Loan debt particularly student loans debt has become a huge problem affecting millions of people in the United States of America. Thus, the data presented by The Federal reserve of United States states that the total figure of student loan debts has grown to $1. 5 trillion, thus making it the second highest of consumer debt category other than mortgages. Such numbers are perfectly understandable; therefore, more and more graduates are beginning to search for methods on how to lower their monthly installments and the time it will take for them to pay off the settlements.
There are various ways through which student loan payment can be lowered especially through refinancing. But if you don’t have good credit history then there is a chance that you may be wondering whether you can refinance at all. The good news is, there are always those few lending companies that can offer loans to those who have bad credit records. Now I am going to give a step by step guide through refinancing student loans with poor credit and I will also answer some of the most important questions people have.
Can I Refinance Student Loans with Poor Credit?
Indeed, this is readily possible to do so in spite of having a poor credit rating for student loans. It is also important to know that traditional sources of financing such as banks may not be willing to finance you if your credit is not so good and that there is a market of niche lenders. These lenders take into consideration factors that are outside the credit score such as the income, employment status, and the kind of loan you wish to refinance.
What Are the Benefits of Refinancing Student Loans with Poor Credit?
Refinancing student loans with poor credit can offer several benefits, The following are some of the pros of refinancing student loans when one has a poor credit.
- Lower interest rates: Borrowing again is a good way in which one can get an opportunity to secure improved interest rates that help in leniting the monthly repayments that one has to make thus lowering the overall cost a client has to incur throughout the duration of credit.
- Simplified repayment: The repayment of two or more loans at once is easy in ways that are; refinancing where all the loans can be combined to form a single loan.
- Flexible repayment terms: Women also get the chance to look for flexible loan repayment packages depending on the lender whom they prefer to approach.
What Are the Risks of Refinancing Student Loans with Poor Credit?
While refinancing can offer significant benefits, there are also risks to consider:
- Loss of protections: It important also to note that if your student loans are federal, then when you refinance with a private lender, these benefits will be eliminated.
- Longer repayment terms: Some of the lenders might give longer payment period to debtors with low credit ratings. Although this leads to a decrease in monthly payments the duration of the loan is also prolonged hence the general amount of interest charged is high.
- Potential for higher interest rates: People with a low credit score are even then may be charged higher interest rates on the balance therefore eradicating any gains of refinancing.
How Can I Improve My Credit Score Before Refinancing?
Any time you are thinking about refinancing your student loans with a poor credit score then you should read the following useful tips on how to boost your credit score before applying.
- Pay bills on time: Among all the factors that influence the credit score your payment history is arguably the most important feature. Always ensure that you meet all the payment of bills as when due.
- Reduce credit utilization: The most important factor you need to control when it comes to credit is your credit utilization ratio, which stands for the amount of credit consumed divided on the amount of credit available to you. Ideally, your percentage of utilization should not exceed 30%.
- Limit credit inquiries: Applying for new credit line for different credit products within a short period is bad for your credit score as this creates a hard inquiry. Reduce the number of credit enquiries by only going for loans or credit cards when one is inevitable.
- Global Expansion: The Comprehensive Guide by Globalization Partners
- Mortgage – Securing the Best Mortgage Rate
- Globalization Partners – Complexities of Global Expansion
- Globalization Partners – Nicole Sahin The Visionary CEO
- Globalization Partners: A Deep Dive into the Company’s Employee Base
FAQs
1. What credit score is required to refinance student loan?
As the criteria for student loan refinance vary among the different lenders, there is no specific standard credit score which is needed to qualify for this service. Nonetheless, borrowers with credit score of 650 or more have a high chance of accessing the refinancing.
2. Is it Possible for me to Refinance my Federal Student Loans with Private Lenders?
It is possible to refinance your federal student loans together with private lenders. However, do note that when borrowers refinance their federal loans with a private lender, they will lose some of the benefits offered to them including the income-driven repayment plan and loan forgiveness among others.
3. Is a cosigner required to refinance student loans with bad credit?
If there is someone who would like to co-sign your refinancing, a person with good credit score will definitely boost your approval rate and take advantage of low interest rate. However, not all the lenders will ask their clients to get a cosigner and there are those who offer loans without it.
4. Little do people know, it may take time to refinance student loans depending on certain factors explained as follows.
From the section above, it is clear that the time for refinancing of the student loans may take different amount of time depending on the specific lender and your situation. While some of the lenders may offer you an instant approval, other lenders will take a few days, if not weeks to approve the application.
Conclusion
Refinancing student loans with poor credit is possible, but it’s essential to weigh the benefits and risks before making a decision. By understanding the process and potential pitfalls, you can make an informed choice about whether refinancing is the right option for you. Remember to shop around and compare lenders to find the best deal for your unique situation.