Financial Topics Archives

Jan

2026

A notebook lies open on a desk, next to a credit card, laptop, and phone, to help an investor address a margin call.

Margin Calls: Defined and Explained

By Inyoung Hwang | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

Margin accounts, which permit qualified investors to trade using borrowed funds, have strict rules about maintaining a minimum amount of cash or securities in the account. The investor could face a margin call if liquid funds drop below that level. In that case, an investor is required to add cash or sell investments to meet the minimum requirement, or the brokerage might do it for them.

Margin trading — which is a form of leverage — is a risky endeavor. Placing bets with borrowed funds may boost gains, but can also amplify losses. Brokers require traders to keep a minimum balance in their margin accounts for this reason.

Margin calls are designed to protect both the brokerage and the client from bigger losses. Here’s a closer look at how margin calls work, as well as how to avoid or cover a margin call.

Table of Contents

What Is a Margin Call?
How Do Margin Calls Work?
Example of Margin Call
Margin Call Formula
2 Steps to Cover a Margin Call
How Long Do I Have to Cover a Margin Call?
Tips on Avoiding Margin Calls
FAQ

Key Points

• A margin call occurs when an investor must deposit cash or sell investments to meet minimum collateral requirements in their margin account.

• Margin trading involves borrowing money from a brokerage firm to enhance trades, but it comes with risks.

• If the equity in a margin account falls below the maintenance margin, a margin call is issued by the brokerage firm.

• Margin calls are designed to protect both the brokerage and the client from bigger losses.

• To cover a margin call, investors can deposit cash or securities into the margin account or sell securities to meet the requirements. If they don’t, the broker may sell securities on their behalf to bring up the account balance.

What Is a Margin Call?

A margin call is when a brokerage firm demands that an investor add cash or equity into their margin account because it has dipped below the required minimum amount. The margin call usually follows a loss in the value of investments bought with borrowed money from a brokerage (known as margin debt).

A house call, sometimes called a maintenance call, is a type of margin call. A brokerage firm will issue the house call when the market value of assets in a trader’s margin account falls below the required maintenance margin — usually 25% of the value of the securities in the account, per Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) rules. This is the minimum amount of equity a trader must hold in their margin account, but a broker may require a higher amount.

If the investor fails to honor the margin call, when trading stocks or other securities, meaning they do not add cash or equity into their account, the brokerage can sell the investor’s assets without notice to cover the shortfall in the account.

A margin account entails a high level of responsibility and potential risk, which is why margin trading is primarily for experienced investors, whether investing online or through a traditional brokerage.

How Do Margin Calls Work?

When the equity in an investor’s margin account falls below the maintenance margin, a brokerage firm will typically issue a margin call. Maintenance margins requirements differ from broker to broker.

Additionally, regulatory bodies like the Federal Reserve and FINRA have rules for account minimums — including the initial margin and the maintenance margin, which are different. These rules exist to limit the risk of loss for investors and brokerages alike.

Regulation T

The Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation T states that the initial margin level should be at least 50% of the purchase price of the securities the investor hopes to trade. For example, a $10,000 trade would require an investor to use $5,000 of their own cash for the transaction.

FINRA

FINRA requires that investors have a maintenance margin level of at least 25% of the market value of all securities in the account after they purchase on margin. For example, in a $10,000 trade, the investor must maintain $2,500 in their margin account. If the investment value dips below $2,500, the investor could be subject to a margin call.

Again, some brokers may impose tighter restrictions on margin accounts. Experienced traders will be sure to note the terms of all margin trades.

Example of Margin Call

Here is how a margin trade works. Suppose an investor wants to buy 200 shares of a stock at $50 each for an investment that totals $10,000. He or she puts up $5,000 in initial margin, while the brokerage firm lends the remaining $5,000.

FINRA rules and the broker then require that the investor hold 25% of the total securities value in his or her account at all times — this is the maintenance margin requirement. So the investor would need to maintain $2,500 in his or her brokerage account. The investor currently achieves this since there’s $5,000 in equity from the initial investment.

