Sign In

Credit History

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

Core Inflation

The typical investment mix of long-term loans and securities may turn out to yield lackluster results. Banks may have another investment option: consumer credit. 

<p>Bank leaders today are navigating a complex list of ever-changing challenges. With a premium on liquidity, commercial real estate under duress, and credit risks shifting across sectors, traditional asset strategies are being re-evaluated — forcing banks to rethink where, and how, they deploy capital. </p><p>The typical investment mix of long-term loans and securities may turn out to yield lackluster results. Banks may have another investment option: consumer credit. </p><p>In recent years, <a href="https://blogs.cfainstitute.org/investor/2025/01/29/consumer-lending-unlocked-opportunities-and-risks-in-a-27-trillion-market/">consumer credit</a> has emerged as a viable, but often overlooked investment alternative for banks that want to balance out their long-duration, lower-yielding fixed income portfolios. In particular, personal loans — a growing sub-class within consumer credit — have proven to be a solid investment option for banks, thanks to their short durations, high yields, and solid returns. Some banks choose to build a portfolio of personal loans by offering the product directly; others choose to invest in loan portfolios originated by fintech or other banks. Many banks like working with fintechs to benefit from access to the asset without the added infrastructure.</p><h2>Understanding personal loans as an asset class</h2><p><a href="https://blogs.cfainstitute.org/investor/2025/01/29/consumer-lending-unlocked-opportunities-and-risks-in-a-27-trillion-market/">Consumer lending</a> has a market size of $27 trillion (and growing) and is generally categorized into two core groups: property-backed residential mortgages and non-property-backed consumer loans. As an asset class, it offers investors access to a wide range of opportunities that provide exposure to the creditworthiness of consumers – from traditional residential mortgages and personal loans to emerging products, like buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans.</p><p>This massive growth in consumer lending has largely been fueled by changing consumer behaviors and technology advances.</p><h2>Four key benefits of personal loans as an asset class</h2><p>When banks choose to invest in consumer lending, and more specifically the sub-asset class of unsecured personal loans, they can benefit from the following:</p><h3>1. Quality borrowers</h3><p>Consumers that take out personal loans are often individuals that are actively looking to improve their financial future. Borrowers are usually in their mid-30s to mid-50s with established credit histories, higher incomes, and relatively solid credit scores. They want to find a way to manage their debt responsibly and generally use personal loans to consolidate high-interest credit card debt. </p><p>After consolidating debt with a personal loan, borrowers can benefit from one simple payment, fixed terms, and fixed interest rates. Plus, it’s common for their credit scores to increase. LendingClub Bank members, for instance, see a credit score increase of 48 points, on average, after consolidating debt with a personal loan.</p><h3>2. Solid returns banks can count on </h3><p>Personal loans often have shorter durations (with terms typically ranging from 24- to 72-months) compared to longer-dated asset classes, like mortgages. They also typically offer higher yields (typically approximately 6-8%) with a steady stream of income coming from borrowers who repay their loans. </p><p>Delinquency rates for personal loans are low and trending downward across all risk tiers. In the last quarter of 2024, TransUnion reported the 60+ days past due delinquency rate dropped to <a href="https://newsroom.transunion.com/q4-2024-ciir/">3.57%</a>, down from 3.90% the previous year.</p><h3>3. Opportunity for diversification</h3><p>With their relatively high yields and short durations, personal loans offer banks the chance to diversify their investment portfolios. Long-duration, lower-yielding and traditional fixed income assets will likely continue to be a part of a bank’s investing strategy; adding shorter-duration assets can help balance out a portfolio. </p><h3>4. A growing asset class</h3><p>Personal loans as a market segment continue to grow. The latest <a href="https://newsroom.transunion.com/q4-2024-ciir/">quarterly data</a> on the US personal loans segment from TransUnion shows a 15% uptick in originations over the previous year — marking the third consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. </p><p>Currently, 23.5 million US consumers have an unsecured personal loan, with total loan balances reaching $251 billion, according to the latest TransUnion figures.</p><h2>A strong choice in uncertain economic times</h2><p>In this political and economic climate, <a href="https://www.americanbanker.com/news/banks-face-promise-and-peril-with-weakened-bank-regulators">the banking and lending regulatory landscape faces many unknowns</a>. A changing regulatory and macroeconomic landscape could <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/financial-firms-hated-us-consumer-watchdog-rapid-unraveling-creates-limbo-2025-02-13/">keep the industry in limbo</a> for months to come. </p><p>During times of unpredictability, it can be hard for investors to evaluate and make longer-dated investments. Short duration investments can provide compelling returns with a shorter time horizon. </p><h2>What to consider when investing in personal loans</h2><p>When <a href="https://blogs.cfainstitute.org/investor/2025/01/29/consumer-lending-unlocked-opportunities-and-risks-in-a-27-trillion-market/">investing in personal</a> loans, investors can choose from a range of structures with different risk and return profiles. For instance, LendingClub Bank offers investors the flexibility to purchase loans on a passive or active basis, in bulk or as individual loans. Loans can also be purchased as whole loans or in security format.</p><p>Before investing in personal loans, banks should determine their objectives and where they want to play on the risk-return spectrum. They should also determine the best provider to work with—ideally one with deep experience in the space and a track record of delivering compelling returns. </p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p>With heightened uncertainty as multiple economic forces put pressure on banks’ balance sheets, U.S. banks would do well to look to new options. Despite the macro headwinds facing U.S. banks — tighter monetary policy, commercial real estate stress, and deposit volatility — personal loans stand out as a resilient asset class.</p><p>Amid falling valuations in fixed-income securities and rising credit risk in commercial real estate and corporate lending, personal loans offer a diversified, high-yielding, and risk-adjusted opportunity that aligns with the ever-evolving needs of banks.</p>

Budgeting is a lifelong money management skill that can help you control your spending, save for the unexpected, and build a strong financial foundation. 

