Managing multiple debts can feel overwhelming — different due dates, interest rates, and payment amounts. A debt consolidation loan can simplify this by combining multiple debts into one monthly payment, often at a lower interest rate.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best debt consolidation loans available, highlight their pros and cons, and show you how to apply online with fast approval and no impact on your credit score during pre-qualification.
Quick Tip: Most lenders let you pre-qualify with a soft credit pull — this won’t affect your credit score.
Top 6 Best Debt Consolidation Loans in the U.S.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the most trusted lenders offering debt consolidation loans this year:
| Lender | Loan Range | APR Range | Credit Score | Best For | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoFi | $5,000 – $100,000 | 8.99% – 35.49% | None | Best Overall | Apply |
| LightStream | $5,000 – $100,000 | 6.49% – 24.89% | 660+ | Best for Large Loans | Apply |
| Discover | $2,500 – $40,000 | 7.99% – 24.99% | 660+ | Best for Low APR | Apply |
| Upgrade | $1,000 – $50,000 | 7.99% – 35.99% | 600+ | Best for Fair Credit | Apply |
| Best Egg | $2,000 – $50,000 | 6.99% – 35.99% | 600+ | Best for Secured Loans | Apply |
| LendingClub | $1,000 – $40,000 | 8.30% – 36.00% | 600+ | Best for Peer-to-Peer Loans | Apply |
Best Debt Consolidation Loan Lenders – Detailed Reviews
SoFi – Best Overall for Debt Consolidation
SoFi consistently ranks among the top lenders in the U.S. for personal and debt consolidation loans. They offer high loan limits, no fees, and flexible repayment terms, making them ideal for borrowers with stable income who want an easy online process.
Key Features:
Loan amounts: $5,000 – $100,000
APR: 8.99% – 35.49%
No origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties
Flexible repayment terms: 2–7 years
Member perks (career coaching, financial planning, unemployment protection)
Pros:
✔ High loan amounts (up to $100k)
✔ No fees at all
✔ Perks and benefits for members
✔ Fast online application with pre-qualification
Cons:
✘ Higher minimum loan amount ($5,000) than some lenders
✘ Best rates typically require excellent credit
👉 Check Your Rate with SoFi
No impact on your credit score. Takes less than 2 minutes.
LightStream – Best for Large Loans
LightStream, a division of Truist Bank, is known for offering low APRs and high loan amounts, making it a great choice for borrowers consolidating large debts like multiple credit cards or personal loans.
Key Features:
Loan amounts: $5,000 – $100,000
APR: 6.49%–24.89% (with autopay discount)
Repayment terms: 2–12 years (longer than many competitors)
No origination fees, prepayment fees, or late fees
Same-day funding available for approved applicants
Pros:
✔ Among the lowest APRs available
✔ Long repayment terms (up to 12 years)
✔ Large loan limits (great for big consolidations)
✔ Rate beat program (they’ll beat competitor rates by 0.10%)
Cons:
✘ Requires good to excellent credit (660+)
✘ Not available for small loan needs under $5,000
👉 Apply with LightStream
Same-day funding is possible if approved by 2:30 PM ET.
Discover – Best for Low APRs
Discover is one of the most trusted financial brands, and its personal loans are excellent for borrowers who prioritize low APRs and transparent terms.
Key Features:
Loan amounts: $2,500 – $40,000
APR: 7.99%–24.99%
Flexible repayment terms: 3–7 years
No origination fees, closing costs, or prepayment penalties
U.S.-based customer service available 24/7
Pros:
✔ Low starting APRs (for excellent credit)
✔ Trusted, established lender
✔ No hidden fees
✔ Fast funding within 1–2 days
Cons:
✘ Requires good credit (typically 660+)
✘ Lower max loan amount ($40,000) than SoFi/LightStream
👉 Apply with Discover
Fast approval with no prepayment penalty.
Upgrade – Best for Fair Credit
Upgrade is one of the most popular lenders for borrowers who don’t have excellent credit but still want access to debt consolidation loans. With a minimum credit score of 600, it opens the door for more people compared to lenders that require 660+.
Key Features:
Loan amounts: $1,000–$50,000
APR: 7.99% – 35.99%
Repayment terms: 2–7 years
Origination fee: 1.85%–9.99%
Offers free credit monitoring and budgeting tools
Pros:
✔ Accepts fair credit borrowers (600+)
✔ Fast approval and funding
✔ Loans as low as $1,000 (good for small consolidations)
✔ Tools to help track and manage debt
Cons:
✘ Origination fees can be high
✘ Higher APRs if the credit is below average
👉 Apply with Upgrade
A soft credit check won’t affect your score.
Best Egg – Best for Secured Loans
Best Egg provides flexible options, including secured loans backed by personal assets, which can help borrowers with lower credit scores qualify for better rates.
Key Features:
Loan amounts: $2,000 – $50,000
APR: 6.99% – 35.99%
Repayment terms: 3–5 years
Origination fee: 0.99%–8.99%
Secured loan option available with collateral
Pros:
✔ Offers secured loans to improve approval odds
✔ Flexible credit score requirements (600+)
✔ Quick application process and funding
Cons:
✘ Origination fees can increase the cost
✘ Shorter repayment terms (max 5 years)
👉 Apply with Best Egg
Check your rate in minutes with no impact on your credit score.
LendingClub – Best for Peer-to-Peer Loans
LendingClub is one of the pioneers of online peer-to-peer lending. It connects borrowers directly with investors, making it a good choice for those who want a non-traditional loan option.