If the stock’s value falls to $30 per share, the value of the investment drops to $6,000. The broker is entitled to $5,000 (to repay the margin loan), not including interest or fees, leaving approximately $1,000. That would be below the $1,500 required, or 25% of the total $6,000 value in the account.

That would trigger a margin call of $500, or the difference between the $1,000 left in the account and the $1,500 required to maintain the margin account. Normally, a broker will allow two to five days for the investors to cover the margin call. In addition, the investor would also owe interest and possibly fees on the original loan amount of $5,000.

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Borrow against your current investments at just 4.75% to 9.50%* and start margin trading.

*For full margin details, see terms.

Margin Call Formula

Here’s how to calculate a margin call:

Margin call amount = (Value of investments multiplied by the percentage margin requirement) minus (Amount of investor equity left in margin account)

Here’s the formula using the hypothetical investor example above:

$500 = ($6000 x 0.25%) – ($1,000)

Investors can also calculate the share price at which he or she would be required to post additional funds.

Margin call price = Initial purchase price times (1– borrowed percentage / 1– margin requirement percentage)

Again, here’s the formula using the hypothetical case above:

$33.33 / share = $50 x (1 – 0.50 / 1 – 0.25)

In other words, the price per share cannot fall below $33.33 or the investor will risk getting a margin call.

2 Steps to Cover a Margin Call

When investors receive a margin call, there are only two options:

1. They can deposit cash into the margin account so that the level of funds is back above the maintenance margin requirement. Investors can also deposit securities that aren’t margined.

2. Investors can also sell the securities that are margined in order to meet requirements.

In a worst case scenario, the broker can sell off securities to cover the debt, without notifying the investor.

How Long Do I Have to Cover a Margin Call?

Brokerage firms are not required to give investors a set amount of time. As mentioned in the example above, a brokerage firm normally gives customers two to five days to meet a margin call. However, the time given to provide additional funds can differ from broker to broker.

In addition, during volatile times in the market, which is also when margin calls are more likely to occur, a broker has the right to sell securities in a customer’s trading account shortly after issuing the margin call. Investors won’t have the right to weigh in on the price at which those securities are sold. This means investors may have to settle their accounts by the next trading day.

Tips on Avoiding Margin Calls

The best way to avoid a margin call is to avoid trading on margin or having a margin account. Trading on margin should be reserved for investors with the time and sophistication to monitor their portfolios properly and take on the risk of substantial losses. Investors who trade on margin can do a few things to avoid a margin call.

• Understand margin trading: Investors can understand how margin trading works and know their broker’s maintenance margin requirements.

• Track the market: Investors can monitor the volatility of the stock, bond, or whatever security they are investing in to ensure their margin account doesn’t dip below the maintenance margin.

• Keep extra cash on hand: Investors can set aside money to fulfill the potential margin call and calculate the lowest security price at which their broker might issue a call.

• Utilize limit orders: Investors can use order types that may help protect them from a margin call, such as a limit order.

The Takeaway

While margin trading allows investors to amplify their purchases in markets, margin calls could result in substantial losses, with the investor paying more than he or she initially invested. Margin calls occur when the level of cash in an investor’s trading account falls below a fixed level required by the brokerage firm.

Investors can then deposit cash or securities to bring the margin account back up to the required value, or they can sell securities in order to raise the cash they need.

If you’re an experienced trader and have the risk tolerance to try out trading on margin, consider enabling a SoFi margin account. With a SoFi margin account, experienced investors can take advantage of more investment opportunities, and potentially increase returns. That said, margin trading is a high-risk endeavor, and using margin loans can amplify losses as well as gains.

Get one of the most competitive margin loan rates with SoFi, from 4.75% to 9.50%*

FAQ

How can you satisfy your margin call in margin trading?

A trader can satisfy a margin call by depositing cash or securities in their account or selling some securities in the margin account to pay down part of the margin loan.

How are fed and house calls different?

A fed call, or a federal call, occurs when an investor’s margin account does not have enough equity to meet the 50% equity retirement outlined in Regulation T. In contrast, a house call happens when an investor’s margin equity dips below the maintenance margin.

