Article updated 7/11/20 to include the latest interest rate and new customer bonus information. Two of the top names in student loan refinancing are SoFi and CommonBond. Both lenders fall firmly into the fin-tech category of lenders. Borrowers should expect a quick and easy process compared to working with a …
Loan Payoff Timeline and Procedure When Refinancing
One of the more confusing and stressful aspects of student loan refinancing can be the process of actually getting the old loans paid off. For many borrowers, the payoff amount and loan balances do not match. Some fear that lenders will be given too much money. Others worry about the …
Using a Refinance or Consolidation to Simplify Bill Payments is Dumb
Both federal student loan consolidation and private student loan refinancing have significant advantages. These two processes can easily save borrowers thousands of dollars when done correctly. However, both federal consolidation and private refinance come with significant risks. The potential dangers are part of the reason that I hate to see …
The Consequences of Student Loan Refinancing and Consolidation on Credit Reports
Student loan consolidation and refinancing are excellent tools for borrowers hoping to get their finances in order. Refinancing enables borrowers to get lower interest rates and/or lower monthly student loan payments. Federal consolidation can help borrowers qualify for favorable repayment plans and forgiveness programs. In both a refinance and a …
Consolidation of FFEL Federal Loans for Student Loan Forgiveness
The rejection rate for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness is a horrifying 99%. Some of the problems that lead to rejection can be easily fixed, while others are far more complicated. Issues with Federal Family Education Loan Program or FFEL loans are among the most serious because there is no …
The Best Student Loan Refinance Rates
Editor’s Note: The Rate Tables on this Page are Updated Monthly. With well over a trillion dollars in student loan debt in the United States, it is no surprise that new lenders continue to pop up in the refinance marketplace. Finding the lender offering the lowest interest rates can be …
Hidden Fees and Costs of Student Loan Refinancing
For many borrowers, student loan refinancing is an excellent option. By refinancing, they can get lower interest rates and lower monthly payments. Unfortunately, student loan refinancing — sometimes called private loan consolidation — can have expenses that borrowers may not expect. The possible fees and costs of a student loan …
Student Loan Consolidation and Refinancing: Is it Good or Bad for my Credit Score?
Many student loan borrowers can improve their credit score by consolidating or refinancing their student loans. Unfortunately, not all borrowers see an increase. Some borrowers may see their score drop by consolidating or refinancing. Though federal direct consolidation and private student loan refinancing are very different processes, the impact on …
10 Tips for Dealing with Your Lender Over the Phone
Phone calls with lenders can be especially stressful. For many borrowers, student loans are by far their biggest debt. Student loan companies, including federal student loans servicers like Navient and MyFedLoan have a well deserved reputation for lousy service. This combination of financial pain and terrible customer service can be …
AES Student Loan Refinancing and Consolidation
American Education Services, usually called AES, is one the largest servicers of federal and private student loans in the United States. Many AES borrowers may face the question of whether or not they should refinance or consolidate their AES loans. In some cases, refinancing or consolidating can be an essential …