The process for getting a credit card consolidation loan is similar to getting any other personal loan:
1. Determine your needs
Before consolidating your credit card debt, you’ll need to know what credit card APRs you’re paying. This will help you determine whether the personal loan offers you receive are competitive for your personal situation.
To figure out what loan amount you should apply for, you’ll also need to add up all of your current card balances. Make sure that the math makes sense before committing — once your credit cards are consolidated, the process can’t be reversed.
2. Research lenders
Don’t necessarily choose a loan from the first lender you find. When making a big financial decision like taking out a consolidation loan, you’ll want to see what’s out there first. For instance, some lenders specialize in bad-credit loans, while others cater to those with excellent credit. Researching lenders can help ensure that you get the consolidation loan with the best terms, based on your financial situation.
3. Prequalify
Prequalification doesn’t hurt your credit score and is an important step in the consolidation process. By prequalifying, you can see what lenders can offer you in terms of funding amount, monthly payment and interest rate. Prequalify for several lenders and see how they stack up.
4. Apply for a loan
Once you’ve decided which lender you’d like to work with, you’ll have to apply for the personal loan. This process will involve a hard credit check and a detailed review of your credit history and financial situation. You’ll likely have to include several documents confirming your identity and information.
5. Pay off your debt
Once you’ve been approved, your lender may help you pay off your credit card issuers — but some might not. You may have to pay the debts yourself once you receive the loan funds in your bank account. Then, you’ll begin to pay off the new consolidation loan on a monthly basis.