Key Features:
Loan amounts: $1,000–$40,000
APR: 8.30% – 36.00%
Repayment terms: 3–5 years
Origination fee: 3%–6%
Joint applications allowed (good for couples consolidating debt)
Pros:
✔ Peer-to-peer model offers flexible options
✔ Joint applications improve approval odds
✔ Loans as low as $1,000 available
Cons:
✘ Origination fees are higher than some lenders
✘ Maximum loan amount limited to $40,000
👉 Apply with LendingClub
Apply individually or jointly for higher approval chances.
How to Choose the Best Debt Consolidation Loan
With so many lenders offering different rates, fees, and terms, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right debt consolidation loan. Here are the most important factors you should consider before applying:
1. Interest Rates (APR)
The annual percentage rate (APR) determines how much you’ll actually pay for borrowing.
A small difference in APR (e.g., 9% vs 12%) can mean thousands of dollars saved over the life of the loan.
If your credit score is excellent (720+), prioritize lenders like SoFi, which offer lower APRs.
If your score is fair (600–660), consider Upgrade or Best Egg, but check for additional fees.
2. Fees and Hidden Costs
Always look beyond the advertised APR. Some lenders charge:
Origination fees (1–9%) are deducted from your loan upfront
Late payment fees (though Marcus doesn’t charge any)
Prepayment penalties (rare, but worth checking)
Rule of thumb: If you want the simplest, most transparent loan, look for a “no fee” lender like Marcus.
3. Loan Amounts and Terms
Think about how much debt you’re consolidating and how long you want to repay:
Small debts (under $5,000): Upgrade or LendingClub are good since they start at $1,000.
Larger debts ($20,000+): SoFi and LightStream go up to $100,000.
Longer repayment flexibility (6–7 years): SoFi, Upgrade, or LightStream are best.
4. Funding Speed
If you need money fast, some lenders disburse funds in as little as 1–2 business days (e.g., LightStream, Upgrade).
Others (like Marcus) may take 3–5 days. Speed matters if you’re consolidating high-interest credit cards quickly.
5. Credit Score Requirements
Each lender has different minimum requirements:
Excellent credit (720+) → SoFi, Marcus, LightStream
Good credit (660–700) → LendingClub, Best Egg
Fair credit (600–650) → Upgrade, Best Egg
If your credit is below 600, you may need to improve your score or explore secured loans.
6. Extra Perks
Some lenders provide additional benefits that can add long-term value:
SoFi: free career coaching & unemployment protection
Upgrade: free credit monitoring & budgeting tools
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Check your credit score
Pre-qualify with 2–3 lenders (soft pull, no impact)
Choose loan terms that fit your budget
Submit documents (ID, proof of income)
Receive funds & pay off debts
Set up auto-pay to avoid late fees
Eligibility Requirements
Credit score: 600+ for most lenders, 720+ for best rates
Debt-to-income ratio: Below 40–50%
Stable income (employment, self-employment, or retirement benefits)
Residency: U.S. resident, 18+ with SSN & bank account
Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Consolidation Loans
What is a debt consolidation loan?
A debt consolidation loan is a personal loan used to pay off multiple debts — typically credit cards, medical bills, or other personal loans. Instead of juggling multiple payments, you combine them into one fixed monthly payment, often with a lower interest rate.
Does debt consolidation hurt your credit?
Initially, applying for a loan may cause a small dip in your credit score due to the hard inquiry. However, in the long run, debt consolidation can improve your credit if you:
Make on-time payments
Lower your credit utilization by paying off cards
Avoid taking on new high-interest debt
Can I get a debt consolidation loan with bad credit?
Yes, but options are limited. If your score is 600 or above, lenders like Upgrade and Best Egg may approve you. Below 600, you may need to:
Apply for a secured loan
Get a co-signer
Work on improving your credit before applying
How fast can I get approved for a debt consolidation loan?
Many online lenders offer instant approval decisions and can fund within 1–2 business days (e.g., LightStream, Upgrade). Others may take 3–5 days, depending on document verification.
What is the minimum credit score for a debt consolidation loan?
Most lenders require at least a 600–660 credit score. For the lowest APRs, aim for 720+.
Are there fees for debt consolidation loans?
Yes, some lenders charge:
Origination fees (1–9% of the loan amount)
Late payment fees
Insufficient funds fees
However, lenders like Marcus by Goldman Sachs charge no fees at all.
Will a debt consolidation loan lower my monthly payments?
Yes, in most cases. By extending your repayment term or lowering your APR, you’ll often pay less each month compared to paying multiple high-interest credit cards separately.
Can I pay off a debt consolidation loan early?
Yes. Most lenders allow you to pay off early with no penalty. In fact, paying off early saves you money on interest. Always check your lender’s terms to confirm.
Is it better to get a debt consolidation loan or a balance transfer card?
It depends:
Balance transfer card → Great if you qualify for a 0% APR promo and can repay within 12–18 months.
Debt consolidation loan → Better for larger debts or if you need a longer repayment term (2–7 years).
What happens if I miss a payment?
Missing payments can:
Damage your credit score
Lead to late fees
Potentially increase your APR
To avoid this, always set up auto-pay. Some lenders even discount your APR when you enroll.
Final Thoughts: Get the Best Debt Consolidation Loan Today
Debt consolidation can be the turning point in your financial journey — replacing multiple high-interest payments with one lower monthly bill. The key is choosing the right lender that matches your credit profile, budget, and financial goals.
Whether you’re looking for the lowest APR (LightStream, SoFi) or approval with fair credit (Upgrade, Best Egg), there’s a solution out there for you.
👉 Don’t wait until debt becomes unmanageable.
Check your eligibility today and take the first step toward financial freedom.
Apply for a Debt Consolidation Loan Online – Fast Approval →
No impact on your credit score for checking rates.
Disclaimer
We are not a lender. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Loan terms, rates, and eligibility vary by lender and may change without notice. Always review lender terms carefully before applying.