Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
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.
Saturday, April 26th
Since 2008, National Debt Relief has been a go-to resource for individuals navigating financial challenges, offering a strategic approach to credit card consolidation (and debt in general) that has delivered much-needed relief and savings for countless clients.
Free initial consultation with no pressure
To qualify for NDR's credit card consolidation program, you'll need to owe at least $7,500: not a hard threshold to meet. During your free consultation, their certified debt counselors will assess your finances, review your budget, and discuss available options with you. There's no pressure to enroll immediately; you can take your time to weigh the benefits of the program.
Credit card consolidation by negotiating down what you owe
Once you've enrolled, National Debt Relief will negotiate with the credit card companies on your behalf, aiming to settle your accounts for much less than the original amount you owed. Most programs take between 24 to 48 months to complete, during which a flat monthly deposit is made to your account, with NDR holding those funds in reserve until each loan is settled.
Fees only charged after you approve a settlement
We love that National Debt Relief operates on a results-based model, meaning fees are only charged from your account once settlements have been successfully negotiated with creditors and you've given your approval. You'll only pay when you see tangible results while still getting major savings.
Satisfaction guaranteed
National Debt Relief stands behind their service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If they're unable to settle any of your credit card accounts or if you're unsatisfied with their service before any settlements are made, you can cancel anytime without penalties or fees.
5-star reviews from 33,000+ clients
Their exceptional reputation is underscored by an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, along with over 33,000 five-star reviews from satisfied clients. With over 500,000 families and individuals assisted and over $1 billion in debts paid off, National Debt Relief's track record speaks volumes.
Go read the client stories
Better yet, you can explore compelling case studies on their website, showcasing real clients who have achieved significant savings through National Debt Relief's credit card consolidation program. From government contractors to single mothers, these stories offer hope and inspiration for those burdened by overwhelming debt.
Earns a first-place finish once again
Considering their proven track record, client satisfaction guarantee, and commitment to delivering tangible results, National Debt Relief once again ranks as our top choice among credit card consolidation options. Instead of merely shifting debt from one place to another (with a consolidation loan, in other words), their program offers a genuine pathway to reducing or eliminating what you owe altogether. Don't hesitate to reach out for your free NDR consultation today and take the first step toward your new financial freedom.
CuraDebt has earned respect as a leading solution for credit card consolidation, offering a comprehensive approach to managing various financial obligations. Established in 2000, CuraDebt operates as a law firm based in Hollywood, Florida. Their services encompass a range of debt types, including credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, business debts, IRS debt, and more.
They reduce what you owe through negotiation
CuraDebt consolidates credit card debt through its negotiation service, which doesn't involve taking out a loan (like many of the options on our list do). Instead, they directly negotiate with creditors on your behalf to secure substantial reductions in your outstanding card balances. By depositing funds into a dedicated account over time, you empower CuraDebt to pursue negotiations with that money, with significant savings averaging between 40 to 60 percent. While specific fees aren't disclosed upfront, CuraDebt promises competitive rates, typically amounting to 20% or less of your total enrolled debt.
The decisions are yours
You remain in control through the credit card consolidation process at CuraDebt. Their pros keep you posted as they work on your negotiations, and you get to approve each settlement as it is offered. Once you approve one, the funds are disbursed from the account you've been building up and sent directly to the credit card company, and then CuraDebt takes its fees from that same account.
They keep an eye on your credit score
Your CuraDebt team also takes care to strategize your settlements, to preserve (or boost) your credit score as much as possible. This helps create not just a pathway out of your current debt, but also forging the way towards improved creditworthiness in the future.
Not available in every state
One downside: CuraDebt isn't available nationwide. They don't come out and say where they work and where they don't, but from what we can tell through our research, you may be out of luck if you reside in one of the states where they don't do business. We recommend giving CuraDebt a call to double-check and get your free consultation, before you get your hopes up.
You'll be impressed by the real-world settlement letters
And those hopes should be high for anyone who lives within CuraDebt's service area, because this credit card consolidation service has an excellent track record. The BBB gives CuraDebt an "A+” rating, and there are numerous 5-star reviews from satisfied (and relieved) clients. The best proof of what CuraDebt can accomplish is in their settlement letters: they post quite a few every year, and you can even request one for your particular credit card companies that they've completed in the past (with that client's information blacked out, of course). How about a 70% savings on a Discover settlement (negotiated from $3,842.49 to just $1,152.75)? Or $912 paid on an AmEx balance of $3,645.10 (75% savings)? The list goes on and on, as you can see for yourself at any time.
