Finance 101
What is Debt Consolidation?
Are you in debt? You're not alone. According to a CNBC article, most Americans average around $90,460 in debt. Debt isn't always a bad thing though. For most people, borrowing money to finance a car, a home, or an education is a means to an end - a way to end up in a better financial situation in the long run.
However, sometimes debt can balloon out of control or become so expensive you can barely make the minimum payments on your loans. Not making loan payments or making late payments can lower your credit score, which can cause lasting financial repercussions.
What’s a possible course of action if you should find yourself struggling with multiple high-interest credit cards, student loans, car payments, and other debt? An option is to apply for a debt consolidation loan. These loans are personal loans that allow borrowers to combine two or more debts into one.
Read on to learn more about debt consolidation and whether it's right for you.
What does a debt consolidation loan do?
Debt consolidation loans are loans you have to apply for and then qualify for approval. They allow you to take multiple forms of debt and roll them up into one big payment. Depending on the interest rates you qualify for, this may be a great way to save on paying off loans of varying (sometimes high) interest rates.
Once you receive a debt consolidation loan, you pay off your existing debt. Then, you will repay this kind of personal loan in installments. These loans are typically at a fixed rate of interest and your monthly payments will remain the same for the life of the loan (although you can pay it off sooner if you like).
Check `n Go does not offer consolidation loans or is a debt consolidation company, but many lenders such as banks do offer debt consolidation loans.
Benefits of debt consolidation:
There are quite a few potential benefits to loan debt consolidation, which may include boosting your credit score depending on various factors.
- Paying debt down faster. The faster you can pay down your personal loan, the sooner you can be out of debt and start saving for the future.
- The advantage of lower interest rates. Personal loan and credit card interest rates tend to be high. The rates you're eligible for will depend on your credit score and other factors, but odds are good that most people looking into debt consolidation may receive a lower interest rate than that of their credit cards.
- Single payments. By consolidating your debt, you will only have to worry about one payment instead of multiple payments every month. One sum is easier to maintain with your budget and keep track of (not to mention saves a lot of stamps).
- Payments on a fixed schedule. Since your debt consolidation loan will be on a fixed repayment schedule, it will remain the same and the interest rate won't fluctuate for the life of the loan. Being able to count on a fixed payment is a great stress relief.
- Increased credit score. Over time, and with on-time, accurate payments, you may start to see your credit score improve. Payment histories are known to account for up to 35% of your credit score. Paying your debt consolidation loan on time could be a huge win for your credit!
What is the downside to consolidating debt?
Even though there are a lot of positives to debt consolidation, unfortunately, there are also some downsides you should take into consideration when looking into loan debt consolidation.
- Your money problems won't disappear. Even though debt consolidation is a great way to possibly get a lower interest rate and perhaps pay off debt more quickly, the fact remains that you still have debt to pay off. It can also be tempting to take out another loan or credit card on top of your consolidated installment loan. This could be a mistake and wreak havoc on your budget and finances.
- Decreased credit score for missed payments. If you miss payments or pay late on your personal loan, your credit score may take a hit. It's important to always pay on time and the right amount to keep your credit score in check.
- Higher interest rates. Although typically the interest rates on a debt consolidation loan will be lower than on credit cards, that isn't always the case. Always check with your loan provider before signing up to consolidate your loans to get the best interest rate and payment plan for you.
- Upfront costs. In addition to interest rates, another thing you need to look out for are additional fees that you may incur. Investigate all of the fees and costs before signing up for a debt consolidation loan.
Types of debt consolidation loans:
Three ways to consolidate your debt:
Debt consolidation loans are the most popular way people consolidate their debt. All are personal loans offered by banks, installment loan lenders, and credit unions. These types of loans encompass all that has been discussed thus far.
Home equity loans allow you to borrow money against the equity in your home. You'd use this money to pay off your other creditors, then you would pay back the home equity loan.