<p>Using a budget is a key part of being financially responsible. Understanding how budgets work and putting even the most basic budgeting techniques into practice can help you set a firm financial foundation and meet your future financial goals. Here&#39;s what you need to know about budgeting and why it plays an important role in your financial well-being.<sup>[1]</sup> </p><h2>Why is budgeting so important? </h2><p>The idea of setting up and using a budget may seem daunting—especially if you&#39;ve never had a budget before. It&#39;s important to remember that budgets are simply tools that can help you get where you want to be financially. No matter what life stage you&#39;re in, a budget can help you manage your everyday expenses, build your savings, pay down your debt, and plan for future goals like retirement.<sup>[1]</sup> </p><p>Here are some key reasons why budgets are so important.  </p><h3>1. Budgeting helps keep you honest about where (and how often) you&#39;re spending money </h3><p>Budgets shine a spotlight on your spending habits—the good, the bad, and the ugly. This is likely the reason many people put off making a budget to begin with. However, having a clear outline of how much money you have coming in and going out each month can help you make smarter financial decisions.  </p><p>When you take a hard look at your income, expenses, and financial goals, you&#39;ll be better able to see where you need to cut back. Plus, you may even find that you have some extra cash to put toward a short-term goal, like building up your emergency fund or paying down debt. You could even start saving for a dream vacation. Creating fun savings goals is one way to help you <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-finance/sticking-to-a-budget-common-problems-and-solutions">stick to your budget</a>.<sup>[1]</sup> </p><h3>2. Budgeting curbs overspending  </h3><p>If you have a tendency to overspend, a budget can help you make sure essentials are covered before you spend on extras. While enjoying a meal out or shopping online are often well-deserved treats, the costs of these extras can add up quickly. Creating a budget can help you identify your needs, wants, and goals, so you can allocate how you spend and save your cash accordingly.  </p><p>While you may not need to cut out discretionary spending entirely, a budget helps set guardrails to keep overspending in check. For example, if you find you&#39;re spending too much on takeout, consider cutting back to one night of food delivery a week. Then you can put the cash you save toward another goal, like <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-finance/what-is-the-debt-avalanche-method-and-how-does-it-work">paying down debt</a>.<sup>[1]</sup>  </p><h3>3. It can help you reach your personal financial goals </h3><p>Everyone&#39;s financial goals are a bit different depending on your individual financial values, lifestyle, spending habits, and other factors. However, no matter what your personal financial goals may be, a budget can help you meet them.</p><p>For example, let&#39;s say your goal is to build an emergency fund of $1,200 over the next year. You can then use your budget to allocate $100 a month into a high-yield savings account. If cash is tight, a budget can also help you figure out where you need to cut back on other expenses to make this goal happen. At the end of the 12 months, you may be able to celebrate reaching your goal and you may consider adjusting your budget to continue building your savings or set a new goal.<sup>[1]</sup>  </p><h3>4. Budgets help get you (and keep you) out of debt </h3><p>It&#39;s easy to rack up debt—especially if you have lots of high-interest credit cards or don&#39;t watch your spending carefully. By tracking your expenses carefully and setting specific goals each month, you can not only avoid reckless spending, but you may be able to pay down your debt faster.  </p><p>If you find you&#39;re having trouble paying off your credit cards each month or struggling to keep up with different accounts, a <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/personal-loan/debt-consolidation">debt consolidation loan</a> could help. This type of loan rolls debt into one easy-to-manage monthly payment you can build into your budget, making it easier to stay on top of your debt. </p><h2>Types of budgeting that can help level-up your finances </h2><p>There is no one-size-fits-all approach to budgeting, and the type of budget you use can change over time. The most important thing when choosing a budget type is to find what works best for your money habits, spending needs, and savings goals.   </p><h3>Here are a few common types of budgeting strategies   </h3><ul><li><p><b>Zero-based budget: </b>With this method, your take-home pay minus your expenses should equal zero each month. So if you bring home $5,000, then you&#39;ll allocate every dollar into some type of category like rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and discretionary spending. It&#39;s important to include financial goals, like paying down debt and building your savings, in those categories, too.<sup>[2]</sup>  </p></li><li><p><b>50/30/20 budget: </b>This approach involves dedicating 50% of your income to necessities like housing and food, 30% on discretionary expenses (like entertainment and personal-care items), and 20% on your financial goals, such as savings and retirement. This general rule of thumb may be easier to follow when setting your budget.<sup>[3]</sup>  </p></li><li><p><b>Pay yourself first budget:</b> This budgeting strategy makes saving the top priority. To start, you&#39;ll need to set a monthly savings goal. Then, with each paycheck, set those funds aside to essentially &quot;pay yourself.&quot; After that, you can spend your remaining money however you choose. Just be sure you&#39;re still covering your essentials and paying down debt, so you don&#39;t get behind on your bills or take a hit to your credit.<sup>[4]</sup> </p></li></ul><h2>The bottom line </h2><p>Budgeting is a money management skill that&#39;s important to building both short- and long-term financial success. Although creating a budget may feel intimidating at first, once you get started you may find it enlightening. Setting goals and milestones to celebrate along the way can help you stick to your budget. Remember, it&#39;s OK for your budget to fluctuate over time as your income, spending habits, and needs change.<sup>[5]</sup> </p><hr/><p>    </p><ol><li><p><a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/budgeting-how-to-create-a-budget-and-stick-with-it/">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>. “Budgeting: How to create a budget and stick with it.” </p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.incharge.org/financial-literacy/budgeting-saving/zero-based-budgeting/">InCharge Debt Solutions</a>. “Zero-based budgeting.” </p></li><li><p><a href="https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_worksheet_my-spending-rule-to-live-by.pdf">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>. “My spending rule to live by.” </p></li><li><p><a href="https://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/students/budgeting/budgeting-tips">Federal Student Aid</a>. “Budgeting tips.” </p></li><li><p><a href="https://consumer.gov/managing-your-money/making-budget#what-to-know">Consumer.gov</a>. “Making a Budget.” </p></li></ol><p></p><p></p>

