Hanneh Bareham specializes in everything related to personal and student loans and helping you finance your next endeavor. She aims to help others reach their collegiate and financial goals through making loans easier to understand.
Edited by
Aylea WilkinsLoans Editor, Former Insurance Editor
Aylea Wilkins is an editor specializing in student loans. She has previously worked for Bankrate editing content about personal and home equity loans and auto, home and life insurance. She has been editing professionally for nearly a decade in a variety of fields with a primary focus on helping people make financial and purchasing decisions with confidence by providing clear and unbiased information.
At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editoral integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money.
Refinancing your student loans may land you a lower interest rate and a smaller monthly payment. But if you have federal student loans, refinancing comes with downsides you should consider. You'll also need to research student loan companies and their terms to find the best deal.
Bankrate's ranking of the best student loan refinancing companies compares rates, terms, features and more to help you start your search for a lender. The resources below can also help you explore whether refinancing is right for you.
If you're considering refinancing your student loans, here's how to start the process:
1
Check your credit score.
Many lenders require good credit for you to refinance your loans. If you see that your credit score is on the low side (below 650), you can take steps to improve it or look for a qualified co-signer.
2
Shop around.
Whether you're refinancing federal or private student loans, one of the most important steps is shopping around. Check with multiple lenders and research student loan refinancing rates to ensure you get the best deal possible.
3
Choose a loan offer.
Lenders that approve you should offer you several repayment options, which will impact your monthly payment and how much you pay on your loan overall. Select a loan offer that matches your budget and goals.
4
Send in an application.
While some lenders will let you check rates using a simple application form, you'll eventually need to submit a full application. You'll need details about your existing loans, plus documents verifying your income and other financial details. At this point, you'll go through a hard credit inquiry. Once your details have been verified, the lender will either pay off your former loans or send you the funds directly. Payments begin as soon as funds are disbursed.
1
Prequalify.
Start by getting prequalified with several student loan refinancing lenders to see which offer you the most affordable loan. Use a student loan calculator to see the monthly payment and how much you'll pay in interest over the loan term.
2
Compare offers and terms.
Don't just look at rates — see if any companies offer incentives, discounts or deferment options that might benefit you. Also, read repayment terms to ensure that the timeline works for your budget. Check for hidden fees, including application, origination and late fees. These features could help you decide between lenders that offer similar rates.
3
Get organized.
Build a table with the terms, features and fees that each company offers. This will allow you to compare them at a glance.
4
Read reviews.
Search the internet to learn about other borrowers' experiences with the lenders you're considering. Consider checking the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's consumer complaint database. If a lender has notoriously bad customer service or is being sued by borrowers, for example, that information might factor into your choice.
The Bankrate promise
Founded in 1976 as the Bank Rate Monitor, a print publisher for the banking industry, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial decisions.
We’ve maintained this reputation over four decades by prioritizing facts and experience over hype and hearsay, and quickly responding to economic trends that offer our users a more relevant experience.
From our product comparison tools to award-winning editorial content, we provide objective information and actionable next steps to help you make informed decisions. It’s why over 100 million people put their trust in us every year.
The listings that appear on this page are from companies from which this
website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what
order products appear. This table does not include all companies or all
available products. Bankrate does not endorse or recommend any companies.
|
Filters
Get student loan refinance offers
Answer a few questions in two minutes or less to see which student loans you pre-qualify for. It's free and will not impact your credit score.
The Bankrate scoring system evaluates lenders' affordability, availability and customer experience based on 11 data points selected by our editorial team.
An annual percentage rate (APR) represents the interest and fees you'll pay on top of your initial amount every month. A fixed rate will not change during your repayment period.
The range of loan amounts that a lender will service. The maximum value is the largest amount a lender will give although this amount may not be available to borrowers who don’t have good or excellent credit. Amount ranges may vary for non-loan products. Term refers to the amount of time you have to repay the loan.
The minimum credit score typically required to qualify for a loan with a given lender. Exact thresholds are not always disclosed by a lender and in certain cases the minimum score is the best estimate based on publicly available information. Credit score refers to FICO 9.0 unless otherwise stated.