How much time do you have to satisfy a margin call?

It depends on the broker. In some circumstances, a broker will demand that a trader satisfy the margin call immediately. The broker will allow two to five days to meet the margin call at other times.

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SOIN-Q425-022

Jan

2026

A woman wearing glasses, and smiling, reviews the performance of her investments on a computer monitor.

What Is Mean Reversion and How Can You Trade It?

By Matthew Zeitlin | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Terminology | Comments Off

Mean reversion is a mathematical concept which holds that over time statistical measurements return to a long-run normal. In investing, mean reversion holds that while a market or an asset may go up and down in the short-term, over time, it should theoretically return to its long-term trend.

If traders anticipate that a market may revert to the mean, they can use that expectation to inform their strategy going forward.

Table of Contents

What Is Mean Reversion?
Mean Reversion Strategies
The Risks of Mean Reversion Strategy
How to Implement a Mean Reversion Strategy
Factors in Creating a Mean Reversion Strategy
FAQ

Key Points

• Mean reversion is a mathematical concept that states assets tend to return to their long-term trends over time.

• Traders may use mean reversion to inform their strategies and expect assets to return to their historical behaviors.

• Mean reversion applies not only to individual stocks, but also to sectors, commodities, and foreign currencies.

• Implementing a mean reversion strategy requires identifying patterns and attempting to time the reversion correctly.

• Mean reversion strategies depend on regularities staying consistent, and there are risks if structural shifts occur in the market or economy.

What Is Mean Reversion?

When stocks revert to the mean, their returns or other characteristics match what they’ve been over a longer period of time than the recent past. This can mean that a stock that becomes highly volatile may revert back to being less volatile; a stock that becomes more expensive (meaning its price far outpaces its earnings) may become cheap; and, quite importantly, the other way around. Mean reversion can work in both directions.

The mean reversion concept not only applies to individual shares, but also to whole sectors of the economy or of the stock market, like, say, consumer product companies or pharmaceutical companies or any other chunk of the market that shares enough with each other to be classed together. Alternative assets, such as commodities or foreign currencies can also revert to the mean.

The theory applies to more than just prices, the volatility of a given asset can mean revert, which can matter for trading and pricing more exotic financial products like options and other derivatives.

Mean Reversion Strategies

With any generality or principle of the market comes the obvious question: Is there a strategy here? Can this be traded?

Mean reversion trading is a strategy based on reversion to the mean happening, basically that stocks or some asset will return to its typical, long-run historical behavior.

Actually working out a mean reversion strategy is not as simple as thinking a certain stock is out of whack and waiting for things to get back to normal, it requires the ability to flag patterns to make an educated guess about when mean reversion will happen.

After all, if you just know that a stock is going to revert to the mean, you can still pile up large losses or miss out on potential returns you can’t time the reversion correctly — go too early and you’ll have to eat the stock being the “wrong” price before reversion to the mean happens, go too late and the gains have already evaporated as the change in price or returns has already occurred.

The Risks of Mean Reversion Strategy

Mean reversion strategies depend on statistical and historical regularites staying, well, regular. There are some that are pretty well validated, although with sharp and scary exceptions, like that stocks tend to go up over time and outperform other asset classes. But mean reversion involves certain relationships between stocks and assets staying true over time.

In some cases, mean reversion never occurs. Companies or sectors can have continually growing returns over a long period of time if there’s some kind of structural shift in the economy or market in which they operate. This can mean that returns increase over time or stay quite high.

This can happen for a few reasons. A company could gain or lose a dominant position in a given market, technological changes can advantage certain firms and disadvantage others, such that returns move permanently (or at least close enough to permanently for a given investment strategy) to a higher level and lower to another. Or there could be a global pandemic that permanently changes the way that companies do business, or long-run inflation that impacts profitability.

How to Implement a Mean Reversion Strategy

There are some basic statistical and financial tools to help create mean reversion strategy. As always, active trading and trying to time the market is risky and sometimes the whole market moves up and down and that can swamp whatever strategy you might have for an individual stock or sector.