Your credit utilization rate measures the balances of your revolving accounts against your credit limits. Naturally, your ratio can influence your credit scores. A low utilization rate could improve your credit scores while a high utilization rate may hurt them. 

<p>Your credit utilization rate measures the balances of your revolving accounts against your credit limits. Naturally, your ratio can influence your credit scores. A low utilization rate could improve your credit scores while a high utilization rate may hurt them. </br></br>For that reason, it’s worth understanding exactly how credit utilization rates work and how they impact your credit. While the math is straight forward—you only need to know addition and division—it’s not always clear which numbers to use.</p><h2>How credit utilization ratio works</h2><p>Credit utilization refers to the percentage of your total available revolving credit, such as credit cards and personal lines of credit. The balance on installment loans, including <a href="/personal-loan">personal loans</a>, aren’t part of credit utilization rate calculations, though they can impact your credit score.</p><p>You actually have two utilization rates: Individual account utilization and your overall utilization. To determine your individual utilization rate, credit scoring models like FICO divide the reported revolving balance by the credit limit on each card or line of credit.<sup>[1]</sup> Your overall credit utilization rate is the comparison of all applicable revolving balances and the limits. </br></br>Both your overall credit utilization rate and the utilization rate of individual accounts can be important to your credit score.</p><h2>How does credit utilization affect your credit score?</h2><p>Credit utilization rates can be a major factor in your credit score. However, the specific impact will depend on the type of credit scoring model and your overall credit profile.</br></br>FICO, for example, lists revolving utilization as a subcomponent of the “amount owed” portion of its scoring formula, which can account for 30% of your FICO Score. </br></br>A low utilization rate—both overall and on individual accounts—is generally better for your score.</br></br>Lowering your utilization rate can be one of the fastest ways to <a href="/resource-center/personal-loan/how-to-improve-credit-score">improve your credit score</a> because most scoring models only consider your utilization rate as it is reported. Meaning, you may see a quick credit score boost if you’re able to pay off a high utilization rate at once.</p><h2>Why credit utilization is important for lenders </h2><p>Lenders use you credit score as a benchmark to determine if you qualify, among other things, for a loan, as well as its rates and terms. Because your credit utilization rate can be a major scoring factor, it could have a direct impact on the lender’s decision. </br></br>If you have high revolving credit limits and low balances, creditors take that as a sign that you know how to use credit wisely. If you are borrowing heavily against all your credit cards and revolving lines of credit, that can be a sign you’re not as financially responsible as you could be—or are under financial strain.</p><h2>How to calculate your credit utilization</h2><p>You can calculate your credit utilization rate by dividing the amount of revolving debt you owe by the amount of credit available. </br></br>For example, suppose you have a credit card and a line of credit, each with a limit of $5,000, for a total credit limit of $10,000. You owe $1,000 on the line of credit and $2,000 on the credit card, for a total of $3,000 owed. Given this, your credit utilization ratio is 30%.</br></br>There are several key points to remember when calculating utilization rates:</p><ul><li><p>Many credit card issuers report balances monthly, around the end of each statement period or billing cycle. </p></li><li><p>The bill for the statement period may be due around three weeks later. </p></li><li><p>Credit scoring models only calculate the balances reported on your credit reports at the time. </p></li><li><p>Typically, credit card companies will report your balances to the credit bureaus around the end of each billing cycle.<sup>[2]</sup></p></li><li><p>If the creditor reports to credit bureaus before you pay off the credit balance in full each month, you could still have a high credit utilization rate. </p></li></ul><p>To calculate the most accurate utilization rate, review your credit report rather than your current credit card balance. Some credit reports may also include your credit utilization ratio, saving you the math.</p><h2>5 ways to improve your credit card utilization</h2><p>In the end, there are only two numbers that matter—the balance and the credit limit—but there are ways to decrease your credit utilization rate and potentially boost your credit scores.</p><h3>1. Ask for a credit limit increase. </h3><p>As long as your balance doesn’t increase as well, a higher credit limit can lower your utilization rate and make it easier to maintain a low rate. You can ask card issuers for a credit limit increase. However, the request may lead to a hard credit inquiry, which might cause a temporary dip to your credit score.</br></br>Also, check the annual income amount you reported to the credit card company, which you can typically find in your online account. If your income has risen, updating the amount may help you get approved for a higher credit limit or lead to a credit limit increase initiated by the card issuer.</p><h3>2. Pay down credit card balances early.