Effective way to consolidate credit card debt
It's clear that CuraDebt serves as a trustworthy partner for anyone seeking effective credit card consolidation solutions. With transparent processes, a client-focused approach, and a proven record of success, CuraDebt offers a path to financial freedom and greater peace of mind if you're grappling with credit card debt. We give CuraDebt an excellent rating.
Are you thinking about consolidating your credit card debt with a loan? Ever wish banks would see beyond just your credit score? Upstart's got your back. Founded by former Google execs, they're shaking up the loan game by considering your education, what you studied, and your work history to connect you with the perfect loan from their network of over 100 banks and credit unions. Upstart has helped nearly 3 million people get more than $34 billion in loans.
A few criteria you'll need to meet
Let's start by taking a look at the eligibility requirements. You'll need a credit score of at least 580 (or 620 in some states), plus no recent bankruptcies or unpaid bills. Also, you have to be at least 18, earn at least $12,000 a year, have a US bank account and a steady job or income. If you tick all those boxes (and you don't live in Iowa or West Virginia, since Upstart isn't available there yet), you're good to go.
Consolidation loans often funded within a day
From there, just fill in some basic info like your name, where you live, your income, where you work, and what you studied. Upstart then does a quick credit check (don't worry, it won't ding your score), and within minutes, you could be entertaining loan offers from their network of lenders. Say yes to one of those offers, finish the full app with your chosen lender, and voila - cash in your account typically by the next business day. But, remember that you'll be the one who has to send the money to the credit card companies, because Upstart's lenders won't do it for you.
Consolidation loans up to $50,000
Now let's get into the specifics of the credit card consolidation loans themselves. You can get a loan anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000 with Upstart, depending on where you live and the lender offers you qualify for. Payback time usually ranges from three to five years, with interest rates that are as competitive as you'll find anywhere else. Keep an eye out for origination fees, which can go up to 8% but are bundled into your interest rate. The good news is that all Upstart lenders let you pay back your loan early or toss in extra payments whenever you feel like it. Just make sure the interest rate you're offered here beats what you're already paying on those high-interest credit cards.
5 stars from over 40,000 clients
Upstart's got an "A+" BBB rating and over 40,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot. Sure, there are a few gripes here and there, but most clients sing Upstart's praises for the lightning-fast service and easy-peasy application process, especially on mobile.
Great choice to consolidate credit cards with a loan
Ready to tackle your credit card debt like a boss? Upstart's got your back with a near-perfect rating for their consolidation loans. It's a breeze to apply, you could be fully funded before you know it, and most clients are thrilled with the results. So what are you waiting for? Dive in and get your cards paid off with a loan via Upstart.
Since 2009, Happy Money (formerly known as Payoff) has been helping people like you to consolidate credit card debt - to the tune of over $6 billion in loans for over 300,000 clients. Happy Money works with Veridian, Alliant, MSUFCU, and other banks and credit unions, connecting them with borrowers looking to lower their interest rates and make life simpler with a single monthly payment.
Loan funds can be sent to your credit card companies...
As you'll see from the get-go, Happy Money is heavily focused on credit card consolidation. While their loans can be used for any personal, family, or household purpose, this platform specializes in helping clients with what they owe to credit card issuers. That becomes really obvious when you find out that your loan proceeds here can be sent directly to the credit card company (posted within 30 days of your loan being funded). That's a huge benefit if you don't have the world's greatest self-control: instead of your loan funds being deposited into your bank account (where you could be tempted to spend the money on something else), you can rest assured knowing that they're being used how you intended.
...or your bank account
However, if you prefer, you absolutely can have the funds sent to your bank account (within 3-6 business days); maybe you have other debts to pay off, in addition to your credit cards. No problem! And, proving that flexibility is their middle name, Happy Money even lets you split up how your loan is disbursed: send some to your credit cards and have some in your bank account, if that's what works for you.
Preliminary eligibility requirements
In order to qualify for a credit card consolidation loan here, you'll need to meet a few criteria. First, you should have a credit score of 640+, with no current delinquencies and a history of at least three years. Second, you'll have to show that your overall utilization and debt-to-income ratio is "good enough”, but Happy Money doesn't come out and tell you what they're looking for.