Part of implementing a mean reversion strategy is getting a sense of stock trends or a trend trading strategy, whether past movement in a stock up or down might indicate that it may continue in that direction.

This can involve trying to discern bullish indicators for stocks, giving you a sense of when stock returns may have the potential to go up. Often traders combine this strategy with forms of technical analysis, including the use of candlestick patterns.

Alternatively, you will need to have a sense of when a stock is underperforming in order to profit from buying it before it reverts to the mean upwards.

Factors in Creating a Mean Reversion Strategy

There are many factors that institutional and retail investors need to consider when devising a mean reversion strategy.

Determining the Mean

In this case, you’ll need to think about what period of time you are using to determine a stock or sector’s “normal” or “average” behavior. This matters because it will determine how long you decide to hold a stock or when you plan to sell it before or after the reversion to the mean occurs.

Timing

To execute a mean reversion strategy, you have to know when a stock’s price movement may be sufficient to execute the trade. It helps to determine this point in advance.

Determine the Bounds

What is the “normal” behavior, whether it’s price-to-equity ratio, volatility, or some other metric you’re looking at. To determine whether something is far beyond its mean, either high or low, you need a good sense of its normal range.

Qualitative Factors

Mean reversion and trading reversion to the mean is, of course, a quantitative endeavor. You need to compile statistics and make projections going forward in order to implement the strategy. But you also need to know what’s going on in the “real world” beyond the statistics.

If something is driving prices or volatility or some other metric higher or lower that’s likely to persist over time, mean reversion may not be a great bet. If, however, there’s something truly transient that’s the catalyst for large moves up and down that will then revert to the mean, then maybe the strategy is more likely to work.

Exit Strategy

As with most investments, it’s helpful to have an exit strategy determined ahead of time. This can help you limit your losses in the case that the asset ultimately does not revert to the mean.

The Takeaway

Mean reversion refers to an asset’s tendency to stick to typical value increases over time. Again, while volatility may play a role in short-term price or value changes, many assets will follow a long-term appreciation line, and despite short-term rises or falls in price, they may revert to the mean.

Traders who follow mean reversion strategies assume that a specific stock or sector will return to its long-term characteristics. The strategy can be helpful when determining an investing strategy for either individual assets or for a market, overall, though there is no guarantee of future results.

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FAQ

What does mean reversion refer to in investing in simple terms?

In investing, mean reversion holds that while a market or an asset may go up and down in the short-term, over time, it will (theoretically) return to its long-term trend.

Does mean reversion only happen to stocks?

Mean reversion applies not only to individual stocks, but also to sectors, commodities, and foreign currencies.

What factors should investors consider when creating a mean reversion strategy?

Investors should think about or consider variables such as determining the actual mean (or “normal” conditions, they’re comparing the out-of-the-norm price behavior to). They should also consider timing, bounds, various qualitative factors, and an exit strategy.

Photo credit: iStock/LaylaBird

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest is a trade name used by SoFi Wealth LLC and SoFi Securities LLC offering investment products and services. Robo investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage and self-directed investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

For disclosures on SoFi Invest platforms visit SoFi.com/legal. For a full listing of the fees associated with Sofi Invest please view our fee schedule.

Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. This and other important information are contained in the Fund’s prospectus. For a current prospectus, please click the Prospectus link on the Fund’s respective page. The prospectus should be read carefully prior to investing.
Alternative investments, including funds that invest in alternative investments, are risky and may not be suitable for all investors. Alternative investments often employ leveraging and other speculative practices that increase an investor's risk of loss to include complete loss of investment, often charge high fees, and can be highly illiquid and volatile. Alternative investments may lack diversification, involve complex tax structures and have delays in reporting important tax information. Registered and unregistered alternative investments are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds.
Please note that Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, hence the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Investors should review the fee schedule for Interval Funds via the prospectus.

Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOIN-Q425-059

Jan

2026

A woman sits at a kitchen table in front of an open laptop. She is writing in a notebook.

Can Personal Loans Be Used for Businesses?