4.0
Bankrate Score
Fixed APR From
4.96-
9.99%
with AutoPay
Loan Amount
$25k- $500K
Term: 5-25 yr
Min. Credit
660
Low rates for loans over $5000
No Maximum loan amount
See your rates in 3 minutes without affecting your credit score
No application or origination fees and no prepayment penalties
Friendly customer service available via phone, email, and live chat
See disclaimers at: https://www.splashfinancial.com/disclaimers/
Splash Financial, Inc. (NMLS #1630038), licensed by the DFPI under California Financing Law, license # 60DBO-102545
* Fixed loans feature repayment terms of 5 to 20 years. For example, the monthly payment for a sample $10,000 with an APR of 5.47% for a 12-year term would be $94.86. Variable loans feature repayment terms of 5 to 25 years. For example, the monthly payment for a sample $10,000 with an APR of 5.90% for a 15-year term would be $83.85.
** To check the rates and terms you qualify for, Splash Financial conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, the lender will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
General Disclosure
Terms and Conditions apply. Splash reserves the right to modify or discontinue products and benefits at any time without notice. Products may not be available in all states. Rates and terms are subject to change at any point prior to application submission. The information you provide is an inquiry to determine whether Splash’s lending partners can make you a loan offer. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status and meet lender underwriting requirements. Lowest rates are reserved for the highest qualified borrowers and may require an autopay discount of 0.25%. Splash does not guarantee that you will receive any loan offers or that your loan application will be approved. If approved, your actual rate will be within a range of rates and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, creditworthiness, income and other factors. This information is current as of March 2, 2023. You should review the benefits of your federal student loan; it may offer specific benefits that a private refinance/consolidation loan may not offer. If you work in the public sector, are in the military or taking advantage of a federal department of relief program, such as income-based repayment or public service forgiveness, you may not want to refinance, as these benefits do not transfer to private refinance/consolidation loans.
Fixed APR: Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of credit calculating the interest rate, loan amount, repayment term and the timing of payments. Fixed rate options range from 4.47% (with autopay) to 9.24% (without autopay).
Variable APR: Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of credit calculating the interest rate, loan amount, repayment term and the timing of payments. Variable rate options range from 4.59% (with autopay) to 9.24% (without autopay). Variable rates are derived by adding a margin to the 30-day average SOFR index, published two business days preceding such calendar month, rounded up to the nearest one hundredth of one percent (0.01% or 0.0001).
Apply on partner site
4.1
Bankrate Score
Fixed APR From
4.40-
11.99%
with AutoPay
Loan Amount
$5k- $500K
Term: 5-20 yr
Min. Credit
660
Compare real, pre-qualified rates from up to 10 lenders in under 2 minutes
No hidden fees, origination fees or prepayment penalties
Checking your rates won't affect your credit score
Variable rates will fluctuate over the term of the borrower's loan with changes in the LIBOR rate. The maximum variable rate on the Education Refinance Loan is the greater of 21.00% or Prime Rate plus 9.00%. Rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Your actual rate may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown above and will be based on factors such as the term of your loan, your financial history (including your cosigner’s (if any) financial history) and the degree you are in the process of achieving or have achieved. While not always the case, lower rates typically require creditworthy applicants with creditworthy co-signers, graduate degrees, and shorter repayment terms (terms vary by lender and can range from 5-20 years) and include loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts, where applicable. Loyalty and Automatic Payment discount requirements as well as Lender terms and conditions will vary by lender and therefore, reading each lender’s disclosures is important. Additionally, lenders may have loan minimum and maximum requirements, degree requirements, educational institution requirements, citizenship and residency requirements as well as other lender-specific requirements.