Much lower interest rates than most credit cards
But, assuming you meet the criteria, you can borrow anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 for your credit card consolidation. Your repayment term will be somewhere from 2-5 years with competitive interest rates. Origination fees range from 1.5% to 5.5%, so keep in mind that those fees will be deducted from your loan proceeds, and plan accordingly when deciding how much you need to borrow. Still, those rates are some of the most competitive we've seen, and are almost certainly lower than what you're currently paying on your credit cards.
Reputation is great
Happy Money's reputation is perfect: the Better Business Bureau gives the company an "A+” rating and accreditation. You might see some negative reviews when you look up Happy Money on Trustpilot, but never fear: dig into those a little further and you'll see that they come from people in the UK who were scammed by people posing as this company, even though Happy Money only operates in the US. That's a relief!
Great for credit card consolidation loans
Of all the options on our list for credit card consolidation loans, Happy Money is one of our favorites. We're huge fans of being able to have the loan money sent directly to the credit card companies, but also with the flexibility of having some (or all) of the proceeds deposited into the bank. Happy Money offers highly competitive interest rates and has a fantastic reputation, earning our recommendation and a very high rating from us.
Are you grappling with credit card debt and seeking a way to consolidate it effectively? SoFi, founded in 2011 by Mike Cagney, Dan Macklin, James Finnigan, and Ian Brady, has emerged as a reliable lender. Originally focused on student loan refinancing, SoFi has expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of financial services, including personal loans and mortgages, with a membership exceeding two million and over $50 billion in funded loans.
Borrow up to $100K (but watch for fees)
If you're considering credit card consolidation, SoFi offers an enticing option through its loan products. You can borrow amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, though the amount you're eligible for will be influenced by your specific borrower profile. The APRs here are relatively competitive. Keep in mind, however, that there may be origination fees of up to 7%, so it's essential to review the terms carefully. We say "may” because in one part of the site, SoFi says there are no origination fees, but in other places it references them.
Quickly-funded consolidation loans
Flexibility is a key feature of SoFi's credit card consolidation loans, with repayment terms spanning from 2 to 7 years. This flexibility empowers you to customize your repayment schedule according to your financial goals and capabilities. Moreover, SoFi's expedited process means that most loans are funded quickly, often on the same day or the next, providing you with timely relief from your credit card debt. No more late payments!
Save on your interest rate
To further ease your financial burden, SoFi offers incentives such as a 0.25% APR reduction for enrolling in autopay. Why not save money where you can?
Great reputation
SoFi's commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in its accolades, including an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and thousands of five-star ratings on platforms like Trustpilot. While occasional problems may arise, as noted in a handful of complaints, SoFi clearly demonstrates its dedication to addressing concerns with prompt, positive responses.
Worth considering for credit card consolidation
For credit card consolidation loans, SoFi delivers convenience, flexibility, and generous borrower protections. Although there are a few rival options that are also worth a look, SoFi's innovative features and commitment to empowering its members make it a company worth considering. With SoFi, you can easily get started on consolidating your credit card debt and regain control of your financial future.
SuperMoney can help you with credit card consolidation by connecting you with a loan to pay off what you owe. Since 2013, this referral platform has received more than $10 billion in loan requests, helping people connect with multiple lenders and find the one that's right for them.
Consolidation loans from $500 to $100,000
The lenders on the SuperMoney platform give you the opportunity to borrow anywhere from $500 to $100,000 to consolidate your credit card debt. Of course, what you qualify for will depend on your personal circumstances, but it's good to know that you've got options on both ends of the financial spectrum. The rates and terms will naturally vary from lender to lender.
Check out the lenders' reputations
You can find out what you qualify for by filling out the initial inquiry form. Once SuperMoney verifies your identity with a soft credit check, you can start to browse offers from the lenders on the platform. We appreciate that SuperMoney provides plenty of details on the lenders it uses, so that there are no surprises about how the financial institutions operate or what clients have thought about their experiences as a borrower.
You'll have to send the money to your credit card companies
One point to be aware of: unlike our highest-rated source of credit card consolidation loans, SuperMoney and its associated lenders don't pay off your credit cards directly with your loan proceeds. You'll receive the loan money as a deposit to your bank account, and then it's up to you to forward the payments along to your card companies. Just keep that in mind, especially if you're not the most disciplined with big chunks of money.
They keep your contact info private
On the other hand, a big plus for SuperMoney is its commitment to privacy. While other credit card consolidation companies on our list have been known to sell people's contact information (resulting in a pile of unwanted mail and swamped inboxes), SuperMoney will never give your details to marketers.
