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Credit card consolidation can be a lifesaver for anyone juggling multiple credit card debts, like younger adults who may have made some missteps as they began to navigate their financial responsibilities or single parents who got in over their heads trying to make ends meet.
But what is credit card consolidation, and how does it work? Essentially, it's a way to streamline what you owe on various cards by combining your debt into a single loan payment, typically at a lower interest rate. In other words, you use that loan to pay off all of your cards, leaving you just with the new loan payment. Another option is to work with a service that will negotiate with the credit card companies on your behalf, getting the issuers to agree to a lower repayment amount to close out what you owe. Sounds pretty great, right? It can be, but here are some things you should know.
Thursday, March 20th
Consider National Debt Relief as your top choice for credit card consolidation. NDR's certified debt counselors provide a free consultation to assess your situation and discuss available options without pressure to enroll. Once you do sign up, your assigned team works diligently to negotiate settlements with your credit card companies, aiming to reduce or eliminate what you owe within 24 to 48 months. This is a results-based approach where you only pay fees once settlements with creditors are successfully negotiated. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, an "A+" rating from the BBB, and over 33,000 five-star reviews, National Debt Relief continues to earn our strongest recommendation for anyone seeking relief from overwhelming credit card debt.
If you're considering credit card consolidation but uncertain about your options, consider reaching out to CuraDebt. Specializing in negotiating with creditors to achieve significant reductions in outstanding credit card balances and other debts, CuraDebt offers cost-effective solutions, with fees typically totaling 20% or less of the total enrolled debt. While not available in every state, CuraDebt offers accessible services through a complimentary consultation, and you can rely on the company's dedication to client success and satisfaction (as demonstrated by the actual settlement letters they publish to their website). If you're facing challenges in repaying your credit cards or other debts, CuraDebt is an excellent place to get help.
Upstart, founded by former Google leaders, revolutionizes credit card consolidation by considering factors beyond just your credit score, like education and work history, to match you with the perfect loan from their network of over 100 banks and credit unions. Offering loans from $1,000 to $50,000, with speedy funding and flexible repayment options, Upstart's approach has helped nearly 3 million individuals tackle $34 billion in debt. With an "A+" BBB rating and over 40,000 five-star reviews, Upstart's streamlined application process and borrower-friendly terms make it a standout choice, especially for recent grads looking to take control of their finances and merge their credit card debts into one manageable loan.
Happy Money is an excellent choice for a credit card consolidation loan. With competitive interest rates, you're almost sure to save a ton on what you're currently paying on your credit cards. And, if self-control isn't your strong suit, Happy Money can send your loan proceeds directly to your card issuers, though you can still opt to have the money deposited to your bank. This company makes it beyond easy to consolidate your credit card debt and get back on top of your finances, earning a high rating and our highest recommendation for consolidation loans.
If you're looking to consolidate credit card debt, SoFi offers loan amounts from $5,000 to $100,000 with decent APRs. Their flexible repayment terms and expedited funding process provide perks you might not get elsewhere. SoFi also incentivizes borrowers with APR reductions for autopay enrollment and direct deposit setup. With a commitment to customer satisfaction reflected in their reputation, including an "A+" rating from the BBB and thousands of five-star ratings, SoFi is a lender worth considering for your credit card consolidation loan.
SuperMoney is a great resource if you'd like to shop around for a credit card consolidation loan, connecting you with multiple lenders (without the resulting flood of unwanted messages from third-party marketing companies you might experience when you use a rival referral service). In the last 10+ years, SuperMoney has worked with over $10 billion in loan requests, and they've received lots of 5-star reviews from people who were happy with the process here from start to finish. Give SuperMoney a try if you want to see which lenders might offer you the best rates and terms for your credit card consolidation loan.
Established in 1974, Credit.org has earned its reputation as a trusted authority in financial education and debt solutions. Acknowledged by respected organizations such as HUD and NFCC, Credit.org provides a comprehensive array of services, the majority of which are offered at no cost. These services encompass debt counseling, credit improvement strategies - including credit card consolidation through a Debt Management Plan when necessary - and budgeting assistance. While nominal fees may apply, Credit.org prioritizes transparency and affordability to ensure exceptional value for its clients. With an impeccable reputation, "A+” BBB rating, and unwavering commitment to client privacy, Credit.org stands as a reliable partner for individuals seeking to consolidate credit card debt and attain financial stability.
If a credit card consolidation loan is what you're after, LendingTree makes it easy to compare your options with multiple financial institutions with just one simple inquiry. You'll find plenty of details on each lender here, including unfiltered reviews from people who've borrowed from them in the past. Your rates and terms will depend on the loan you select, but you'll have the chance to get offers from smaller banks and credit unions who'd like to earn your business. The BBB gives LendingTree an "A+”, but reports of inboxes and mailboxes deluged with spam (sometimes from unrelated, third-party marketers) ding LendingTree's rating here a little. Still, LendingTree is a great resource for researching lenders and comparing loan offers for credit card consolidation.
Reach Financial specializes in credit card consolidation loans. Backed by FinWise Bank in Utah, loans here range from $3,500 to $40,000, with terms spanning 24-60 months and competitive APRs. Perks include being able to choose the monthly repayment date and free monthly credit score updates. The BBB gives Reach Financial an "A+” grade, and the lender has gotten hundreds of 5-star reviews from consumers. But, compared with some of the options on our list, the rates here aren't the most competitive. Reach Financial gets a better-than-average score of from us, but be sure to check out the options that rank a little higher too.
First, let's talk about the benefits. One of the biggest advantages of credit card consolidation is simplification. Instead of keeping track of multiple due dates, interest rates, and payment amounts, you have just one monthly payment to manage. This can make budgeting easier and reduce the risk of missing payments or incurring late fees. Additionally, consolidation can often result in a lower overall interest rate, which means you'll pay less in interest over time and potentially pay off your debt more quickly.
Now, onto the downsides. Consolidating your credit card debt doesn't magically make it disappear. You're still responsible for either paying off the new loan or for making payments into an account that the negotiating service will use to make offers to your credit card companies. And, depending on the terms of your consolidation, you could end up paying more in the long run if the repayment period is extended or the interest rate isn't significantly lower. There's also the risk that if you don't address the underlying spending habits or financial issues that led to your credit card crunch in the first place, you could end up accumulating more debt in the future.
But, let's say you've done your homework and you're sure that credit card consolidation is the way to go. For many people today, it's absolutely the right answer. Here are five things to keep in mind as you compare your options:
By carefully evaluating these criteria, and by considering the research from our experts here at Top Consumer Reviews, you can choose the credit card consolidation option that best fits your needs and helps you take control of your debt. Remember, consolidation is just one tool in your financial toolkit, and it's important to continue practicing responsible spending habits and budgeting to avoid falling back into debt in the future.
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