Apply on partner site
4.0
Bankrate Score
Fixed APR From
4.49-
10.68%
with AutoPay
Loan Amount
$5k- $300K
Term: 5-20 yr
Min. Credit
660
2-Minute rate check with no impact on your credit score
No origination fees or prepayment penalties
Network of 300+ community lenders means higher chances for approval and lower rates
Available for private and federal, undergraduate and grad school student loans
0.25% Interest Rate Reduction with automatic payments
One of the largest unemployment protection offers in the market; up to 18 months
Cosigner release available after 12 monthly payments
Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile, and it may be based on your credit score, level of degree earned, and the availability and credit score of a cosigner applicant. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Variable rates may increase after consummation. Refinancing via LendKey.com is only available for applicants with qualified private education loans from an eligible institution. Loans that were used for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not eligible for refinancing with a lender via LendKey.com. If you currently have any of these exam preparation loans, you should not include them in an application to refinance your student loans on this website. Applicants must be either U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents in an eligible state to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account and any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to accept a loan offer from a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if your meet the lender's eligibility criteria. Lenders participating on LendKey.com reserve the right to modify or discontinue the products, terms, and benefits offered on this website at any time without notice. LendKey Technologies, Inc. is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, any educational institution.
Apply on partner site
4.3
Bankrate Score
Fixed APR From
4.44-
15.32%
with AutoPay
Loan Amount
$5k- $300K
Term: 5-20 yr
Min. Credit
680
Competitive fixed and variable rates starting at 4.49%*
Four different repayment options
Choice of loan terms (5, 8, 10, and 15 years)*
No application, origination or disbursement fees
Borrow up to 100% of your school's cost of attendance*
*College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC.. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
Rates shown are for the College Ave Undergraduate Loan product and include autopay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
Information advertised valid as of 05/01/2023. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on the creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of full principal and interest payments with the shortest available loan term.
Apply on partner site
4.7
Bankrate Score
Fixed APR From
4.99-
9.99%
with AutoPay
Loan Amount
$1k- $500K
Term: 5-20 yr
Min. Credit
650
Easy online application!
No origination fees, late fees, and no insufficient fund fees. Period
Flexible repayment options to help you find the right loan for you
0.25% discount when you set up autopay*
0.125% discount for returning borrowers and families with multiple children in college
Fixed rates range from 4.99% APR to 9.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount. Variable rates range from 5.58% APR to 10.19% APR with a 0.25% autopay discount. Unless required to be lower to comply with applicable law, Variable Interest rates on 5-, 7-, and 10-year terms are capped at 13.95% APR; 15- and 20-year terms are capped at 13.95% APR. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 1/21/22 and are subject to change at any time. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on the term you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, presence of a co-signer and a variety of other factors. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. For the SoFi variable-rate product, the variable interest rate for a given month is derived by adding a margin to the 30-day average SOFR index, published two business days preceding such calendar month, rounded up to the nearest one hundredth of one percent (0.01% or 0.0001). APRs for variable-rate loans may increase after origination if the SOFR index increases. The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. This benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit lowers your interest rate but does not change the amount of your monthly payment. This benefit is suspended during periods of deferment and forbearance. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
Apply on partner site
4.5
Bankrate Score
Fixed APR From
4.96-
8.99%
with AutoPay
Loan Amount
$5k- $500K
Term: 5-20 yr
Min. Credit
680
Lower rates based on your future potential and full financial profile, not just your FICO score
Flexible terms that let you pick your exact monthly payment
Lifetime service provided in-house. Unlike other lenders, we will never pass you off to third-party servicers
No fees for origination, prepayment, or loan disbursement
Two-minute rate check with no obligation at www.earnest.com
Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 5.21% APR to 9.24% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.40% APR to 9.19% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. The maximum rate for your loan is 8.95% if your loan term is 10 years or less. For loan terms of more than 10 years to 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 9.95%. For loan terms over 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 11.95%. Please note, we are not able to offer variable rate loans in AK, IL, MN, NH, OH, TN, and TX. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account.
Apply on partner site
Fixed APR From
4.96-
8.99%
with AutoPay
Loan Amount
$5k- $500K
Term: 5-20 yr
Min. Credit
680
You can refinance without a degree
Three minutes to get your rate with our quick and easy online application
No fees, including no application, prepayment, or late fees1
Customize loan terms, from 5 to 20 years to fit your budget and financial goals
Student or Parent PLUS Loan refinancing available
You can choose between fixed and variable rates. Fixed interest rates are 5.21% - 9.24% APR (4.96% - 8.99% APR with Auto Pay discount). Starting variable interest rates are 5.40% - 9.19% APR (5.15% - 8.94% APR with Auto Pay discount). Variable rates are based on an index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus a margin. Variable rates are reset monthly based on the fluctuation of the index. We do not currently offer variable rate loans in AK, CO, CT, HI, IL, KY, MA, MN, MS, NH, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, and VA.