Earns lots of 5-star reviews
People are big fans of SuperMoney. They've left hundreds of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, praising the platform for being the perfect solution for finding credit card consolidation loans from lenders they might not have known about previously. If client feedback is any indication, you should have a smooth, hassle-free experience with SuperMoney itself and with the lender you ultimately select for your loan.
Reliable choice for a credit card consolidation loan
If you already know that you want to take out a loan to consolidate your credit card payments but you're not sure where you might be able to qualify, give SuperMoney a try. You can rest assured that you won't get a deluge of spam just for submitting your information, and you'll be able to compare several offers at once. Just remember that it'll be up to you to actually use the loan money to pay off your credit cards.
Established in 1974, Credit.org has long been a leading provider of financial education and debt solutions, with a particular focus on credit card consolidation. Endorsed by prestigious organizations like the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), Credit.org has empowered millions of individuals to effectively manage their finances.
Many low-to-no-cost services
Credit.org distinguishes itself with an array of features designed to assist you in consolidating your credit card debt. From certified financial counseling to debt management plans (DMPs), their services are predominantly offered free of charge or for modest fees. That's what you get when you work with a non-profit!
Fees, when required, are reasonable
But, to give you a ballpark of what to expect, some services have a one-time enrollment fee ranging from $0 to $50 and monthly administration fees typically ranging from $0 to $75 per month; however, these costs will always be transparent and are reasonable considering the comprehensive support provided.
Enroll in a DMP to negotiate lower repayments and fees
The Debt Management Plan, although not the conventional credit card consolidation route, offers a comprehensive solution tailored to your financial circumstances, aiming to reduce interest rates and consolidate payments effectively. A key advantage of Credit.org's DMP is its collaborative approach with your creditors to negotiate fee waivers and lower interest rates, ultimately saving you money over time. Additionally, as a client enrolled in the DMP, you benefit from ongoing support and monitoring to help you stay on course with your financial objectives.
Excellent reputation
And, as you'd hope for with any long-standing non-profit organization, Credit.org's reputation is fantastic, underscored by their flawless "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Plus, Credit.org's commitment to client privacy ensures a secure and trustworthy experience for all clients.
Ready for credit card consolidation and beyond
Credit.org is ready to be a trusted ally, as an ideal choice for anyone seeking to consolidate their credit card debt and enhance their financial well-being. With a track record spanning over five decades and a dedication to accessible, affordable, and effective solutions, Credit.org earns a high recommendation as a resource for navigating the complexities of personal finance. Whether you just require credit card consolidation, or you would benefit from even more comprehensive financial guidance, Credit.org stands ready to empower you on your journey toward greater stability.
For almost 30 years, LendingTree has worked hard to connect everyday people with the financial resources they need. This is accomplished through a vast network of well-vetted lending partners, including smaller banks and credit unions eager to compete for your business. LendingTree's partner institutions have helped people get small business loans, new credit cards, and personal loans that can be used for credit card consolidation, among other financial products.
Fantastic resource for lender research
You can easily use the LendingTree platform to do research on today's most popular (and even lesser-known) financial institutions. LendingTree prides itself on transparency, giving you ample details about each partner and allowing clients to leave unfiltered feedback. Even if you've been given a credit card consolidation loan offer elsewhere, it's a great idea to circle back to LendingTree to see what people have to say about their experience with that particular lender.
Get consolidation loan offers from up to 5 lenders
Of course, given that your credit card consolidation loan options here will come from up to 5 different lenders, your rates and terms will depend on not just your credit profile but also on what offers you receive. Generally speaking, however, LendingTree's partners extend loans up to $50,000 with wide ranging APRs. Be sure to check the terms of any consolidation loans you're considering before you sign on the dotted line.
Easy application process
Speaking of signing on the dotted line, how do you get there through LendingTree? Start by entering the amount you hope to borrow and indicating how quickly you need the credit card consolidation loan (anywhere from "ASAP” to "Just Browsing”). Next, you'll be asked for the usual details: birthdate, credit score range, annual income, and so on. LendingTree will attempt to verify your identity with what you've provided; you'll only be asked for the last 4 numbers of your SSN if they're unable to find your credit profile with the previous info. This results in a soft pull on your credit, no harm done to your score. From there, you'll see those credit card consolidation loan offers we described earlier; once you select a lender and a loan, you'll complete the rest of your application with that financial institution and be good to go.
