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What is a credit card consolidation loan?

Credit card debt consolidation loans can provide the funds you need to pay off existing credit card debts and consolidate them into one fixed monthly payment. Personal loans can work exactly like a debt consolidation loan. Many individuals use personal loans for credit card debt consolidation. Credit card consolidation loans and personal loans do not dismiss debt but rather make them more manageable. Having multiple credit cards and multiple monthly payments can be overwhelming. You may feel like you are drowning in credit card debt that you will never get paid off. Borrowers may be more likely to miss payments or forget about them when they have multiple credit card balances and payments due.

While credit card consolidation loans can provide a way to simplify debts and make them easier to pay off, they may not make the debt go away forever. Before taking a credit card consolidation loan you should consider how you got into debt. We strongly encourage individuals to review credit card statements and evaluate spending habits. If you are spending more money than you make, you may never get out of debt. Individuals need to make conscious decisions to spend money more carefully and follow budgets. Making a budget can help individuals get out of debt and stay out of debt. In addition, creating a budget can help you determine how much you can afford to pay monthly toward a credit card consolidation loan.

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Credit Card Consolidation Loans for Good or Bad Credit

Looking at high-interest rate credit card statements month after month can be exhausting and make you feel as if there is no end. If you read this carefully, you may begin to realize there can be an end to your never-ending debt. Whether you have good credit or bad credit using a personal loan for credit card consolidation can help you pay off debt while improving your credit score. Throughout this blog, we will cover the difference between credit card consolidation loans, personal loans used to pay off credit card debt, and more. Reading this blog is the first step to paying off credit card debt that you thought would haunt you forever.

What is credit card debt consolidation?

Swiping a credit card is simple. However, paying off the balance can become challenging if you overspend. While credit cards can help us finance emergencies or have money when cash flow is low, you should use them with caution. If you have multiple credit cards with what feels like never-ending balances, you may want to consider credit card debt consolidation. Credit card consolidation loans allow you to roll credit card balances together into one loan. In most cases, the credit card consolidation loan has a lower interest rate than a credit card. In addition, the lender will tell you the required minimum monthly payment required to pay the loan off by the time the term ends.

Can you get a personal loan to pay off credit card debt?

Yes, personal loans are a great way to consolidate and pay off credit card debt. Personal loans offer competitive interest rates starting at 6.99% and flexible terms of up to 12 years. In addition, all credit types can qualify for a personal loan. Personal loans can provide an easy way for you to pay off debt while improving your credit score and financial health. Banks, credit unions, and online lenders can offer personal loans for credit card debt consolidation. In most cases, online lenders offer competitive rates and are the easiest to qualify for. In addition, some online lenders can make funds available as soon as 24-hours.

How much can you borrow with a personal loan to pay off credit cards?

Personal loans can be used for just about anything from debt consolidation to home improvement projects. Once you are approved for a certain amount, you can use the funds for just about anything. Most lenders offer personal loans up to $100,000. Your credit score, monthly income, job stability, debt-to-income ratio, and more may affect how much you can qualify for. Before applying for a personal loan you should determine how much credit card debt you need to consolidate with the personal loan. It may be a good idea to apply for slightly more than this just in case. In most cases, if a lender cannot approve your original request they can counter with an offer they can approve.

Will consolidating my credit cards hurt my credit?

In some cases, credit card consolidation loans can temporarily cause a drop in credit score. However, as old accounts get cleared off your credit report and you make consistent on-time payments, your credit should slowly start improving. Using a credit card consolidation loan can also improve your "credit mix."

What kind of credit score do you need for a debt consolidation loan?

Some lenders can provide debt consolidation loans for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher. In addition to credit score, most lenders evaluate applicants based on consistent monthly income, credit history, ad debt-to-income ratio. Lenders that specialize in debt consolidation loans should understand that you have made a few mistakes and are trying to improve your credit. If you have bad credit you should work with a lender that specializes in assisting bad to fair credit borrowers. You may also consider adding a cosigner to your application. Acorn Finance has many lending partners that can assist bad credit borrowers with obtaining a credit card consolidation loan.

Is it better to get a debt consolidation loan or personal loan?