Apply on partner site
4.0
Bankrate Score
Fixed APR From
5.39-
10.64%
with AutoPay
Loan Amount
$10k- $750K
Term: 5-20 yr
Min. Credit
620
You can see if you'll qualify and what rate you'll get without a hard credit check
You can refinance Federal PLUS Loans in your name
Loyalty discount: Borrowers with a Citizens account when they apply get an additional 0.25% interest rate discount
Variable Rate Disclosure: Variable interest rates are based on the 30-day average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) index, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. As of June 1, 2023, the 30-day average SOFR index is 4.99%. Variable interest rates will fluctuate over the term of the loan with changes in the SOFR index, and will vary based on applicable terms, level of degree and presence of a co-signer. The maximum variable interest rate is the greater of 21.00% or the prime rate plus 9.00%.
Fixed Rate Disclosure: Fixed rate ranges are based on applicable terms, level of degree, and presence of a co-signer.
Lowest Rate Disclosure: Lowest rates are only available for the most creditworthy applicants, require a 5-year repayment term, immediate repayment, a graduate or medical degree (where applicable), and include our Loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts of 0.25 percentage points each, as outlined in the Loyalty Discount and Automatic Payment Discount disclosures. Rates are subject to additional terms and conditions, and are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change.
Apply on partner site
4.2
Bankrate Score
Fixed APR From
5.08-
8.04%
Loan Amount
$10k- $500K
Term: 5-20 yr
Min. Credit
680
Prequalify to estimate rate without affecting your credit score
Submit online application in minutes
No application fees, origination fees, and prepayment penalty
Flexible repayment terms to fit your needs and goals
Student Loan Advisor to guide you through the application process
Education Loan Finance is a nationwide student loan debt consolidation and refinance program offered by Tennessee based SouthEast Bank. ELFI is designed to assist borrowers through consolidating and refinancing loans into one single loan that effectively lowers your cost of education debt and/or makes repayment very simple. Subject to credit approval. See Terms & Conditions. Interest rates current as of 06-24-2022. The interest rate and monthly payment for a variable rate loan may increase after closing, but will never exceed 9.95% APR. Interest rates may be different from the rates shown above and will be based on the term of your loan, your financial history, and other factors, including your cosigner's (if any) financial history. See Eligibility Requirements for more information. For example, a 10-year loan with a fixed rate of 6% would have 120 payments of $11.00 per $1,000 borrowed. Rates are subject to change.
Apply on partner site
4.5
Bankrate Score
Fixed APR From
5.54-
11.64%
with AutoPay
Loan Amount
$10k- $200K
Term: 5-20 yr
Min. Credit
750
Combine loans into a single monthly payment
No application fees or origination fees
Choose a variable or fixed rate
Rates include 0.50% discount for automated payment
Displayed rates are for well-qualified applicants with an Undergraduate Degree who choose a 5-year term
BankRate
*IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
PNC Education Refinance Loan is subject to credit approval. Certain restrictions and conditions apply.
Annual Percentage Rates (APRs): All APRs shown are for applicants with an Undergraduate degree for loan amounts from $10,000 to $200,000. APRs include a 0.50% interest rate discount for automated payments and may vary by repayment term and other factors (refer to additional details below). Rates, maximum loan amounts and repayment terms available may vary by level of degree attained. The 20- year repayment term is only available for borrowers with an Undergraduate or Graduate degree borrowing more than $75,000. Rates are effective as of May 1, 2023 and are subject to change at any time.
Fixed Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) range 5.54% to 9.79% for a 5-year, 7.09% to 11.34% for a 10-year, 7.29% to 11.54% for a 15-year term and 7.39% to 11.64% for a 20-year term. Fixed rates are based on the creditworthiness of the applicant and cosigner, if any.
Variable Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) range 5.89% to 10.14% for a 5-year, 7.44% to 11.69% for a 10- year, 7.64% to 11.89% for a 15-year term and 7.74% to 11.99% for a 20-year term. Variable rates are based on the Prime Rate index plus a margin depending on the creditworthiness of the borrower and cosigner, if any. The Prime index, adjusted monthly, is equal to the Prime Rate as published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal ‘(Eastern Edition)’ on the first business day of the immediately preceding calendar month. The Prime index is currently 8.00%. If the index increases or decreases, your rate will increase or decrease accordingly. The rate will not exceed 18%.