Good reputation (if you overlook the spam)
Reputation-wise, LendingTree overall is solid. The Better Business Bureau gives the referral platform an "A+”, and the transparency regarding individual financial institutions is fantastic. The one downside? We found lots of complaints from people saying that they were inundated with calls, texts and regular mail after they filled out an inquiry on the LendingTree platform, even with offers completely unrelated to credit card consolidation loans or other financial products. That can happen with other services, but it's definitely prevalent among those who've used LendingTree.
Above average as a credit card consolidation resource
All told, LendingTree is an excellent resource for researching credit card consolidation loan providers, and a good option for comparison-shopping offers from those lenders. LendingTree's willingness to share applicants' information with third-party marketers isn't our favorite thing, but we still give the platform an above-average rating.
Reach Financial tackles credit card consolidation through loans. While at first glance that might sound like going from the frying pan and into the fire, it's an effective strategy: Reach Financial's clients have saved an average of over $14,000 in interest payments and a boost to their credit score of 34 points. In total, those who have used this option for credit card consolidation have already seen over $1 billion in debt wiped out.
All consolidation loans funded in-house
Unlike some of the options on our list, Reach Financial's loans are kept completely in-house. So, instead of having to sift through multiple loan offers and hope you pick the right one, all of the credit card consolidation loans here are funded by FinWise Bank based in Utah. Another plus of that is that all of the customer service is US-based, making it easy to get help or have questions answered.
Provide your info to get started
It won't take you long to get an offer. Start by putting in how much you need to borrow to pay off your credit cards, and then select either "credit card refinancing” or "debt consolidation” as your purpose (since either one could apply). After you click on "Check Your Rate”, you'll fill out the online inquiry form with your contact information, date of birth, income and housing details, and so on. This info will be used to confirm your identity, so that Reach Financial can do a soft pull on your credit report.
Borrow up to $40K and choose the monthly payment date
From there, Reach Financial will make you a credit card consolidation loan offer. You can borrow anywhere from $3,500 to $40,000, which should go pretty far in paying off what you currently owe. But, make sure that you're getting an interest rate that's actually going to benefit you: APRs here can fluctuate widely, and those include origination fees of up to 8%. Your repayment term will be between 24-60 months, and you'll have the unique perk of choosing the day of the month your payments will be due. That's helpful if you're trying to line up your consolidation loan due date with, say, your monthly paycheck.
Complimentary monthly credit score updates
To help you get on track and stay there, Reach Financial includes monthly credit score updates as part of your loan package.
Solid reputation
How about reputation? We don't have any big concerns about this credit card consolidation option. The Better Business Bureau gives Reach Financial an "A+” grade and accreditation, for starters. And, there are hundreds of reviews both on the BBB and on Trustpilot that speak highly of their experience with this lender.
More info, please
On the other hand, most of the 5-star reviews come from individuals who had a great experience with Reach Financial's initial consultation. That's good to hear, but it would be even more helpful to hear from clients who got their credit card consolidation loan here and could speak to how the lender did in the long run. Reach Financial doesn't offer a ton of information about their background as a company, and even their FAQs are a little on the vague side. Again, none of this is a problem, but it stops Reach Financial from competing with some of our higher-ranked options for credit card consolidation.
Good but not exceptional
We're big fans of the customizable due date on loan repayments, and it's obvious that neither clients nor the BBB have experienced anything consistently negative here. However, the interest rates and origination fees aren't anything to get excited about, leaving Reach Financial mostly as a decent backup option if you don't find a credit card consolidation loan provider you like among those that are higher on our list.
Upstart Disclosure
(1) Your loan amount will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will qualify for the full amount. Loans are not available in West Virginia or Iowa. The minimum loan amount in MA is $7,000. The minimum loan amount in Ohio is $6,000. The minimum loan amount in NM is $5100. The minimum loan amount in GA is $3,100.
(3) The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 5-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart platform will have an APR of 22.00% and 60 monthly payments of $25.03 per $1,000 borrowed. For example, the total cost of a $10,000 loan would be $15,018 including a $600 origination fee. APR is calculated based on 5-year rates offered in the last 1 month. There is no downpayment and no prepayment penalty. Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will be approved.
(4) If you accept your loan by 5pm EST (not including weekends or holidays), you will receive your funds the next business day. Loans used to fund education related expenses are subject to a 3 business day wait period between loan acceptance and funding in accordance with federal law.
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.
Select any 2 Credit Card Consolidation Programs to compare them head to head