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Best Debt Consolidation Loan Lenders in Oakland, CA

In order to narrow down your options, MoneyGeek analyzed more than 30 data points to identify the top debt consolidation loan lenders in Oakland. This includes factors like APR ranges, minimum credit score requirements, loan amount ranges, repayment terms, late fees, origination fees and the time it takes to receive your funds.

MoneyGeek found that LightStream is Oakland's best overall loan provider for debt consolidation loans.

Best Overall Debt Consolidation Loan in Oakland, CA: LightStream


  • LightStream
    • 4.49% to 20.49%APR Range
    • $5,000 to $100,000Loan Amount Range
    • 24 to 84 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Same DayTime to Receive Funds
    LightStream

Runner-Up for Best Debt Consolidation Loan in Oakland, CA: SoFi


  • SoFi
    • 5.74% to 20.28%APR Range
    • $5,000 to $100,000Loan Amount Range
    • 12 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Two DaysTime to Receive Funds
    SoFi

Best Debt Consolidation Loan for Bad Credit in Oakland, CA: Upstart


  • Upstart
    • 8.49% to 35.99%APR Range
    • $1,000 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Next DayTime to Receive Funds
    Upstart

Best Debt Consolidation Loan for Good Credit in Oakland, CA: Upgrade


  • Upgrade
    • 11.69% to 35.47%APR Range
    • $1,000 to $50,000Loan Amount Range
    • 36 to 60 monthsRepayment Terms
    • Same DayTime to Receive Funds
    Upgrade

How to Choose the Best Debt Consolidation Loan in Oakland, CA, for You

A lot of people use debt consolidation loans to reduce the total amount of interest they need to pay and make the repayment process more streamlined. For instance, the average person in California owes $16,790 in personal loan debt.

MoneyGeek has listed some steps that can help you through the process if you're thinking about getting a debt consolidation loan in Oakland:

1

Ask Yourself the Important Questions

Consider whether you actually need a loan for debt consolidation before applying.

  • How much funding do you need? Most lenders have minimum loan amounts and maximum amounts.
  • What’s your credit score? Keep in mind that a low credit score will usually result in a higher interest rate.
  • Can you afford the monthly payments? You’ll often have to pay late fees and penalties if you cannot make payments on time.
  • Do you have existing debts? Lenders may not accept applicants with a high debt-to-income ratio.
  • Is your debt manageable through other means? Consider looking into other options that may not involve taking out a loan.
2

Do Your Research

A loan for debt consolidation is a significant commitment since it must be repaid in two to four years on average. Furthermore, certain lenders perform strict credit checks that harm your credit score. Because of this, you should research and compare several lenders before choosing the best fit for your needs.

The debt consolidation lenders in Oakland that MoneyGeek recommends might work for most people, but don't be afraid to look into other options that are tailored to your circumstances.

3

Wait

Waiting a day or two before selecting your debt consolidation lender can be beneficial. Take time to consider your borrowing options and financial needs so that you can make an informed choice. Since debt consolidation loans can take years to pay off, it's a good idea to avoid rushing into things.

4

Read the Fine Print

By ignoring the fine print, borrowers commonly miss important details like origination, late and prepayment charges. It's wise to plan ahead because these expenses will be added on top of your monthly payments.

Consult a financial professional or have a conversation with your preferred lender if you don't fully grasp all the financial terms and conditions that are listed in the small print.

5

Apply

You're ready to apply once you complete the preceding steps, check your lender requirements and are certain of your choice. To make the application procedure as seamless as possible, gather the necessary documents in advance. Typically, lenders will ask for confirmation of identity, proof of address and proof of income, but they may also ask for other documents.

Even though you can apply for a loan online, it may be best to visit or call your chosen lender in person if you have any questions.

What to Do if You Can’t Get a Debt Consolidation Loan in Oakland, CA

If your application for a debt consolidation loan is rejected, it doesn't mean you have to give up. A range of factors, including a low credit score, low income, high debt-to-income ratio or lack of employment history, can cause an application to be rejected.

To improve your chances of approval in the future, you should ask your lender why your application was denied so that you can work on these shortcomings.

Once you understand why, you can check whether you can request a smaller loan amount or a shorter repayment period. The lender might agree to your loan's modified terms in particular circumstances. If not, you may want to apply with a different debt consolidation lender.

MoneyGeek strongly cautions against taking out payday loans, which some borrowers could be tempted to do. Payday loans have very quick repayment timeframes and extremely high interest rates. This may land you in greater debt if you cannot make payments on time.

Calculate Your Monthly Payment

It's critical to keep in mind that personal loans must be repaid in scheduled installments at a set interest rate, typically every month. You can check if you have enough resources to pay off your preferred loan amount with MoneyGeek's convenient calculator.

years
months
%

Principal

+ $114.98

Interest

+ $8.33

Origination Fee Percentage

+
%

Origination Fee Fixed amount

+

Total monthly payment

$123.31

Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Consolidation Loans in Oakland, CA

Your needs and financial situation will help you identify the best debt consolidation loan in Oakland. To help you make your decision, MoneyGeek answers a few commonly asked questions.

Methodology

METHODOLOGY

MoneyGeek reviewed more than 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 amounts, minimum credit scores, minimum income amounts, application fees and disbursement times.

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, we make our picks 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

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.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, lender or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.