Do you want to save money on your student loans? If yes, then here’s a step-by-step guide on refinancing student loans.
Consolidating your existing federal or private student loans, or both, into a new, single student loan with a reduced interest rate is possible with student loan refinancing. You can benefit from a lower interest rate, a lower monthly payment, and pay off your student loans faster if you refinance your student loans. You can also pay off your student debts over a period of 5 to 20 years. Most significantly, you may save money for other life needs, such as retirement, property purchases, investment, or debt repayment. Depending on your current student loan balance and interest rate, student loan refinance might save you more than $30,000 over the life of your loans.
How to get student loan refinancing approved
Is refinancing my student debt a wise idea? If you want to save money and get a lower return on your student loans, reloading may be a viable option for you. You will need to work with just a lender since this executive branch does not refinance student loans. Different borrowers will have their own set of underwriting guidelines. Similarly, each respondent’s financial circumstances vary. So it’s not necessary that every single individual who owes money on a student loan, will refinance it.
If however, you want to get your student loan to refinance approved, then consider the following:
Maintain a credit score of good to outstanding.
When it comes to repaying student loans, lenders favor consumers who have a “good to excellent” credit score. Why? Your credit score reflects your financial responsibility. Lenders want to see that you cover your expenses on time and repay your debt. The finest student loan firms demand a credit score in the mid to late 600s. But, some lenders may not need a basic credit score.
Insider Tip: A credit score of 700 or above is ideal for increasing your chances of acceptance.
Hold a job
Ideally, you must be employed in order to be eligible for student loan refinancing. Why? Lenders want to know that you have a steady job, since this will give them confidence that you will pay back your student loan on time each month. If you’re graduating and have a documented job offer to start work in the near future, you’re an exemption to the employment rule. A documented job offer or employment agreement may be accepted as proof of employment by some lenders.
Insider Tip: If you’re out of a job or furloughed, you might want to hold off on applying until you’re fully employed again.
Have a steady and recurrent source of income
Chances of getting your student debt refinancing approved increase substantially if you have a steady and recurring monthly income. Why? Lenders want to know that you have enough money coming in each month to pay down your student debts. Lenders will be more confident in your capacity to make monthly student loan payments if you receive a consistent wage each month. It may be more difficult to refinance student loans if you don’t have a consistent monthly income.
Insider Tip: If you’re a consultant, freelancer, or entrepreneur, you may try to prove financial stability by providing other evidence of your income or assets.
Make enough money to pay off your debts and cover your living expenses.
Is there a minimum income requirement for refinancing student loans?
Many lenders do not have a minimum income requirement, while others might have a modest income requirement. Lenders, above all, want to make sure you have the adequate monthly cash flow to cover living expenditures and debt payments. Do you meet the requirements? Take a look at your pay stubs to figure out how much money you make after taxes each month. Is there enough money left over after subtracting your new student loan payment (after you refinance) and any additional debt payments for other essential living expenses? If you answered yes, you could be an excellent candidate for refinancing.
Insider Tip: Make careful to account for all sources of income, including any side jobs.
Pay off any outstanding debts
Lenders will review your other debts, such as mortgages, credit card debt, and auto debt, in addition to your student loans. As part of the underwriting procedure, lenders will take into consideration your total monthly debt payments. Why? Even with the reduced student loan rate, lenders want to make sure you can pay off all of your debt each month.
Don’t be concerned if you have additional debt. If feasible, pay off another loan to reduce the sum. You should be a strong contender if you have adequate cash flow each month to satisfy your debt commitments.
Clear your credit card debt
If you have credit card debt, credit card consolidation can help you decrease your monthly payment right away. By merging your existing credit card debt into a single personal loan, you can achieve a reduced interest rate when consolidating credit card debt. A personal loan has a set interest rate and often has a one to seven-year payback period. A smaller monthly payment might help you refinance student loans more easily.
Insider tip: Consolidating your credit cards will help you increase your credit score.
