Can You Get a Debt Consolidation Loan With Bad Credit?
by Fintechnews Switzerland September 19, 2022When you’re caught in a vicious cycle of debt, it may feel as if you’ve gotten trapped. You could be wondering if there’s anything you can do to break free from your financial burden. The good news is that even if your credit score is low, there are alternatives available to you. We’ll go through the option of getting a bad credit debt consolidation loan, as well as some pointers on how to boost your credit score so that you may qualify for future loans!
About the possibilities with a debt consolidation loan
Debt consolidation loans for bad credit do exist, but they may not be as easily attainable as loans for people with good credit. The interest rates on these types of loans will be higher, and you may need to put up collateral, such as your home equity, in order to secure the loan. However, if you’re struggling to make ends meet each month and are tired of feeling like you’re drowning in debt, a consolidation loan may be worth considering.
What happens if you qualify?
Namely, if you qualify, a debt consolidation loan can be used to pay off your outstanding debts. This would leave you with just one monthly payment to make, as opposed to multiple payments to different creditors.
In addition, the interest rate on your consolidation loan may be lower than the rates you’re currently paying on your individual debts. This could save you money in the long run and help you get out of debt more quickly. You may also be able to get a longer loan term when looking for the best debt consolidation loans for bad credit, and this would further lower your monthly payments. However, keep in mind that extending the loan term will also increase the total amount of interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan.
Things to consider before consolidating your debts
image via Unsplash
Before you apply for a debt consolidation loan, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons. On the plus side, as we’ve mentioned, a consolidation loan could help you save money on interest and make your monthly payments more manageable. In addition, consolidating your debts could help improve your credit score over time if you’re able to repay the loan as agreed.
On the other hand, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider when it comes to the loan. For one thing, if you’re not able to make your monthly payments on time, you could risk losing the collateral you put up for the loan. In addition, consolidating your debts could lead to a longer repayment period, which means you’ll end up paying more interest in the long run.
Boosting your credit score
If you’re not able to get a debt consolidation loan because of your bad credit, don’t despair! There are steps you can take to improve your credit score so that you may be eligible for future loans. One thing you can do is make sure you’re making all of your payments on time. This includes not only your monthly debt payments but also other bills, such as utilities and rent.
In addition, you can try to pay down your debts so that you have a lower credit utilization ratio. This is the percentage of your credit limit that you’re using, and it’s one of the factors that lenders look at when considering a loan. Try to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%, and ideally below 20%.
Get a consigner for your loan
If you’re having trouble qualifying for a debt consolidation loan on your own, you may be able to get a consigner. This is someone who agrees to make the monthly payments on the loan if you’re unable to do so.
Keep in mind that the consigner will be responsible for repaying the entire loan if you default, so it’s important to choose someone you trust. This can be a family member, friend, or even a co-signer. For instance, if you’re consolidating $20,000 of debt at an interest rate of 15%, your monthly payment would be approximately $400. If you’re unable to make this payment, the consigner would be responsible for doing so.
To conclude, if you’re struggling with bad credit, a debt consolidation loan may be an option worth considering. These loans can help you save money on interest and make your monthly payments more manageable. However, there are also a few things to keep in mind before consolidating your debts, such as the potential risks involved. If you’re not able to get a debt consolidation loan on your own, you may be able to get one with a consigner. Ultimately, consolidating your debts can be a helpful way to improve your financial situation, but it’s important to weigh all of the pros and cons before making a decision.
Featured image credit: Unsplash
