All articles in Refinancing & Consolidation
When refinancing makes sense, when it's a trap, and which lenders are safe.
34 articles
34 of 34 guides
How refinancing works
01How to Refinance Student Loans: Step-by-Step Guide & Best LendersThe main benefit of refinancing is that you could get an interest rate reduction, meaning less money paid over the life of the loan and lower monthly payment amounts. It can be an excellent personal finance decision, depending on your loan refinance rates.Oct 202211 min02Does it Make Sense to Refinance Student Loans?When does it make sense to refinance student loans? Our 2026 guide walks you through who should refinance, potential savings and hidden costs.Mar 20266 min03How to Refinance Federal Student LoansHow to Refinance Federal Student LoansMay 20224 min04Can Refinanced Student Loans Be Forgiven?Can Refinanced Student Loans Be Forgiven?Jan 20235 min05Can You Refinance After Student Loan Consolidation?Can You Refinance After Student Loan Consolidation?May 20224 min06Can You Refinance a Defaulted Student Loan?Refinancing a defaulted student loan usually isn’t possible. Learn why lenders say no, the rare exceptions, and what actually resolves default.May 20253 min07Does Refinancing or Consolidating Student Loans Hurt Your Credit?Refinancing or consolidating student loans causes a small, temporary credit dip. Learn how each option affects your score and repayment.Sep 20255 min08Does Student Loan Refinance Hurt Your Credit Score?Refinancing your student loans has a temporary impact on your credit score that can be minimized by prequalifying with lenders and regained by paying on time.Jul 20252 min09How Often Can You Refinance Student Loans?How Often Can You Refinance Student Loans?May 20224 min10When is the Best Time to Refinance Your Student Loans?Learn the best time to refinance student loans based on your credit, income, interest rates and federal loan protections.Mar 20266 min11Should you refinance your federal and private student loans?Learn when it makes sense to refinance federal and private student loans, what protections you give up, and how to decide based on your situation.Mar 20265 min
Qualifying & credit
01Here’s the Credit Score You Need to Refinance Student LoansHere’s the Credit Score You Need to Refinance Student LoansMay 20225 min02How to Refinance a Student Loan With Bad CreditHow to Refinance a Student Loan With Bad CreditMay 20225 min03Student Loan Refinance Without a Cosigner: How to Qualify on Your OwnLearn how to qualify for student loan refinance without cosigner support, including credit, income, and debt-to-income basics—and steps to improve your odds.Mar 20265 min04A Guide to the Student Loan Cosigner ReleaseLearn how cosigner release works when refinancing student loans, what refinance requirements lenders have, and how to plan for removing a cosigner successfully.Mar 20268 min05How to Refinance Student Loans as an International StudentLearn how international students can refinance student loans, including unique eligibility requirements, co-signer needs, and steps to secure better rates and tMar 20266 min06Student Loan Refinancing Bonus: What It Is and How to Compare OffersA student loan refinancing bonus is a cash incentive for refinancing. Learn how bonuses work, who qualifies, and how to compare bonus offers the right way.Mar 20266 min
Lenders & comparisons
01Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders for High Debt: Who Qualifies, What Rates to Expect, and How to Structure the LoanWhich lenders refinance $100K+ in student loans, what rates to expect at your DTI, and what you permanently lose by leaving the federal system.Apr 202611 min02Best Student Loan Consolidation Companies – Federal and Private for June 2022Best Student Loan Consolidation Companies – Federal and Private for June 2022Jun 20229 min03Is Earnest the Right Choice to Refinance Your Student Loan?Is Earnest the Right Choice to Refinance Your Student Loan?Sep 20228 min04CommonBond Alternatives for Student Loan RefinancingCommonBond Alternatives for Student Loan RefinancingSep 20225 min05Credible Review: Is It Legit for Comparing Student Loan Refinancing?Credible is a free marketplace for comparing student loan refinancing rates. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and what to watch for.Apr 20265 min06Credible vs. SoFi: How to Compare Your Student Loan Refinancing OptionsCredible is a marketplace that compares lenders. SoFi is a direct lender. Here's how they differ and when to use each.Apr 20264 min07Does Chase Refinance Student Loans?Chase no longer refinances student loans. Learn why the bank exited the market, what happened to existing loans, and how to find refinance alternatives.Mar 20264 min08Can You Refinance a Sallie Mae loan?Yes, you can refinance a Sallie Mae loan with another lender. Learn when refinancing helps, when it may not, and how to qualify for better rates.Mar 20263 min09How to Consolidate Sallie Mae LoansHow to Consolidate Sallie Mae LoansFeb 20235 min10Yrefy Risks: What You Need to KnowFind out the risks of using Yrefy for refinancing, including long loan terms and fees, plus how it helps you manage your private student loan debts.Oct 20248 min
By profession & loan type
01A Guide to Refinancing Medical School LoansLearn how medical school loan refinance works, when it makes sense during residency or after training, and how to weigh savings against federal protections.Mar 202611 min02Refinancing Law School Loans: Best Lenders — Oct. 2022Refinancing Law School Loans: Best Lenders — Oct. 2022Sep 20229 min03Refinancing Law School Loans: When It May Make Sense (and When to Wait)Learn when refinancing law school loans can lower interest costs, how career path affects the tradeoffs, and how to decide using simple steps.Mar 20268 min04Refinance Parent PLUS Loans: 5 Best Lenders of 2023Refinancing Parent PLUS loans can save you money if you get a lower interest rate than you have on your current loan with the federal government. It can also eliminate your responsibility for paying back the loan by transferring it to your child.Dec 202214 min05Should I Refinance a Parent PLUS Loan? — How to Decide and Save on InterestGet clear guidance on parent PLUS loan refinancing: who qualifies, how to save on interest, and the key tradeoffs before switching to a private loan.Mar 20264 min06You Can’t Transfer a Parent PLUS Loan to Your Child—Here’s What You Can Do InsteadYou can’t transfer a Parent PLUS loan to your child through any federal program. Learn the only way it can change—and the fallback if it can’t.Jan 20265 min07When Should I Consider Refinancing Private Student Loans?Learn when to refinance private student loans based on credit improvement, income stability, and interest rate savings—plus when it makes sense to wait.Mar 20265 min
Questions about your situation?
Every loan is different. A 20-minute call can save months of guessing.