</h3><p>Lowering your credit card’s balance <a href="https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/blog/credit-score-factor-amounts-owed">before issuers report</a> it to the bureaus could also lead to a lower utilization rate. While the reporting often occurs around the end of each statement period, you could call your card issuer to confirm the exact timing. </p><h3>3. Open a new credit card. </h3><p>Opening a new revolving credit account, such as a credit card, can increase your total available credit. However, keep in mind that a new card may carry an annual fee and could increase the temptation to spend, racking up debt and increasing—rather than helping—your utilization rate. </p><h3>4. Keep your credit cards open.</h3><p>If you have a credit card you’re considering closing, you may want to keep it open to maintain your available credit limit to potentially have a lower utilization rate. </br></br>You could use the card for a small monthly bill and turn on autopay to ensure on-time payments and avoid account closure due to inactivity. Or, set a calendar reminder to use the card every few months (and another one to pay it down).</p><p>If there’s a specific reason you don’t want the card due to its annual fee or concerns about overspending, closing it may be a better option. <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-finance/how-to-cancel-a-credit-card-without-hurting-your-credit-score">Learn more about closing a credit card account</a>.</p><h3>5. Become an authorized user on another person&#39;s card.</h3><p>Credit card issuers may report accounts to the credit bureaus under both the primary and authorized users’ names. As an authorized user, you could benefit from having the additional available credit limit. </br></br>Keep in mind, as an authorized user, you’re also giving up some control. For instance, if the primary cardholder generates a high utilization rate, it could show up on your credit report as well. If they fail to make on time payments, your credit scores could also be impacted.</p><h2>How personal loans help you lower credit utilization ratios</h2><p>There are two ways a personal loan might lower your credit utilization rate.</br></br>The first is if you use a personal loan rather than a credit card for a major purchase. Since personal loans are installment accounts, the balance and initial loan amount aren’t part of utilization calculations.</br></br>You can also use a <a href="/personal-loan/credit-card-consolidation-loan">personal loan to consolidate credit card debt</a>. In other words, you could take out a loan and use the money to pay down your debt. By eliminating your credit card balances and leaving the cards open, you could significantly lower your utilization rate.</br></br>By using a personal loan to pay down credit card debt, you will typically have a fixed interest rate, single monthly payment, and know exactly when the loan will be paid off. You can pre-qualify for a <a href="/personal-loan">debt consolidation loan</a> and check your rate with LendingClub Bank without impacting your credit score.</p><h2>Manage your credit utilization responsibly</h2><p>Tracking your credit card balances, credit limits, and statement period end dates can be prudent activities from a personal finance perspective. The most active way to manage your utilization rate is to make payments before issuers report your balances to the credit bureaus. </br></br>It’s generally better to avoid using credit cards for big purchases if cash is available to pay off your entire statement balance. This helps prevent high-interest credit card debt.</p><hr/><h2>Credit utilization FAQs</h2><p>Still have questions? Some of these commonly asked questions may provide the answer.</p><h3>When is credit utilization calculated?</h3><p>Credit utilization is calculated each month when credit card issuers report your balance to credit bureaus. Changes in your credit report, such as a new reported balance on a credit card, can lead to a different utilization rate. </p><h3>Does credit utilization matter if you pay in full?</h3><p>Yes, it still matters. Even if you pay your credit card bill in full, you could have a high utilization rate that may hurt your credit scores. Credit card balances are often reported weeks before the bill’s due date, and the reported balance is what impacts your utilization rate. </p><h3>How does credit utilization affect your credit score?</h3><p>Credit utilization rates can have a major impact on your credit scores. The specific amount of points will depend on the scoring model and the other information in your credit report. But if you have a high utilization rate, lowering it may be a way to increase your credit scores. </p><h3>What is a good credit utilization ratio?</h3><p>There’s no specific point where a utilization rate goes from good to bad. Keeping your overall utilization rate below 30% can be a helpful rule of thumb<sup>[3]</sup>—but the lower, the better. </p><hr/><ol><li><p><a href="https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/blog/credit-utilization-be">FICO</a>. &quot;What Should My Credit Utilization Ratio Be?&quot;</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-card-balance-vs-utilization/">Experian</a>. &quot;What Is the Difference Between Credit Card Balance and Utilization?&quot;</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-calculate-credit-card-utilization/">Experian</a>. &quot;How to Calculate Credit Card Utilization.&quot;</p></li></ol><p></p>

Auto loan refinancing is when you use a new car loan to pay down your old loan—often with a lower monthly payment or interest rate. 