Personal loans and debt consolidation loans are practically the same thing. Personal loans are often used for paying-off high interest debt. Whether you use a debt consolidation loan or personal loan you are likely to save on interest charges. In addition, both loans can offer one fixed monthly payment. A personal loan can be used for just about anything including debt consolidation. Unsecured personal loans do not require a down payment or collateral. Debt consolidation loans are just a personal loan that is only used for paying off other debts. Acorn Finance has lending partners that offer personal loans and debt consolidation loans.

Is a credit card consolidation loan a good idea?

If you can consolidate debt to pay it off and create a budget to prevent new debt, you should consider a credit card consolidation loan. Experts suggest that if your debt, excluding mortgage, does not exceed 40% of your gross income, a debt consolidation loan is a good idea. In addition, you need to make sure you have enough cash flow to cover the monthly payment for the debt consolidation loan. One of the most critical factors in successfully consolidating debt is finding a way to prevent running up debt again.

Is replacing credit card debt with a personal loan payment a good idea?

Replacing credit card debt with a personal loan can be a very good idea. Having multiple credit cards approaching or at their spending limit can negatively affect your credit score. Credit cards may also have very high-interest rates, making it seem impossible to pay them down. Consolidating your credit card balances into a personal loan can improve your credit rating. It can also reduce your stress by making your debt more manageable.

What are the pros & cons of personal loans to pay off credit debt?

Perhaps the biggest pro of using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt is replacing high-interest credit cards with a lower interest loan. Let's take a look at more pros and cons (even though there aren't many cons) of using a personal loan for debt consolidation. . .

Pros:

Improve credit score and financial health

Save money on interest

One (hopefully more affordable) monthly payment

Pay off debt faster

Cons:

You may not qualify for a large enough personal loan

Continuing to accumulate debt

Loan may have fees

Refinancing a Credit Card vs Credit Card Consolidation

You may be able to find and qualify for credit cards with promotional 0% periods or decreased transfer fees. If you can, this can be a good way to save money on interest. You can continue to roll credit card balances onto lower interest credit cards while you work on paying balances down. However, most promotional periods are only 6-24 months. In addition, it may be time-consuming to keep refinancing your credit card(s). Using a credit card consolidation loan may be easier to secure and keep up with. In addition, it's more likely to increase your credit score than refinancing a credit card(s). When you use a credit card consolidation loan you are rolling multiple credit card balances into one loan. Upon signing into the loan you should know how much your monthly payment is and how long it will take you to pay the loan off.

The 6 Best Credit Card Consolidation Loans for 2021

Lenders can be compared to retail stores in the sense that they each specialize in a different target audience. If you have bad credit and are trying to use a lender that specializes in good credit borrowers, you may strike out or receive extremely unfavorable terms. When it comes to picking the best credit card consolidation loan, you'll want to start by picking the best lender. Acorn Finance makes it easy to explore various credit card consolidation loan offers from various lenders without affecting your credit score.

Reviewing the terms available for each lender is essential to pick the loan that is best for you. For example, you may need to borrow $50,000 for 7 years. You may be attracted to the lender with the lowest interest rate but they may not offer a high enough loan amount or long enough term. This is when you may need to get creative and decide if you could make their terms work or if you need to pay a little more in interest for more favorable terms. Here are the top 6 best credit card consolidation loans for 2021. . .

LightStream
LightStream offers some of the lowest interest rates for credit card consolidation loans. In addition, they offer generous loan amounts up to $100,000 and repayment terms up to 144 months. To qualify borrowers will need a minimum credit score of 660. Borrowers should also have established credit history and consistent income. Applicants can apply with a cosigner to increase the chance of approval. LightStream is a national online lender that highlights top-rated reviews, no origination fees, and no prepayment or late fees. LightStream is a division of Truist that offers about 30 loan options with debt consolidation loans being one of the top three.

FreedomPlus
FreedomPlus is an online lender that is best for borrowers with fair credit. FreedomPlus offers debt consolidation or personal loans from $7,500 to $40,000 and repayment terms between 24-60 months. To qualify borrowers need a minimum credit score of 620. FreedomPlus is headquartered in San Mateo, California and was founded in 2013. Although they are a relatively new lending company compared to other options, they are backed by top-rated reviews and proven processes. If you need funds quickly, FreedomPlus can deliver same-day loan approval and funding as soon as 48-hours.

