Citizens Bank Student Loan Review
Updated: September 4, 2023
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Citizens Bank offers private student loan and refinancing options at competitive interest rates, flexible payback arrangements and rate-reduction options. It allows graduates with low incomes to qualify for loans if they have a creditworthy co-signer. But what sets it apart from other lenders is its multi-year approval commitment, where the bank agrees up-front to fund your college costs through graduation.
At a Glance: Citizens Bank Student Loans
MoneyGeek Breakdown: Citizens Bank Student Loan Details
Citizen Bank Details
Citizens Bank Student Loan Application Requirements
Be enrolled at least part-time in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution.
Be a U.S. citizen (or have a U.S. citizen co-signer).
Be of legal age in your state of residence (or have an eligible co-signer).
Have an established credit history (or a creditworthy co-signer).
Have no prior student loan defaults.
Have made at least 12 qualifying payments if looking to refinance a student loan.
Is Citizens Bank Right for You?
Comparing fees, loan terms and conditions are critical steps when choosing a student loan. Here MoneyGeek has identified the borrowers best suited to a Citizens Bank student loan.
Type of Student Citizens Bank Is Perfect For
Citizens Bank loans are best for current bank clients, who immediately enjoy a rate reduction.
Citizens Bank is also a suitable option for students with good financial standing who haven’t completed their education and non-U.S. citizens who have a qualifying co-signer. Parents who want to borrow money to pay a portion of their child’s education may also find Citizens Bank’s rates competitive.
Citizens Bank private student loans are an excellent option for applicants with good credit who need funding for the entire term of their education. The bank simplifies the process of applying for financial aid through its multi-year approval option. Borrowers apply once and can obtain subsequent student loans simply by making a request and undergoing a soft credit check.
Who Should Not Choose Citizens Bank
Citizens Bank may not be the best option if you have limited or bad credit unless someone with an excellent credit score is willing to be your co-signer.
If you want to take over your parents’ loan, you may find Citizens Bank’s process complex compared to other lenders. Your parents will need to refinance their loan first and include you as a co-signer.
How to Apply for a Citizens Bank Student Loan
Below, MoneyGeek lists the necessary steps to complete a Citizens Bank student loan application.
Fill Out Online Application Form
Unlike other banks and lenders, Citizens Bank does not have any prequalification. The application process takes place entirely online, and you’ll need to provide the following:
- Social Security number
- Proof of income or pay stub less than 30 days old
- Anticipated graduation date, loan amount and academic period for the loan
- Immigration status (for international applicants)
Select Rates and Terms
Before submitting your application, you will also need to select your rate and loan terms, including how and when you want to repay the loan.
Wait for Approval
Once you have submitted your application, the bank may request additional documents to verify the information you’ve provided. The student lending advisors from Citizens Bank will let you know whether you qualify for their multi-year approval option during this stage.
Review Loan Agreement
It’s important to review all the fees and charges you may incur during your student loan’s term. Citizens Bank will also ask you to review and sign an application, promissory note and a self-certification form.
Sign Loan Agreement
After reviewing your documents, you will sign the loan agreement through the Citizens Bank platform. Co-signers will also need to sign the document electronically.
Receive or Direct Funds
Immediately, or within three to five business days of signing the documents, Citizens Bank will transfer the funds to your school.
Make Payments
You can choose between different payment options to pay off your student debt. Note that each will have different interest rates.
- Deferred Repayment: You may choose to pay the principal and interest six months after graduation.
- Interest-Only Repayment: You can make interest-only payments while in school and full payments after graduation.
- Immediate Repayment: You can also pay the principal amount and interest right after graduation if funds are available.
What to Do if You Are Rejected From Citizens Bank
Receiving a loan rejection can be discouraging, but know there are always other options for you. When lenders reject an application, they should provide a basic explanation for their decision. Feel free to give the bank a call and ask why you were denied. You can work on improving the factors that contributed to your rejection before reapplying to Citizens Bank or elsewhere.
If you decide to go with a different lender, thoroughly review the application requirements. Make sure to have all the necessary documents, and improve upon determining factors where you can.
Lastly, aside from student loans, there are several other ways to pay for college. These include financial aid from your school, federal student loans or grants and scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Loans
If you’re interested in a Citizens Bank student loan, MoneyGeek has answers to frequently asked questions, including who these loans are best suited for, how long it takes to get approved and others.
Citizens Bank offers private student loans and refinancing options to undergraduate and graduate students and their parents. International students can also consider Citizens Bank if they have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen.
To apply for a student loan from Citizens Bank, you need a reasonably strong credit history. If you do not meet this qualification, however, you can still apply with a creditworthy co-signer to increase your chances of getting approved.
It takes approximately two to four weeks to complete the application process. But once approved, the funds are available immediately or within three to five business days.
Yes. Citizens Bank offers a convenient digital solution to customers' banking needs. Current Citizens Bank customers can view their checking and savings accounts, as well as monitor their loan account statements online.
With Citizens Bank, students can borrow from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $150,000 or the total cost of education, whichever is lower.
Citizens Bank runs a soft credit pull to determine if you qualify for its loan products. Unlike a hard credit inquiry, a soft credit inquiry will not affect your credit score.
Yes. Citizens Bank encourages having a co-signer to increase your chances of getting approved for the loan and lowering your interest rate.
Students attending four-year public and private institutions nationwide may qualify for a Citizens Bank student loan. However, if you are enrolled in a two-year institution, community college or for-profit school, you may need to secure a loan elsewhere.
sources
- Citizens Bank. "Private Student Loans." Accessed March 25, 2022.
- Citizens Bank. "Graduate Student Loans." Accessed March 25, 2022.
- Citizens Bank. "Parent Student Loans." Accessed March 25, 2022.
- Citizens Bank. "Refinance Student Loans." Accessed March 25, 2022.
- Citizens Bank. "Medical Residency Student Loans." Accessed March 25, 2022.
- Citizens Student Loans. "Loan Interest Rate and Fees Loan." Accessed March 25, 2022.
- Citizens Bank. "Multi-Year Loan Approval." Accessed March 25, 2022.
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