types of split-level housesSplit-level vs. bi-level houseShould you buy a split-level house?

What is a split-level house?

A split-level home contains at least three levels of living space separated by short flights of stairs. From the main floor, one set of stairs goes up to the bedroom area and another goes down to a basement level.

There’s plenty of storage space, too, as split-level homes tend to come with finished basements, multiple attics, and integrated garages.

These homes share many of the same features, such as:

Half staircasesLow-pitched roofsDouble-hung windows and bay windowsEfficient use of spaceMinimal exterior design featuresMixed building materials, such as vinyl siding and brickBackground: “Split-level” refers to a home-construction style that was mass produced in the 1950s and became popular in the 1960s and 1970s.

In recent decades, however, this style has fallen out of favor. Only 2% of homeowners said they prefer the split-style floor plan in a recent construction and remodeling trends report conducted by home remodeling website Fixr.

Types of split-level houses

It’s a good idea to explore all your options if you’re buying a home in an area with multiple split-level houses. While most will follow a basic split-level house plan and come with similar features, there are several architectural styles to choose from:

Back split

A back-split home is divided into multiple levels, but you can only see one story when standing outside on the curb. The split levels can only be seen when you walk to the side of the house, while two stories are visible from the back.

When shopping around for your next home — whether it’s a split-level home or not — be sure to shop around and compare mortgage rates. Doing so can potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. Credible lets you easily compare rates from our partner lenders.

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Side split

A side-split house, where you can see all levels from the curb, is the most common type of split-level home.

Side-split homes are typically divided into two distinct sides: On one side, the garage is built on the bottom floor with the bedrooms stacked on top to create the middle floor. The kitchen and main living spaces are on the other side of the house, connected by a half-flight of stairs to form the upper floor.

Stacked split

Stacked split homes have multiple floors (typically four or more) with the same number of half-staircases. These are often structured with a basement or informal living area at the bottom level with a kitchen and dining room above, then bedrooms stacked on top. The home entrance is at ground level between the bottom- and middle-level floors.

Standard split

In a standard-split home, the entrance is at the ground level and a short set of stairs leads to the other levels. The bottom level typically includes a garage, while the middle level has the main living-area rooms such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room. The bedrooms and bathrooms are all located at the top level.

Split-level vs. bi-level house

Some people use the terms bi-level and split-level interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct home-construction styles. Here are the main differences between the two styles:

Split-levelBi-levelHas at least three levels separated by half-staircasesHas only two levels separated by a full staircaseEntrance is typically located on the middle floorEntrance to the home is located on the bottom floorCommon living areas are often located on the main level, bedrooms on a level above, and a basement or family room in the area belowLower level may contain the bedrooms and bathrooms, while the upper level has the other main living spaces, such as a family room, dining room, and kitchenLiving areas are distinctly separatedMay have open floor plan

Pros and cons of a split-level house

Pros

Better separation between floors: The downstairs and upstairs areas are separated by half-staircases, which helps contain noise and provides more privacy. Potentially more affordable: Because these homes have been out of demand for a few decades, they may have lower price tags compared to other styles of homes. More outdoor space: Even if the lot size is rather small, split-level homes stack the living space vertically. The efficient use of space leaves more room in the backyard for recreation.

Cons

Difficult to remodel: Because each level of a split-level home is built with a specific purpose in mind — and they’re separated by half-staircases — the layout isn’t conducive to major changes.Lots of stairs: Split-level homeowners will need to climb staircases every day to get to another part of the house. This might be fine for some families, but it could be more complicated for aging seniors, people with disabilities, or families with small children.Potentially harder to sell: You can improve your home’s curb appeal, but some buyers may still see split-level homes as outdated or awkward. And because many split-level homes were built in the 1950s, your home may need some updating before putting it on the market.

Should you buy a split-level house?

The answer comes down to the availability of homes in your area and what you’re looking for. You may have noticed that home prices have increased and housing inventory has shrunk within the last year or two. That could leave you with fewer choices when shopping for a home.

But a split-level house may be priced lower than ranch-style homes in your area with a similar square footage. And, because they’re less desirable, you may have fewer buyers to compete against. These factors might make split-level homes more appealing to you.

Other perks to consider: Split-level homes often come with more privacy and lots of extra space, which you can use as a home office or a recreation area. Just be sure you’re OK with having to climb stairs every day, and know that it may be harder to sell the home when you’re ready to move.

Keep Reading: How to Know If You Should Buy a House

The post Split-Level House: What They Are and the Types appeared first on Credible.

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