The lowest APR is available to well-qualified applicants. Your actual APR will be based on your credit qualifications, interest rate option, repayment term, level of degree attained and whether you elect the automated payment feature.
NOTE: The credit score ranges utilized to define “Excellent”, “Good”, “Fair” and “Needs Work” in the “Credit Score” drop down option are established by Bankrate.Com as a guideline. Standards for rating credit scores and associated available rates may vary by lender.
Loan Payment Examples: The monthly payment per $10,000 borrowed at a fixed-rate range of 7.09% APR to 11.34% APR for 10 years means you would make 120 payments that may range from $116.57 to $139.68. The monthly payment per $10,000 borrowed at a variable-rate range of 7.44% APR to 11.69% APR for 10 years means you would make 120 payments that may range from $118.39 to $141.68. For the variable-rate loan, monthly payment may increase or decrease if the interest rate increases or decreases. Estimated loan payment examples assume 30 days to first payment. Payments vary for other rates, loan amounts and repayment terms.
Automated Payment Discount: During repayment, an interest rate discount of 0.50% is available for automated payments. Borrower must be making scheduled payments that include both principal and interest. The rate discount will be applied at the time automated payment is established. If automated payment is discontinued at any time, the discount will be removed and the rate will increase by 0.50%.
Maximum loan Amounts:
Vary based on level of degree attained. Available repayment terms and rates may also vary based on level of degree attained.
▫$10,000–$25,000 – Did Not Graduate
▫$10,000–$75,000 – Associates Degree
▫$10,000–$175,000 – Undergraduate Degree
▫$10,000–$200,000 – Graduate Degree
Cosigner Release: Requires that the borrower has made at least forty-eight (48) consecutive timely payments of principal and interest with no periods of interruption within that 48-month timeframe. To qualify, the borrower must submit a request, meet the consecutive timely payment requirements, provide proof of income and pass a credit check.
Refinancing: Refinancing at a longer repayment term may lower your monthly student loan payments, but may also increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan. Refinancing at a shorter repayment term may increase your monthly student loan payments, but may lower the total interest paid over the life of the loan.
Certain Federal Benefits Will Be Lost or Not Available: If you refinance your federal loans through this PNC Education Refinance Loan, you will lose or not be able to select other payment plans available to federal student loan borrowers, such as income-contingent repayment or income-based repayment. In addition, federal student loans offer deferment, forbearance and loan forgiveness options that may not be available under a PNC Education Refinance Loan. Please compare your current benefits with this program to ensure any loss of existing benefits is fully understood.
COVID-19 related update: Please read carefully before applying to refinance your federal student loans with PNC. PNC encourages customers and prospects with existing federal student loan debt to carefully consider their options before applying for a refinance loan at PNC. We recommend that you review and have a clear understanding of the federal emergency relief available and how it may impact your situation. When you refinance your existing federal student loan debt with PNC, you waive any current and potential future benefits and protections, if any, and replace those with the benefits of the PNC Education Refinance Loan.
Apply on partner site
Find out how much you could save
Use this calculator to quickly determine if refinancing is worth it for you.
What is student loan refinancing?
Student loan refinancing is the process of taking out a new loan to pay off your existing student loans. When you refinance your student loans, you may qualify for a lower interest rate and a different repayment timeline, which could help you save money on interest or lower your monthly payments.
Refinancing is a good idea for people with a large monthly payment or a high interest rate, since refinancing into new terms can make loans more affordable in both the short- and long term. Borrowers with good credit, in particular, will qualify for the best rates and terms. You can refinance both federal and private student loans, though it's usually best to avoid refinancing federal loans, since they come with a number of perks that aren't available through private lenders.
Should I refinance my student loans?
Refinancing your student loans makes financial sense only if the loan you apply for has a lower interest rate than the current interest rate of your student loans. You can use a loan calculator to determine your current monthly payment versus that of the loan you're considering.