Credit card balance transfers are offered by credit card companies themselves as a way to consolidate two or more credit card balances into one. They often offer lower interest rates on balance transfers as an incentive to get people to take advantage of balance transfers.
Do debt consolidation loans go into your bank account?
Yes, debt consolidation loans are deposited directly into your bank account. Once you receive the funds, it's up to you to pay off your credit card or other debts, and then repay the personal loan according to agreed-upon terms. Once the debt consolidation loan is paid in full, the line of credit is closed and you'll have no more access to it.
How does debt consolidation affect your credit score?
Like any other loan that must be repaid, debt consolidation may affect your credit score. By paying your monthly payment on time and for the correct amount, it's possible that your credit score will be raised or lowered depending on the actions you take during the loan. Missed payments or making less than the required monthly payment could result in your credit score going down.
Finding a debt consolidation loan.
To find a reputable lender for a personal loan, look to see if they belong to a national trade association such as the Online Lender Alliance (OLA). For example, Check `n Go’s website displays the OLA seal which lets customers know that Check `n Go is committed to the highest standards of conduct and full compliance with federal law and fraud protection.
For information on our installment loans, click here.*
Editorial Policy: The information contained in Check `n Go’s Finance Academy Learning Center is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. You should consult your own attorney or seek specific advice from a legal professional regarding any legal issues. Check `n Go does not act as a credit counseling, repair service, or debt consolidation service in providing this content. Please understand that Check `n Go policies change over time. Blog posts reflect Check `n Go policy at the time of writing. While maintained for your information, archived posts may not reflect current Check `n Go policy.
The information contained in our blog posts are the author’s own opinions, not those of Check `n Go or any other company. Any pros and cons are developed by our editorial team based on independent research. Some of the products, services, and offers on this page may not be available from Check `n Go. In Texas only: Check `n Go does not act as a credit services organization in providing this content.
Connect with us:
Loans Rates and Terms by State
Select your state below to view important rates, terms, and disclosures unique to the state.
Online Disclosures
Customer Notice: Payday Loans are typically for two- to four-week terms. Some borrowers, however, use Payday Loans for several months, which can be expensive. Payday Loans (also referred to as Payday Advances, Cash Advances, Deferred Deposit Transactions/Loans) and high-interest loans should be used for short-term financial needs only and not as a long-term financial solution. Customers with credit difficulties should seek credit counseling before entering into any loan transaction. See State Center for specific information and requirements.
California operations licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation pursuant to the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law. Texas loans originated by a third-party lender, restrictions apply. Eastern Specialty Finance, Inc., D/B/A Check ‘n Go is licensed by the Delaware State Bank Commissioner pursuant to 5 Del. C. sec. 2201 et. al.
Check `n Go Online is not a direct lender in Texas, where instead it acts in the capacity as a Credit Services Organization in conjunction with third-party lenders.
*Active checking account open for at least 30 days.
*Approval depends upon meeting legal, regulatory and underwriting requirements. If approved and originated by 8:00 pm ET on a business day, online loans are typically funded no later than the following business day. All times and dates are based on Eastern Time (ET). Check `n Go and third-party lenders may, at their discretion, verify application information by using national databases that may provide information from one or more national credit bureaus, and Check `n Go or third-party lenders may take that into consideration in the approval process.
**Transunion CreditView Dashboard is a third party provided service. The material has not been modified or validated by Check `n Go.
Payday Loans in Indiana are available for a maximum of $660 for online loans
We do not report credit in Texas.
Products or services offered to customers may vary based on customer eligibility and applicable state or federal law. All available products subject to applicable lender’s terms and conditions. Actual loan amounts vary. See State Center for specific information and requirements.
Check `n Go currently operates online in: Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas,, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin.
Check `n Go currently operates in store locations in: Alabama, Delaware, Idaho, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin.
The Company, individually or through its affiliates, is licensed as a Debt Collector by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), License Number 10435-99.
Notice to California consumers: Information on your privacy rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act can be found by clicking here.