<p>You might choose to refinance a car loan for many reasons, from potentially lowering your monthly car payment to reducing your total interest costs over the life of the loan. If you’re thinking about refinancing your auto loan, it’s important to understand how refinancing works. The process is surprisingly straightforward, but there are a few key things to consider before you <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/auto-refinancing"><b>apply for auto refinancing</b></a>.  </p><h2>What does it mean to refinance a car and how does it work? </h2><p>When you refinance a car loan, it means you pay down your existing loan with a new auto loan—usually from a different lender. You’ll make payments to the new lender until your loan is paid off, and the new lender’s name will appear on your car’s title. While refinancing won’t lower your total loan amount, you may benefit from more favorable terms.<sup>[1]</sup>   </p><p>For example, if your new car loan has a lower interest rate, your new loan will accrue less interest each month. Even if you do not qualify for a lower interest rate, you could still lower your monthly payment by extending the length of your loan term. This strategy could be helpful if your finances have changed and you need some extra wiggle room in your monthly budget.  </p><p>Alternatively, if you can afford a higher monthly payment, choosing a loan with a shorter term might help you score a lower interest rate. </p><h2>When could auto loan refinancing be a good idea? </h2><p>It’s important to <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/auto-refinance/when-can-i-refinance-my-car-loan"><b>consider timing when refinancing</b></a> your existing car loan. Here are a few situations when auto loan refinancing often makes sense.   </p><ul><li><p><b>Your financial situation has improved.</b> You may want to shop for auto loan refinancing if your income or credit score have increased since you first took out your auto loan, or if you’ve paid off debts and have a lower <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/glossary/d/debt-to-income-dti-ratio"><b>debt-to-income (DTI) ratio</b></a>. The changes could help you score a lower interest rate or more favorable loan terms if you refinance.<sup>[1]</sup> </p></li><li><p><b>Market interest rates have dropped. </b>Even if your personal situation hasn’t improved, market competition impacts auto loan rates. When interest rates fall, lenders may offer lower rates to attract new customers. Check rates with multiple lenders to see if you might benefit.  </p></li><li><p><b>You didn’t shop around for your first loan.</b> Dealerships can markup rates which may may result in higher interest rates and longer loan terms.<sup>[2] </sup>If you originally financed your auto loan through a dealership, you may qualify for better loan terms through a bank or lender. In some cases, the terms may still be better even if your financial situation or market interest rates haven’t changed.  </p></li><li><p><b>You want to lower your monthly payment.</b> Sometimes lowering your monthly payments takes priority over getting a lower interest rate. If you need to free up room in your monthly budget, refinancing your auto loan could help you get a longer term and lower monthly payment.   </p></li></ul><h2>When could refinancing your car loan not be a good idea? </h2><p>Sometimes it’s better to wait before refinancing your auto loan. Here’s a closer look at times when you should hold off.  </p><ul><li><p><b>You can’t get a lower interest rate.</b> If market interest rates have gone up or your financial situation hasn’t changed, it may make sense to hold off on refinancing.  </p></li><li><p><b>You’re upside down on your car loan. </b>When you owe more on your vehicle than it’s worth, most lenders won’t allow you to refinance.<sup>[4]</sup>  </p></li><li><p><b>You don’t meet lender requirements. </b>Many lenders won’t offer refinancing until you’re at least a few months into your current loan. On the flip side, some lenders require a longer period remaining on the loan term. If you’re near the beginning or end of the term, you may not qualify. </p></li><li><p><b>You don’t want to pay fees.</b> Some lenders charge origination fees when you take out a new loan. In some cases, the amount is calculated as a percentage of the new loan amount and then deducted when the loan is funded. Your current loan may also charge you a prepayment penalty for paying off the loan early, often calculated as a percentage of the remaining loan amount.<sup>[3]</sup> </p></li><li><p><b>You don’t want your credit affected. </b>Many lenders, like LendingClub Bank, let you check your rate without affecting your credit score by conducting a soft credit inquiry. However, once you apply, the lenders usually perform a hard credit check, which could cause your score to take a temporary dip. <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-finance/key-differences-of-a-soft-credit-check-vs-hard-credit-check"><b>Learn more about soft vs. hard credit inquiries</b></a>.<sup>[5]</sup>  </p></li></ul><h2>What do lenders look for when refinancing your car loan?</h2><p>Auto loan refinance terms, rates, and requirements usually vary widely between lenders. When you finance your car loan, lenders typically consider a range of factors, including information about your vehicle, current loan, and your creditworthiness. Here are some common things lenders look at when refinancing your car loan. </p><h3>1. Vehicle age, make, model, and mileage </h3><p>Lenders may refuse to refinance certain vehicle makes and models, or they may have limits on the car’s mileage and model year. For example, LendingClub Bank requires your vehicle to be less than 10 years old and have fewer than 120,000 miles. </p><h3>2. Current auto loan balance and remaining payments </h3><p>Your existing auto loan balance and remaining payments can also be a factor. A lender might choose not to refinance a loan if it has too low—or high—of a balance, or if you’re close to paying it off. </p><h3>3. Loan-to-value ratio </h3><p>Lenders may also look at the value of your vehicle relative to how much you owe on the loan, or the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. A higher LTV can make it harder to get approved, especially if your LTV is over 100% and your car is worth less than the outstanding loan principal. This is also known as being “upside down” or “underwater” on your loan, and it can happen when your vehicle’s value depreciates faster than you pay down your loan.