While you may decide to refinance to a longer term to lower your monthly payments, keep in mind that this means you'll likely increase the overall cost of your loan through interest accrual.
Whether you should refinance also depends on what type of loans you have. Refinancing could be smart if you have private loans, but you'll lose benefits if you refinance federal loans. These benefits include:
Waived interest and payments no later than 60 days after June 30, 2023.
Potential eligibility for up to $20,000 in one-time loan forgiveness for those disbursed before June 30, 2022 depending on the Supreme Court's February verdict.
Before choosing a lender, consider whether refinancing your student loans is the best move for your current situation.
PROS
You can consolidate several student loans into one, which means you can make just one payment each month.
You may be able to secure a lower interest rate.
Refinancing to a longer repayment period gives you a lower monthly payment.
CONS
Private lenders usually require good or excellent credit (or a co-signer) to qualify for a new loan with their best rates and terms.
You give up federal protections like deferment, forbearance and income-driven repayment plans when you refinance federal loans with a private lender.
You're locking yourself into another repayment plan.
What are the requirements to refinance student loans?
Once you find a lender that best suits your financial situation, check the specific refinancing requirements. These can vary from lender to lender, but here are a few general criteria to be aware of:
Debt-to-income ratio: Your debt-to-income ratio is a measurement of how much debt you've accumulated compared to your monthly earnings. You have a better chance of getting approved if your debt-to-income ratio is below 50 percent.
Credit score: When you apply for any loan, your credit score matters. Check your lender's credit score requirements before applying. If your credit score is in the mid-600s or lower, you may need to add a co-signer to your loan to qualify.
Income: Lenders may impose a minimum income threshold, and they will likely want to see proof of employment — this tells them that you have the cash to make your monthly payments.
Refinancing amount: You will likely need to owe a minimum of $5,000 in student loans if you'd like to refinance. If you have less than that, most lenders won't work with you.
Degree: You'll typically need a completed college degree to be eligible for student loan refinancing, though some lenders accept borrowers regardless of degree status.
If the lender you're considering offers a prequalification tool, you can see your estimated rate based on your general financial history with a soft credit inquiry, which won't hurt your credit score.
Overview:SoFi is one of the most popular lenders for student loan refinancing, and it’s easy to see why. This lender offers loans with competitive interest rates and no hidden fees, including no origination fees.
Why SoFi is the best overall student loan refinance company: SoFi's range of repayment terms, low rates and variety of online resources make it a good choice for many types of borrowers.
Pros
No fees.
Career coaching and unemployment benefits.
Customer support seven days a week.
Cons
Associate degree or higher required.
Borrowers must have sufficient income or an offer of employment.
Minimum refinancing amount of $5,000, or higher in some states.
Borrowers must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or visa holders and be at least the age of majority with sufficient income or an offer of employment. Borrowers must also have graduated with at least an associate degree from a Title IV school and be refinancing educational debt; bar loans and residency loans are not eligible.
SoFi charges no fees.
Best student loan refinance company for flexible repayment options
Overview:Earnest lets you refinance your student loans with the potential for a low APR and flexible repayment options. With repayment terms from five to 20 years, it's easy to find a repayment timeline that works for your budget.
Why Earnest is the best for flexible repayment options: Earnest lets you pick a payment that fits with your budget, meaning it will tinker with the length of your loan until you land on a monthly payment you can afford. You can also skip a payment once every 12 months if you need some breathing room.
Pros
No origination fees.
Refinance as early as your final semester.
Choose biweekly or monthly payments.
Cons
Credit score of at least 680 required.
Not available in Kentucky or Nevada.
Strong finances required.
Borrower must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be at least the age of majority. Borrowers must be graduated or currently enrolled less than half time and be in repayment on their student loans or be completing their degree at the end of the semester. Applicants must have consistent income, have all student loan accounts in good standing, be current on rent or mortgage payments and have no bankruptcies on their credit report. A minimum credit score of 680 is required.
Earnest charges a returned payment fee of up to $8 and a Florida stamp tax of 0.35 percent.
Best student loan refinance company for students in health care
Overview: Laurel Road is a lender with low rates and a robust online experience. Borrowers can choose a term of five, seven, 10, 15 or 20 years.