SoFi
SoFi offers extremely competitive debt consolidation or personal loans for well-qualified borrowers. SoFi proudly offers no fees, unemployment protection, free financial advising, and rate discounts for autopay. To qualify for a SoFi loan applicants should have a minimum credit score of 680. Most applicants are evaluated based on credit history, credit score, and monthly income versus expenses. SoFi can provide unsecured loans between $5,000 to $100,000 with terms up to 7 years. In some cases, SoFi can fund loans on the same day. If you are looking for a transparent lender with excellent customer service you should consider SoFi.

LendingClub
LendingClub has one of the lowest minimum credit score requirements of just 600. In addition, they allow co-signed loan applications to help increase your chance of approval. LendingClub offers debt consolidation loans between $1,000 to $40,000 with repayment terms between 2-5 years. LendingClub also offers direct payment to creditors with debt consolidation loans. This can be a serious perk for borrowers that want to simplify the debt consolidation process. Some reviews frown upon LendingClub's origination fee and high interest rates. However, LendingClub works with less than perfect credit borrowers meaning they have significantly more risk.

Upstart
Upstart is a national online lender that is known for outstanding customer service. Their business model is to connect borrowers with fair to excellent credit to investors that can loan up to $50,000. When you apply through Upstart you should know that nearly two-thirds of their lending decisions are made using artificial intelligence. This means applicants should make sure there are no mistakes on their application that could cause an accidental denial. To qualify for a loan through Upstart borrowers should have a minimum credit score of 620. Compared to other lenders, Upstart offers competitive repayment terms up to 60 months. In some cases, Upstart approves applicants with minimal or no credit history. Their artificial intelligence system evaluates applicants based on risk.

Discover
If you have excellent credit, Discover may still have slightly higher interest rates. However, Discover offers no origination fee, a seamless online experience, top-rated customer service, and borrower perks that make them a top lender for debt consolidation loans. In addition, Discover offers direct payment to creditors and a wide variety of payment options. In order to qualify for a debt consolidation loan with Discover, you'll need a minimum credit score of 660. If you need funds quickly, Discover can help. Discover can fund loans within one business day. Customers highlight Discover's user-friendly mobile app that makes managing loans easy.

Is a credit card consolidation loan right for me?

In conclusion, using a personal loan for debt consolidation is likely the answer you have been searching for. While you can secure a personal loan through a bank or credit union, online lenders can be easier to qualify for and offer more competitive rates. To eliminate any risk involved with using an online lender, you should go through Acorn Finance to find a reliable personal loan offer. Acorn Finance can save you tons of time while making sure you get the best interest rate available. In addition, their services cost you $0. So what are you waiting for? Your debt-free lifestyle is right around the corner.

If you are struggling to pay off debt, there are a few things you can try before applying for a debt consolidation loan. We highly recommend reaching out to creditors and explaining your situation. They may be willing to work with you and reduce fees or minimum monthly payments or adjust your payment date to match up with when you get paid. Acorn Finance offers a secure online platform that can connect individuals to reputable lenders that can help all credit types obtain credit card consolidation loans. Using the Acorn Finance platform can save you tons of time while ensuring that you get the best debt consolidation loan. Individuals can submit an application through Acorn Finance that will not affect their credit score and receive personalized debt consolidation loan offers.

Is a credit card consolidation loan bad for your credit?

While credit card consolidation may temporarily affect your credit score, in the long run it can do wonders for your credit. As you are able to pay down high credit card balances, you can see your credit score improve little by little. Initially, your credit score may react to a new loan and a new inquiry. However, as you begin to make payments and old accounts paid or closed, your credit score should start to recover. If you default on a credit card consolidation loan it may severely damage your credit score.

Is it better to pay off credit cards or consolidate?

You need to assess your financial situation before you can answer this question. Essentially, when you consolidate debt, you are paying off old debts, with new debts, and combining them into one loan. If you are struggling to manage your payments, and have high interest rates, a consolidation loan can certainly help to streamline your finances and make your debt more manageable. The goal should be to reduce the amount of interest you pay. In some cases, you may be able to take advantage of promotional offers that allow you to roll credit card balances. For smaller credit card balances, this may be a smart option. However, you will want to make sure you can pay the balance within the promotional period. Otherwise, you may need to use a debt consolidation loan.

