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Best Debt Consolidation Loans in Pennsylvania of 2024
Updated: December 28, 2023
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- Best Overall Debt Consolidation Loan Lender in Pennsylvania
- Runner-Up for Best Overall Debt Consolidation Loan Lender in Pennsylvania
- Best Debt Consolidation Loan Lender for Bad Credit in Pennsylvania
- Best Debt Consolidation Loan Lender for Good Credit in Pennsylvania
- How to Choose the Right Personal Loan for You
- What to Do if You Can’t Get a Debt Consolidation Loan in Pennsylvania
- Calculate Your Monthly Payment
- Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans in Pennsylvania
Best Debt Consolidation Loan Lenders in Pennsylvania
MoneyGeek analyzed a number of debt consolidation loans offered by lenders in Pennsylvania to determine the best options. The key factors in the analysis include interest rates, miscellaneous fees, repayment terms, loan amounts and more.
When choosing a lender, Pennsylvania residents should consider their financial goals and profiles. MoneyGeek recommends considering both Upgrade and Truist, which provide competitive interest rates for borrowers with good credit scores. Meanwhile, Upstart is a good option for people with a poor credit history.
Best Overall Debt Consolidation Loan in Pennsylvania: Upgrade
Runner-Up for Best Debt Consolidation Loan in Pennsylvania: Truist
Best Debt Consolidation Loan for Bad Credit in Pennsylvania: Upstart
Best Debt Consolidation Loan for Good Credit in Pennsylvania: SoFi
How to Choose the Best Debt Consolidation Loan in Pennsylvania for You
Personal loan debt in Pennsylvania averages $27,165 with an interest rate of roughly 9.67%. By consolidating several debts into a single loan, consumers can combine their monthly payments and save money by taking advantage of lower interest rates.
Usually, Pennsylvania residents with a steady income and a good credit history are able to get debt consolidation loans. Follow these steps to get your application started:
Ask Yourself the Important Questions
Before applying for a debt consolidation loan, it is important to assess your current financial situation and decide whether you can afford the repayments. To help you make this decision, ask yourself the following questions:
- How much funding do you need?
- What’s your credit score?
- Can you afford the monthly payments?
- Do you have existing debts?
- Is your debt manageable through other means?
Do Your Research
Before applying for a debt consolidation loan, borrowers should do their due diligence. Consolidation loans can last two to four years, so it’s best not to sign anything unless you are comfortable with the agreement. A hard credit check may also be performed by some lenders, which can negatively impact your credit score. While MoneyGeek’s roundup of the best lenders in Pennsylvania may help various borrowers, these recommendations may not be suitable for every individual. It is always wise to do your own research before choosing a particular lender.
Wait
Once you have selected a debt consolidation lender, it is a good idea to wait a day or two before submitting an application. The decision to get a debt consolidation loan is a major commitment and should be taken seriously. Taking some time to think will enable you to reach a more objective decision.
Read the Fine Print
When you take out a debt consolidation loan, be sure to read the terms carefully and look for information about fees and charges that may reduce your ability to make timely payments. There may be penalties if you pay off the loan before its due date or pay less than the required minimum payment each month. Reading the fine print can save you money down the road.
Apply
To apply for a loan, you’ll need to meet your potential lender’s requirements for creditworthiness and supply the necessary documents. Most lenders require proof of your identity and residence. They will also want to see recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer. Although applying for a debt consolidation loan online can be more convenient, it might be better to apply over the phone or in-person if those options are available.
What to Do if You Can’t Get a Debt Consolidation Loan in Pennsylvania
When a lender turns down your application for debt consolidation, ask for an explanation. There are many reasons that could lead to a denial of your request, including insufficient income or a poor credit score. Then, address and correct any issues. Doing so will improve your chances of being approved in the future.
Consider asking for a smaller loan or shorter repayment period as well. If the lender doesn't reconsider, you may need to apply with another company. Make sure to address whatever caused the rejection of your first application so that you don’t get rejected again.
MoneyGeek strongly advises against payday loans because they have short repayment terms and extremely high-interest rates. Payday loans can easily trap borrowers in a cycle of debt.
Calculate Your Monthly Payment
To avoid defaulting on a debt consolidation loan, make sure you can afford the monthly installments and interest payments. To estimate how much you might need to pay monthly, use MoneyGeek's calculator below.
FAQs About Debt Consolidation Loans in Pennsylvania
Examining your financial situation is a smart place to start when it comes to debt reduction. The most frequently asked questions about debt consolidation loans in Pennsylvania are addressed below.
The best loan provider for debt consolidation depends on your needs and other variables, including your credit score. However, MoneyGeek found that Upgrade is the best loan provider overall, followed by Truist.
According to our data, Upstart offers the lowest interest rates in Pennsylvania for debt consolidation.
Some loan providers permit certain debt consolidation purposes, including post-graduate education funding, business expenses and investments. However, others may not allow you to use funds for these purposes. Make sure your usage needs are in line with those of your debt consolidation loan agent or organization.
You can consolidate as much as $100,000 in Pennsylvania depending on the lender.
It typically takes one to seven business days, depending on your loan lender. You can ask your lending company to find out how soon you’ll receive your funds.
Yes. However, early repayment may result in fees from some lenders. Ask your lender if there are any penalties for making early loan repayments.
MoneyGeek reviewed over 30 personal loan lenders using at least 35 individual data points across six key categories: loan affordability, accessibility, consumer friendliness, customer service, flexibility and lender transparency.
Within each ranking category, we considered several individual data points that we feel carry the most weight when choosing a personal loan lender. These factors include APR ranges, available loan amount, minimum credit score, minimum income amount, application fees and disbursement time.
Here at MoneyGeek, we value you, the consumer, so we also factor in each lender’s customer support, business ratings and additional features that could make your experience easier and more accessible — like prequalification, payment options and mobile apps.
After careful consideration and calculation, our picks are chosen with your best interests in mind. Our personal loan recommendations and expert tips are meant to help you make smart financial decisions when choosing a lender that meets your needs.
sources
- Better Business Bureau. "Upgrade, Inc." Accessed June 28, 2022.
- Better Business Bureau. "Upstart." Accessed June 28, 2022.
- SoFi. "About Us." Accessed June 28, 2022.
- SoFi. "What is Debt Consolidation and How Does it Work?." Accessed June 28, 2022.
- Truist. "Personal Loans and Lines of Credit." Accessed June 28, 2022.
- Upgrade. "About Us." Accessed June 28, 2022.
- Upstart. "Overview." Accessed June 28, 2022.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the rates mentioned may have changed. We recommend visiting the lender's website for the most up-to-date information available.
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