You cannot apply for a loan from Laurel Road within our site. Read our Laurel Road review for more details about this lender's terms.
Why Laurel Road is the best for students in health care: Some student loan lenders don't refinance associate degree debt, but borrowers earning an associate degree in dental hygiene, nursing, occupational therapy and more can refinance with Laurel Road as soon as their final term.
Pros
Five-minute prequalification process.
Discount for opening a Laurel Road checking account.
Refinance as early as your final semester.
Cons
Strict eligibility requirements for associate degree applicants.
Maximum $50,000 loan amount for associate degree applicants.
Several fees.
Borrower must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have a co-signer who is. Borrowers must also have graduated or be enrolled in good standing in the final term preceding graduation and be employed or have an offer of employment. Only certain associate degrees in health care are eligible; borrowers with associate degrees must be in their final term with an offer of employment in their field or have graduated and be employed in their field. Borrowers must also meet additional unspecified underwriting criteria.
Laurel Road charges a late fee equal to 5 percent of the late payment or $28, whichever is less. It also charges a $20 nonsufficient funds and returned payment fee.
Best student loan refinance company for available discounts
Overview:Citizens Bank offers student loan refinancing for borrowers who need to refinance up to $750,000 in student loans, although maximums vary based on your degree type. Variable interest rates as low as 5.39 percent APR are available also based on your degree type, and you can choose a repayment option between five and 20 years.
Why Citizens Bank is the best for available discounts: You can qualify for several discounts that can reduce your interest rate, including a loyalty discount and an automatic payment discount. These discounts can knock 0.5 percent off your APR, saving you even more money over the long term.
Pros
Graduation not required to apply.
Loyalty discount for existing Citizens Bank customers.
Five repayment term options.
Cons
$10,000 minimum refinancing requirement.
Relatively high rate caps.
Long co-signer release period of 36 months.
Borrowers must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or resident aliens. Borrowers with an associate degree or no degree must have made at least 12 qualifying payments after leaving school, though borrowers with a bachelor's degree may refinance while still enrolled in school. Medical residents looking to refinance must have graduated from medical school and be matched to an eligible residency or fellowship program.
Citizens Bank doesn't disclose its credit score requirements, stating only that it looks for "reasonably strong credit history."
Best student loan refinance company for comparing multiple lenders
Overview:LendKey pairs with multiple student loan lenders to offer student loan refinancing; in other words, it doesn't lend money itself, but rather serves as a middleman to connect you with lenders you may qualify with. There are no origination fees.
Why LendKey is the best for comparing multiple lenders: LendKey partners with a network of credit unions and banks, combing through multiple lenders' offerings to customize your loan. This means that you need to apply only once to receive multiple offers.
Pros
Repayment terms of five to 20 years.
One application to compare multiple lenders.
No origination fees.
Cons
Loan details and fees depend on the lender you're matched with.
Associate degree or higher required.
Forbearance options vary by lender.
Because LendKey works with many different lenders, many details about your loan, including your eligibility, depend on your matches. In general, you'll need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have graduated with at least an associate degree. Minimum credit score, fees and more vary by lender.
Some lenders charge late and insufficient fund fees.
Overview: If you want to refinance your student loans and you don’t want to pay any fees, College Ave is worth checking out. This lender offers variable and fixed rates as low as 5.99 percent APR, and you can refinance up to $300,000 in student debt if you have a medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary doctorate degree. The loan limit is $150,000 for all other degrees.
Why College Ave is the best for no fees: This lender doesn’t charge any upfront fees for its loans; the only fee you may have to pay is a late fee.
Pros
Choice of 11 loan terms.
Fast prequalification.
No origination fees.
Cons
Maximum loan amount of $150,000 for nonmedical degrees.
Borrowers must have graduated.
Relatively high starting rates.
Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be at least 18 years old. Borrowers must also have graduated from a Title IV undergraduate or graduate program within College Ave's network.
While College Ave doesn't specify an amount, you may be assessed a late fee.
Overview:Splash Financial is a lending marketplace that lets you refinance from $5,000 to the full amount of your loans. It doesn't lend money itself, but it partners with lenders to match you with one that meets your requirements and financial situation.