In most cases though, when people are carrying credit card debt and have been for a while, using a consolidation loan can be a good choice. Sometimes, a consolidation loan will lower your overall payments. This can give you the opportunity to meet your financial obligations without using credit or even to save some extra money.

What is the smartest way to consolidate debt?

If you have several open accounts with debt accumulating by the day, a debt consolidation loan with a fixed interest rate and fixed payment may be the answer. With credit card debt, your minimum monthly payment can go on forever. Consolidating credit card debt with a personal loan can provide you with a fixed monthly payment and fixed term. This means that as long as you make the required payment on-time during the entire loan term, the balance will be paid off. For some, this may be the light at the end of the tunnel they have been searching for.

You can also consider transferring your balances to a 0% or ultra-low-interest-rate credit card. If you do this, remember, these rates are promotional, will expire, and there are often fees to do this. When the rates expire they usually go back to regular credit card interest rates which can be quite high.

What happens if you get a debt consolidation loan?

Well, a lot of things can happen. You will have one payment to manage, hopefully at a lower, fixed interest rate. This is because the proceeds of the loan will be used to pay off your outstanding balances. Often, people are relieved to only have one payment and this gives them an opportunity to get back on track financially. Your credit score may decline temporarily, but if you make your payments on time it shouldn't take too long for your credit score to recover.

It could take you longer to pay off a consolidation loan than if you had simply tackled your outstanding bills one by one. Before deciding that a debt consolidation loan is the best option you should weigh your options. In addition, you should spend some time reviewing your spending habits. Understanding how you got into debt in the first place can prevent history from repeating itself.

How long does debt consolidation stay on your credit report?

A debt consolidation can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. The amount you borrowed, your payment history, and when you borrowed the money will be on your credit report. When you have paid it off will be reported too. If you have made your payments on time this is not a bad thing because you will have established a good repayment track record.

Are Consolidation Loans Worth It?

In most cases, a debt consolidation loan is worth it. While it may require some of your time initially, it can make paying off debt that much easier in the long run. Here are some things to consider before deciding whether a debt consolidation loan is worth it or not. First, you need to look at your budget and find out why you are carrying so much debt that you feel you need a consolidation loan.

Next, you need to check the terms and conditions of consolidation loans you are considering. If you can pay off your outstanding debts at a lower rate and a shorter amount of time than you would with a consolidation loan, it may be better to keep doing what you are already doing.

So, when is a consolidation loan worth it? If you are lowering your rates it can definitely be worth it. Some credit cards have interest rates of 20% or more while the average personal loan rate is just under 10%. If you are overwhelmed by the amount of bills you need to pay, a consolidation loan can reduce stress by giving you just one monthly payment.

A consolidation loan can also give people peace of mind and a fresh start knowing that their bills are manageable and late payments and calls from creditors are a thing of the past.

What are the risks of debt consolidation

The biggest risk is the tendency for people to feel that their debts are paid and they can go on spending. Debts are not really paid off with a consolidation loan, but rather, they have simply been rolled into one lump sum with a manageable payment structure.

People who leave their credit cards open will sometimes use them again and then find themselves with a consolidation loan plus new credit card payments. Eventually, this can put people in a situation where they no longer qualify for new credit (like an additional consolidation loan) because they owe too much or their credit rating has deteriorated.

Another risk is that you can end up paying more. Loans often have fees added on which increase their costs. The initial rate might be a teaser rate which will increase. The amortization or time it takes to pay off the loan can extend for years which will add to your interest costs.

All those things considered, a consolidation loan can still be a great tool to get your financial house in order.

How long does it take to get a consolidation loan?

If you go into the application process prepared, debt consolidation loans can take as little as 1 day to secure, although funding times may vary. If the lender will pay creditors directly, the process of transferring the debt may take some time. Alternatively, if you are paying creditors with the new loan money, this may also take some time.

Why is debt consolidation a bad idea?