<sup>[4]</sup> </p><h3>4. Debt-to-income ratio </h3><p>Your monthly debt-to-income ratio helps lenders understand how easy it will be for you to afford your monthly payments. Qualifying for a new loan can be difficult if you have a high DTI ratio.  </p><h3>5. Your creditworthiness </h3><p>Lenders review your credit reports and credit score to help determine whether you qualify for a loan and to set your loan rates and terms. Having a long history of timely payments and low balances on your credit cards can help your credit score.  </p><h2>How to refinance your car loan </h2><p>If you’ve decided that refinancing your car loan is a good idea and the timing is right, follow these steps to get started.  </p><ul><li><p><b>Shop around.</b> Many different types of lenders—like banks, credit unions, and online lenders—offer auto refinancing loans. Check your rate at multiple companies to find a competitive offer. When done properly, rate shopping may not impact your credit score.<sup>[6]</sup></p></li><li><p><b>Get your documents in order.</b> Most lenders will need your Social Security number, driver’s license number, registration paperwork, and the car’s vehicle registration number (VIN). You’ll also need to know the payoff amount for your existing loan. You can usually find this online when you log into your loan account or by contacting your current lender.  </p></li><li><p><b>Read the fine print about eligibility.</b> Lenders will often have rules about which loans and cars are eligible for refinancing—for example, a minimum outstanding balance of $4,000 and fewer than 120,000 miles on the car. Save time by identifying each lender’s eligibility requirements before you apply. </p></li><li><p><b>Apply to refinance your car loan.</b> When you’re ready to apply, it’s important to understand that most lenders use a hard credit inquiry with each application, which can impact your credit score. If you are applying to multiple lenders, consider submitting them all within a two week window. VantageScore® count all inquiries within a 14-day period for the same type of loan as just one inquiry on your credit report.<sup>[6]</sup></p></li><li><p><b>Closely evaluate offers. </b>Compare the terms of your existing loan against your offers to decide which one will help you accomplish your financial goals. Calculate how much you could save over the life of the loan, how much you could lower your monthly payment, and how quickly you could pay down the loan.  </p></li><li><p><b>Finalize your auto refinance loan. </b>Once you’ve accepted a refinance offer, be sure to complete all of the paperwork. If the new lender is paying off the old lender, make sure your old loan is paid in full. Or if funds were deposited in your bank account, you may need to pay off the old lender directly.   </p></li><li><p><b>Make your first payment. </b>Payments on auto refinance loans can start immediately. Be sure to note the due date of your first monthly payment, and make the payment on time.  </p></li></ul><h2>The bottom line </h2><p>Refinancing a car loan can be a good idea if your creditworthiness has improved, interest rates have dropped, or you want to change your loan’s terms. You could consider refinancing your car loan when you can qualify for a new loan with more favorable terms, such as a lower interest rate or monthly payment.   </p><p>Keep in mind that applying for and taking out a new loan may<b> </b><a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-loan/does-refinancing-a-car-hurt-your-credit"><b>impact your credit score</b></a> in the short term. However, in the long run, refinancing won’t necessarily hurt your credit if you make your loan payments on time.  </p><hr/><ol><li><p><a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-should-i-know-before-i-shop-for-auto-loan-at-a-bank-credit-union-dealership-or-other-lender-en-755/#will-my-credit-impact-my-interest-rate">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>. “What should I know before I shop for a car or auto loan?” </p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.bankrate.com/loans/auto-loans/how-to-decide-between-bank-or-dealership">Bankrate</a>. &quot;Is it better to finance a car through a bank or dealership?&quot;</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-i-prepay-my-loan-at-any-time-without-penalty-en-843/">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>. “Can I prepay my loan at any time without penalty?” </p></li><li><p><a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/auto-trade-ins-and-negative-equity-when-you-owe-more-your-car-worth">Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice</a>. “Auto Trade-Ins and Negative Equity: When You Owe More than Your Car is Worth” </p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/whats-a-credit-inquiry-en-1317/#:~:text=Hard%20inquiries,frequently%20you%20apply%20for%20credit.">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>. “What’s a credit inquiry? </p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-does-rate-shopping-affect-credit-score">Experian.</a> &quot;How Does Rate Shopping Affect Your Credit Scores?&quot;</p></li></ol><p></p>