Why Splash Financial is the best for low rates: Because Splash works with a variety of lenders, it advertises some of the lowest rates for student loan refinancing for borrowers with good credit.
Pros
Low starting rates.
Prequalify with multiple lenders at once.
$200 referral bonus.
Cons
Fees and requirements vary by lender.
Four-year degree (or associate degree in a medical field) required.
Loan minimums and maximums vary by lender.
Borrower must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Borrowers must have graduated with a four-year or associate degree from a Title IV institution or be in their final semester of an associate degree in an eligible medical field. Other requirements, such as minimum credit score and minimum income, depend on the lender you're matched with. The same is true of potential fees.
FAQs about student loan refinancing
Credit score requirements vary from lender to lender, but you'll likely need a credit score in the mid- to high 600s to refinance your student loans. If you have poor credit, you may be eligible to refinance your loans with the help of a co-signer who has a credit score in that range.
When you apply for refinancing, your credit score may drop a few points, since the lender will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report. You may also lose a few points if refinancing causes the average age of your accounts to drop. However, in the long run, refinancing may actually be beneficial for your credit score if it helps you make payments on time and pay off your debt more quickly.
There isn't a single best time to refinance — the decision is personal and comes down to your financial situation and current interest rates. However, as a rule of thumb, it's usually only worth it to refinance if you can get a lower interest rate or a lower monthly payment than what you're currently paying on your student loans. Typically, you'll want to wait until you have strong credit and a stable job before refinancing.
You can refinance student loans as many times as you'd like. There are no prepayment penalties if you decide to pay off your loans with a new one, though you may have to pay origination fees.
Most private lenders will refinance any type of student loan — federal or private. However, you may encounter different rates for undergraduate and graduate loans.
You can refinance some or all of your student loan debt. Many borrowers with a mix of private and federal loans choose to refinance only the private student debt to retain federal benefits. You may also choose to refinance only the loans with the highest interest rates and keep the loans with lower interest rates.
Student loan consolidation involves combining federal student loans into one federal Direct Consolidation Loan. This gives you a fixed interest rate based on the weighted average of your current loans' interest rates. You won't lose federal protections.
Student loan refinancing is taking out a new loan with a different interest rate and terms to pay off your existing loans. You can refinance both federal and private loans, but the process must be done with a private lender.
Most private lenders will let you refinance with either a fixed or a variable interest rate. With a fixed rate, your interest rate will never change, meaning your monthly payment will remain consistent. With a variable interest rate, your interest rate fluctuates based on market conditions.
The choice between a fixed or variable rate depends on your risk tolerance. If you value predictability in your finances, a fixed rate is a better choice — particularly if rates are low. You have the chance to save more money with a variable interest rate if interest rates fall, but the inverse is true as well. Interest rates could rise during your repayment term, costing you more money overall unless you can pay off your loan early.
It is possible to refinance your loan if you have bad credit, though the process will be more difficult. Most lenders require a credit score in the mid-600s, and even if you do qualify, you'll likely see higher interest rates. If this is the case, refinancing may not be worth it. Before applying for a student loan refinance, check your credit score to know where you stand and compare that against lenders' listed credit requirements.
Shop around: Shopping around with at least three lenders is the best way to determine which lender is best for your situation. You'll get higher rates if you have bad credit, but some lenders are more forgiving than others.
Improve your credit: Where possible, work on improving your credit score before submitting your application. Try to pay off as much debt as possible, pay your bills on time and avoid any other loan or credit card applications prior to applying for your refinance loan.
Apply with a co-signer:If you have a friend or family member willing to co-sign your loan, you could get a break on your rate — particularly if that person has excellent credit.
Improve your DTI: Lenders check your debt-to-income ratio when considering your application. To have a better chance at qualifying, pay down as much debt as you can before applying or find ways to supplement your income.
Methodology
To find the best student loan refinancing companies, we selected lenders based on the following criteria:
Broad availability.
Wide range of loan amounts and repayment options.
Low starting interest rates.
From there, we evaluated lender fees, APR ranges and eligibility requirements to see which lenders kept costs low and catered to a variety of borrowers. We also looked for unique features that set lenders apart — for instance, good forbearance options or benefits for students in health care fields — to determine our final rankings and recommendations.