If debt consolidation does not save you money on interest, it might be a bad idea. Debt consolidation loans are designed to make debt more manageable while saving borrowers money on interest. While there are several other benefits too, those are some of the main benefits. To determine if debt consolidation is a good or bad idea, you should first see what terms you qualify for. You can then compare the loan cost to your existing loan costs. Debt consolidation can help you streamline your finances.

If you have several high interest credit cards or debts with balances that are spiraling out of control, you should consider a debt consolidation loan. If you have credit challenges you may need to work a bit harder to find a debt consolidation loan that makes financial sense. If you have good credit, it should be easier to find a debt consolidation loan that makes financial sense.

Debt consolidation when you have a low credit score could be a bad idea. It might sound wise to combine all your debt into one monthly payment, but if it's still a loan with very high interest, you might end up spending more money in the long run.

Debt consolidation may also be a bad idea if you do not adjust your spending habits. By consolidating debt, you may free up credit card utilization. For some, this may be an invitation to start charging up your balance again. This can ruin the point of debt consolidation. Debt consolidation is designed to provide a manageable solution for paying off debt so that you can have a fresh start. If you use a debt consolidation loan you should avoid getting into new debt, unless you can pay it off right away.

What are the disadvantages of debt consolidation?

While there are some advantages of debt consolidation, it's not a good idea for everyone. If debt consolidation does not save you money, this can be a big disadvantage. If it can save you money, there are few disadvantages. Let's take a look at some disadvantages of debt consolidation:

Some cons of debt consolidating include:

Comes with added costs, in some cases. Debt consolidation may come with additional fees such as balance transfer fees, annual fees, origination fees, and more. Make sure you know the full cost of the loan before committing.

You might face higher interest. You should always search for a lender who can give you lower interest than what you are paying right now. This means searching for competitive rates. If you don't qualify for low-interest loans, you might need to look at other options to clear your debts.

You might pay more interest over time. Since you are taking out a new loan, you now have a new loan term. Even though your interest rates might be lower, and your monthly payments are less, you might actually pay more in interest over time since you have a new loan.

Might encourage increased spending. Once you have paid down your credit cards, try not to use them anymore. Otherwise, you may find yourself stuck in the same situation as you were in before. Having a loan for debt consolidation and then high credit card payments again can be very burdensome financially.

Doesn't always solve the real issue. Before taking out any loans for debt consolidation, think about why you have debt in the first place. Sometimes it's because you had an emergency or went through a period of unemployment. In these cases, you are probably ready to pay it off and move on. Make sure you can curb any unnecessary spending and don't get yourself into deeper debt.

You risk missing payments. Make sure you can pay off the new payment and can afford your other bills with it comfortably. Setting up autopay can help ensure your payment is made on-time.

What's the difference between debt settlement and consolidation?

Debt consolidation is when you take all of your existing debt and combine it together. Usually, this involves taking out a personal loan to pay off the current debt you have. Then, you will make monthly payments on the personal loan rather than to all your credit cards separately. It could also involve taking a low-interest credit card and transferring the balance of your current cards to the new one.

The pros for debt consolidation:

Simplifies the process of paying your bills. You are only making one payment instead of several at the same time.

Lower interest rates. If you are falling behind on credit card payments, you might find yourself stuck with penalty fees and high interest rates. A debt consolidation loan could help you get a lower interest rate and one monthly payment rather than several.

Paying off your credit card debt should improve your credit score as long as you don't continue to rack up debt on them.

Debt settlement works a little differently. This is when you will negotiate with creditors to settle a debt for less than what you owe. This is usually used when you have a large amount you owe to one creditor. It can be used for multiple creditors, but is less common.

Debt settlement can also involve using a negotiator in many cases. They can make an offer on your behalf to the creditor and see if it is accepted or not. There are some pros and cons to debt settlement that should be considered before moving forward. The pros are that you will be able to reduce your debt or have it forgiven. Let's take a look at some of the cons.

Cons:

Additional late fees. The debt settlement company often asks that you don't make payments on the debt while the debt is being settled. This means you will likely accrue late fees and might temporarily impact your credit score. It can also negatively impact your credit report since you aren't making payments for months or in some cases, years.

Tax consequences. In some cases, the IRS might count whatever amount was forgiven as income. This means you have to report it on your taxes.

