About This Tool
Key Features
- **Multi-Debt Input**: Enter multiple debts with individual balances, interest rates, and minimum payments to get an accurate comparison against consolidation.
- **Interest Savings Analysis**: See exactly how much money you save in total interest by consolidating your debts into a single lower-rate loan.
- **Monthly Payment Reduction**: Compare your current combined minimum payments against the new consolidated loan payment to see your monthly savings.
- **Time-to-Payoff Comparison**: View how consolidation affects your payoff timeline with a clear before-and-after comparison table.
- **Flexible Consolidation Terms**: Choose from different consolidation loan terms (36 to 72 months) and interest rates to find the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does debt consolidation make sense?
Debt consolidation is most beneficial when you can secure a loan with a lower interest rate than your current debts, particularly if you carry high-interest credit card balances (15-25% APR). It also helps simplify your finances by replacing multiple payments with one. However, avoid extending the term so long that you end up paying more total interest despite the lower rate.
Will debt consolidation hurt my credit score?
In the short term, applying for a consolidation loan may cause a small dip in your credit score due to the hard inquiry. However, consolidation can improve your score over time by reducing your credit utilization ratio (if you pay off credit cards) and helping you make consistent on-time payments. The key is to avoid running up new balances on the credit cards you paid off.
What types of debt can be consolidated?
Most unsecured debts can be consolidated, including credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, and some student loans. Common consolidation options include personal loans from banks or credit unions, balance transfer credit cards (often with 0% intro APR), and home equity loans. Each option has different qualification requirements and trade-offs to consider.