Debt consolidation is a debt management strategy that uses methods like a debt consolidation loan to combine multiple debts into an easy-to-manage monthly payment—usually with a lower interest rate.[1]

<p><a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/personal-loan/debt-consolidation"><b>Debt consolidation</b></a> is the process of refinancing multiple debts into a single payment, ideally with a lower interest rate. People often use debt consolidation to combine high-interest-rate credit cards—and sometimes loans or other debt—into one single monthly payment.<sup>[1]</sup>   </p><p>It may be something to consider if you’re looking for an end goal or you’re financially overwhelmed. Sometimes people choose debt consolidation when their credit has improved, making them eligible to pay off high-interest debt cheaper and faster.  </p><p>Debt consolidation loans and <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-loan/line-of-credit-vs-loan-how-to-decide-whats-best-for-you"><b>lines of </b></a><a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-loan/line-of-credit-vs-loan-how-to-decide-whats-best-for-you"><b>credit</b></a> like 0% APR balance transfer credit credits are common tools people use to consolidate existing debt. Other options include a home equity loan or a 401(k) loan, but these tend to be seen as riskier.<sup>[2]</sup>  </p><h2>How does debt consolidation work? </h2><p>Debt consolidation works differently depending on the type of debt you’re consolidating and how you choose to consolidate it. For instance, let’s say you have three credit cards with a total balance of $15,000 and with an average interest rate of 27%. Maybe you’re making the minimum payment on each card or you’re able to swing a bit more, but either way, you’re not able to pay off your balances in full each month.  </p><p>With a debt consolidation loan, you take out the loan and use the funds to pay off your cards. You’ll still have the $15,000 to repay, but instead of multiple card payments, now you just pay one lender back. Your monthly payment may be less than what you were paying for all three credit card payments, and you have an end date in sight for when all your debt will be paid off.<sup>[2]</sup>  </p><p>That’s just one type of debt consolidation.  </p><p>You could instead choose to transfer your high-interest balances to one 0% APR balance transfer credit card. These cards often come with long introductory offer periods ranging from 12 to 21 months. You won’t pay interest as long as you pay off the total balance within this time frame. While there’s typically a balance transfer fee, often 3% to 5% of the balance, you may save in the long run because of the 0% interest rate and quicker payoff timeline.<sup>[2]</sup> </p><h2>What is a debt consolidation loan? </h2><p>A debt consolidation loan is a type of unsecured fixed-rate <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-loan/what-is-an-installment-loan"><b>installment loan</b></a> that’s used to consolidate different types of debts. You may be able to qualify for a low interest rate based on your creditworthiness and financial situation. If the rate is fixed, your monthly payments and interest costs will be predictable over the life of the loan.<sup>[1][2]</sup>   </p><p>You can use the money from a debt consolidation loan to cover most kinds of debt. So, if you have several types of debt, like medical bills, credit cards, or even another personal loan you want to refinance, you can consolidate them all into your new debt consolidation loan. However, it’s important to note that some debts, like student loans, cannot be consolidated with this type of <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-loan/what-is-a-personal-loan-how-to-apply-in-3-simple-steps"><b>personal loan</b></a>.<sup>[2]</sup>   </p><p>To avoid a hit to your credit when shopping around for loans, look for lenders that allow you to check your rate. With LendingClub Bank, checking your rate has no impact on your credit score because we use a soft credit pull.  </p><h2>How debt consolidation may help you save money </h2><p>To figure out how much you’d potentially save through debt consolidation, calculate your potential interest costs. For instance, you could take out a debt consolidation loan to pay off the $15,000 in credit card debt we mentioned earlier. Taking out a loan for $15,000 with a 14% interest rate and three-year term would save you nearly $1,700 compared to paying down the cards directly.  </p><p>Here’s a look at how the monthly payment, payoff timeline, and total interest costs compare.   </p><table><tr><td><p><b>Creditor/lender information</b> </p></td><td><p><b>Credit cards</b> </p></td><td><p><b>Debt consolidation loan</b> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Amount owed (principal) </p></td><td><p>$15,000 </p></td><td><p>$15,000 </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Interest rate </p></td><td><p>27% (average APR) </p></td><td><p>14% </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Monthly payment  </p></td><td><p>$750 (minimum payment) </p></td><td><p>$512.66 </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Time to pay off </p></td><td><p>2 years and 3 months </p></td><td><p>3 years </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Total interest paid </p></td><td><p>$5,151.26 </p></td><td><p>$3,455.92 </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Total amount saved </p></td><td><p>– </p></td><td><p>$1,695.34 </p></td></tr></table><h2>Pros and cons of debt consolidation </h2><p>Weigh the pros and cons carefully if you’re considering debt consolidation. The specifics may vary depending on the loan you’re using and the types of debt you’re consolidating.<sup>[2]</sup>  </p><table><tr><td><p><b>Pros of debt consolidation</b> </p></td><td><p><b>Cons of debt consolidation</b> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>May lower the interest rate on your debt<sup>[1]</sup>  </p></td><td><p>May require good credit<sup>[1]</sup>  </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>May lower your monthly payments<sup>[1]</sup>  </p></td><td><p>A fixed repayment term could take longer to repay<sup>[1]</sup>  </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Streamlines multiple monthly payments into one<sup>[1]</sup>  </p></td><td><p>Might increase the risk of losing collateral, depending on loan type<sup>[1]</sup>  </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>May help improve your credit score if you don’t add new credit card debt<sup>[1]</sup>  </p></td><td><p>May charge fees<sup>[1]</sup>  </p></td></tr></table><h2>When is debt consolidation a good idea? </h2><p><a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-loan/how-many-times-can-you-consolidate-debt"><b>Consolidating your debts</b></a> could make sense when it helps you save money or makes managing your finances easier. Here are some scenarios when debt consolidation is a good idea.  </p><h3>You may save money </h3><p>If you get a loan offer with a lower interest rate than you’re currently paying, consolidating the debt could save you money overall. </p><p>You may have several loan offers to choose from, and you can decide what’s best based on your goals. Generally, a shorter repayment period can lead to the most savings, but it will also have the highest monthly payments. </p><h3>You want fewer payments </h3><p>Combining multiple monthly loan payments into a single payment could make planning your monthly finances easier. Sometimes, even if it doesn’t lead to significant savings, consolidation could be helpful as a debt management tool. </p><h3>You want lower monthly payments </h3><p>Consolidation may also help lower your monthly payments, especially if you choose a loan offer with a long repayment period. Even if your loan has a lower interest rate, longer loan terms may lead to paying more interest overall. But it could be a worthwhile trade-off to free up extra money in your monthly budget. </p><h3>When shouldn’t you consolidate debt? </h3><p>If you don’t qualify for a loan with a lower interest rate or monthly payment, then you may not want to consolidate your debts right now. Additionally, there are a few more scenarios when consolidation isn’t ideal, even if you can lower your interest rate. </p><h3>You’re close to paying off your debt </h3><p>When you’re only a few months away from paying off the debt, staying the course could be the best option. Once you factor in a debt consolidation loan’s origination fee or a credit card balance transfer fee, you might wind up spending more overall, even if you lower your interest rate.  </p><h3>You don’t want to take on more risk </h3><p>The savings might not be worth the added risk if you’re considering using a secured loan, such as a mortgage-backed loan, to consolidate unsecured debts. Similarly, even if it saves you money in the short term, using a private student loan to refinance and consolidate federal student loans could lead to more risk because you’ll lose access to federal benefits. </p><h3>If you might wind up getting deeper into debt </h3><p>Consolidating high-interest credit card debt can be a productive step toward getting out of debt. However, consider why you have credit card balances in the first place. If it’s primarily from overspending, freeing up your credit limits could lead to more overspending and more overall debt. </p><h2>Does debt consolidation hurt your credit score? </h2><p>Your creditworthiness (as well as your <a href="https://www.lendingclub.com/resource-center/personal-loan/what-is-debt-to-income-ratio-how-to-improve-it"><b>debt-to-income ratio</b></a>) plays a large role in the interest rate you’ll receive for a debt consolidation loan or 0% APR balance transfer credit card. While you may be able to still qualify with less-than-perfect credit, you won’t save as much as you would if your credit is excellent. People with excellent credit (740 and higher) typically receive the best interest rates and terms, meaning they’ll likely benefit most from debt consolidation.<sup>[3]</sup>   </p><p>Before applying, remember that obtaining a new line of credit may cause your credit score to decrease temporarily. However, in time, consolidating credit card debt with a debt consolidation loan, like a LendingClub Bank personal loan, may actually increase your credit score by lowering your credit utilization ratio. Additionally, your on-time payments could be added to your credit reports and help improve your credit. </p><h2>The bottom line </h2><p>Debt consolidation may be a good choice for people who want to streamline payments to creditors into one easy-to-manage monthly payment and save on interest. However, before deciding to consolidate your debt, it’s important to consider your financial situation, creditworthiness, and how much debt you have left to pay back.   </p><p>If you do decide to consolidate debt with a debt consolidation loan, 0% APR balance transfer credit card, or another method, be sure to compare offers from different lenders and creditors, ideally with financial institutions that let you check rates without a hit to your credit score.     </p><hr/><ol><li><p><a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-do-i-need-to-know-if-im-thinking-about-consolidating-my-credit-card-debt-en-1861/">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>. “What do I need to know about consolidating my credit card debt?” </p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-the-difference-between-credit-counseling-and-debt-settlement-debt-consolidation-or-credit-repair-en-1449/">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>. “What is the difference between credit counseling and debt settlement, debt consolidation, or credit repair?” </p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-the-difference-between-a-loan-interest-rate-and-the-apr-en-733/">Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>. “What is the difference between a loan interest rate and the APR?” </p></li></ol><p>  </p>

Related FAQ's

Check your rate. It won’t impact your credit score.<sup>2</sup>

Keep more of what you earn and earn more on what you save.

Accrued Interest

Credit Score

Charge-Off

Consolidation Loan

Credit Bureau

Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio

FICO Score

Fixed Interest Rate

Hard Credit Inquiry

Installment Loan

Revolving Credit

Savings Rate

Side Hustle

<p>{noun} A record of borrowing and repayment activity over a period of time that reflects your ability to manage and pay your debt obligations.</p>

Glossary

Credit History

A

C

D

F

H

I

R

S

You May Also Like

WHAT WE OFFER

RESOURCES

LEGAL

ABOUT US

ACCOUNT

Powered by the LC^TM platform

Glossary

Credit History

A

C

D

F

H

I

R

S

You May Also Like

WHAT WE OFFER

RESOURCES

LEGAL

ABOUT US

ACCOUNT

Powered by the LCTM platform

Powered by the LC^TM platform