Long time frame. The typical time frame for debt settlement is 2-3 years. So, for a few years, you will be racking up late fees and penalty charges and living with damaged credit.

Lenders can refuse. No lender is required to settle debt and some even refuse to work with debt settlement companies.

Which is better consolidation vs loan?

A loan is a type of consolidation and could be a good idea if you are able to receive a low-interest loan. A home equity loan can also be used to consolidate debt. This could be the best option if you have substantial equity built up in your home and feel comfortable with putting your home as an asset.

Transferring your balance to a 0% credit card is one of the best options but usually requires you to have an excellent credit score. Your credit score will likely have to be 700 or higher, to use a promotional balance transfer option.

Is credit counseling better than debt consolidation?

For some people, yes. A debt management program is usually 3-5 years. Some people aren't patient enough to stick with the program for this long and end up facing penalties. Make sure you have the time and patience to stick through the program.

It is a good option for those who struggle to maintain their debt though and can't identify the source of their overspending. The counseling can help them find potential problems and then be able to move forward without dealing with them again.

How do I clear debt quickly?

Before clearing debt, you will need to make sure you can get a loan or a credit card balance transfer that is worth it. If you have a good credit score, try the following:

Personal loan

Home equity loan or line of credit

Balance transfer on credit cards

If your credit score is only fair or will only qualify you for another high-interest loan, you might want to try the following:

Debt management plan

Credit counseling

Continue to pay off your debt as it is

Spend a few months trying to raise your credit score

How can I consolidate my debt with bad credit?

If you are looking to consolidate your debt but you have bad credit, you may be wondering how you should go about the process? Seems like debt consolidation loans should be considered by lenders as a step in the right direction for a borrower with bad credit, however, they still may see you as a risk. Even for debt consolidation loans you should strive to have a credit score somewhere in the mid-600s. That would be a score between 620 and 670.

Having a credit score in the 620 to 670 range may be the best way to ensure that you qualify for a personal loan to consolidate your debts. If you have a credit score that is lower, there are still some lenders that will want to work with you to help you pay down some immediate debt to combine it all into one easy down payment. Even those lenders that specialize in working with borrowers with bad credit will likely want to see a credit score of at least 580. Anything lower than that and you are moving into strict secured loan options that will require collateral. If you can supply the lender with a person that is willing to participate in the loan as a cosigner, then your chances to qualify for a debt consolidation loan should greatly increase depending on the co-signer's credit situation.

Will my bank give me a consolidation loan with bad credit?

Your personal bank might be an option to consider for a consolidation loan, however, many people find that regular banks used for checking and savings accounts are not that interested in debt consolidation loans. This could be for a number of reasons, but a regular bank may have more strict risk-based lending models and less flexibility to move outside of the parameters set by the model.

Meaning, if you are seeking a debt consolidation loan because you already have bad credit, chances are you will not qualify for the loan you need and the bank may think you may be more risk than they are willing to take on. If you belong to a credit union, you may have a much better chance than a commercial for-profit banking institution. Credit unions are typically a non-profit organization that are willing to show some flexibility to their members. Everyone's credit situation is unique so while this is general advice, you should contact your bank or credit union and start asking questions.

How do I get out of debt with no money?

If you are looking to get out of debt but have the simple problem of just not having enough money, it can seem like you are in a never-ending cycle and there is no light at the end of that tunnel. If this is a situation you find yourself in, then you may have to take the tough action of examining your personal spending habits and reevaluating your lifestyle choices.

Maybe you could consider moving apartments into a place with a rent that is a few hundred dollars cheaper a month? Or you might want to cancel some monthly subscription services, cancel your cable, and stop spending excess money on entertainment and dining. Maybe cook at home rather than go to dinner. Things of this nature. These are always hard choices to be made, but if you are serious about getting out of debt, and you cannot seem to find the extra money to do so, then it is time to make some changes.

The first thing you may need to do is to create a budget. Creating a budget will help you to better examine where exactly your money goes each month. There are many online tools to help you do this, otherwise, a simple excel spreadsheet and your bank statement will do the trick. Even a notebook and pencil. Either way, take a deep look into where you can start to cut costs to have leftover money each month that go directly into your goal of getting out of debt. If you can free up some income, you may be able to consolidate existing credit card debts into one loan and pay them off.

How do I pay my debt if I live paycheck to paycheck?

If you are living paycheck to paycheck, then the idea of getting out of debt may seem impossible. With careful thought and planning, you can get out of debt. You may need to examine your expenses and see what areas are causing you to spend every dime you have right up to the point that your next check comes.

Maybe there really is no place where you can cut costs and you are spending all of your money on legitimate expenses. If you have exhausted all the ways you can cut excess spending, you may need to consider an additional source of income.Do you have an excessive wardrobe that can manage a downsizing? You might be able to make some quick extra cash to pay down some credit card debt by selling some of your clothing on Facebook Marketplace or other social media platforms. Can you work as a rideshare consultant on the weekends? Using your vehicle to deliver passengers, cargo, or food in your spare time may be an option for you. Whatever you choose to do to make some extra money, doing so will create a little breathing room for you where you can then begin to use those funds to pay down your debts.

How do I get out of debt with no money and bad credit?

Getting out of debt with no money and bad credit is no easy task. Depending on your credit score, you might be able to qualify for a debt consolidation loan to give you the upfront costs you need to wipe your slate clean. Once your immediate debt is consolidated into one easy monthly payment, you can then start to hopefully build up your savings again. You may also take this time to begin building your credit by making your debt consolidation loan payments on time and by not taking on any fresh lines of credit.

If you cannot qualify for a debt consolidation loan on your own, maybe someone will be willing to cosign for you. If not, again cutting costs and increasing your monthly income is the most basic way to begin to chip away at that debt. If you find that your debt is no longer manageable you may need to look into taking legal actions to have the debt forgiven.

See Our Other Loans for Payment Financing and Debt Consolidation

Can I put all my debt into one payment with bad credit?

This is exactly what a debt consolidation loan does. It gives you the money into your checking account that you then can use to pay off your credit cards, your medical bills, and whatever debts you have at the moment. You then agree to make the monthly payments and pay the interest on the loan in return for the service and convenience of the upfront money.

What credit score do you need for a consolidation loan?

A debt consolidation loan for credit card debts is often just a personal loan or installment loan. To qualify you should have good credit which is considered to be a credit score starting at 670. However, it's very possible to qualify with a lower credit score. Most lenders will have a minimum credit score requirement that you will want to look into before applying. At Acorn Finance, some of our lending partners have a FICO score cutoff of 600.

Why can't I get a loan to consolidate debt with bad credit?

There could be any number of reasons that you cannot secure a loan to consolidate your debt based on your bad credit situation. For example, you may have a credit score that meets a lender's minimum requirement but a serious lack of income. The lack of income may cause the lender to deny you a loan. If this is the case, then you may need to consider a secured loan option using a home or vehicle as collateral.

Can I get a credit card consolidation loan online?

Most lenders offer an online application process for debt consolidation loans. Oftentimes, debt consolidation loans are just personal loans designed for consolidation debt. At Acorn Finance you can check debt consolidation loan offers within 60 seconds or less without impacting your credit score. In some cases, the debt consolidation loan process can be completed online from start to finish. If you need an entirely online process, you should contact the lender before accepting their offer.

Discover competitive debt consolidation loans. . . check offers online today!

#1. Complete and submit a short loan application online

#2. Receive multiple pre-qualified offers

#3. Get connected with lenders to obtain your pre-qualified loan

How do I get a personal loan for credit card consolidation?

If you need a credit card consolidation loan you should consider Acorn Finance. Acorn Finance partners with dozens of reliable lenders that can help all credit types with debt consolidation loans. You can submit one application, which does not affect your credit score. Within seconds you can receive multiple personalized debt consolidation loan offers. This can help you confidently select the best offer available while saving you tons of time and headaches.

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3
Do your project
If you're approved, use your funds to cover all your costs now, and pay the lender back month by month

What can I do with a $10,000 personal loan?

A $10,000 personal loan has a number of uses, including (but not limited to):
Home improvement Buying a car Wedding costs
Debt consolidation Medical bills Startup business costs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Still have questions?

One home, endless possibilities

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Personal Loan Information