By Austin Kilham | Building Your Career, Life & Career, personal_loan, SMB | Comments Off

Table of Contents

What Is a Personal Business Loan?
Personal Business Loans vs Small Business Loans
Benefits of a Personal Loan for Business
Disadvantages of a Personal Loan for Business
How to Get a Personal Loan for Business
What to Consider Before Applying for a Personal Loan for Business
Alternatives to Personal Business Loans
FAQ

Starting a new business requires a good idea, customers who want your product or service, and money to get you off the ground. A personal loan to start a business can be one option for funding your business, especially if you don’t yet qualify for a small business loan.

Let’s walk through the difference between personal loans and business loans, the advantages and disadvantages of using a personal loan for business, and some alternative options to explore.

Key Points

• Personal business loans offer flexibility in spending, but it’s crucial to confirm with lenders whether they will allow you to use the loan for business purposes.

• Your personal loan interest rate is influenced by your financial history, income, and credit score, with higher credit scores leading to better rates.

• Benefits of personal loans for business include ease of qualification, faster funding than business loans, and lower interest rates than credit cards.

• Personal loans can be versatile with few spending restrictions, but they may have lower borrowing limits and shorter repayment terms and can affect your personal credit score.

• Alternatives to personal business loans include small business loans, business lines of credit, business credit cards, and merchant cash advances.

What Is a Personal Business Loan?

Personal loans for business are offered by some banks, credit unions, and online lenders. While many loans will specify what you can spend the money on — a mortgage must be used to buy a house, for example — the sum you receive from a personal loan can be used in several ways. That said, it’s important to confirm with your lender whether its personal loans can be used for business expenses, as some lenders do not allow this.

Your personal loan interest rate is based on various financial factors, including your financial history, income, and credit score. Generally, the higher a person’s credit score, the more likely they are to receive a personal loan with favorable terms and interest rates. Applicants with lower credit scores may have more difficulty qualifying for low interest rates. Lenders tend to see them as at greater risk of defaulting on their payments. To offset that risk, they might charge a higher interest rate.

Personal Business Loans vs Small Business Loans

Borrowing money to pay for business expenses is a decision that takes some consideration. There are different reasons you might want or need a business loan, many lenders to choose from, and different lending options to compare. Some things to think about if choosing between a personal loan for business or a small business loan include:

Factor to Consider	Personal Loan for Business	Small Business Loan
Use of funds	Some lenders may not allow personal loan funds to be used for business purposes.	Specifically for business purposes — cannot be used for personal use.
Qualification	Personal creditworthiness determines approval, interest rate, and loan terms.	Lenders will require business financials, proof of time in business, and other details, in addition to possibly taking personal credit into account.
Interest rate	Depending on your creditworthiness, interest rate may be lower than on other forms of credit, such as credit cards.	Depending on the type of loan, interest rates on SBA loans may be lower than some personal loans.
Loan amount	Up to $100,000 depending on the lender.	SBA maximum loan amount is $5 million. Some lenders may approve working capital loans for up to several million dollars.
Funding time	Depending on the lender, loan funds may be disbursed as soon as the day of approval or in up to seven days.	The SBA loan timeline is between 60 and 90 days from application to disbursement.A working capital loan from a traditional lender may be approved quickly and funded shortly after approval.
Tax deductibility	Interest is not generally tax deductible.	Interest may be tax deductible in some cases.

Benefits of a Personal Loan for Business

Taking out personal loans for business purposes can offer several advantages over other financing options.

Ease of Qualification

If your business is brand new, it can be tricky to get a startup business loan and may be easier to qualify for a personal loan. Banks offer personal business loans based on your personal income and credit score.

By contrast, you’ll be asked for a lot of information during the business loan application process, including your personal and business credit score, annual business revenue and monthly profits, and your length of time in business. The longer your business has existed, the more likely you are to have a record of revenue and profit — and the more likely you are to qualify.

Faster Funding

The length of time it takes to get approved for a personal loan and receive funding will vary by lender. Online lenders are typically faster than traditional banks and credit unions. You are likely to receive funding within seven business days.

By contrast, the process for a business loan can be much slower. For example, it can take 30 to 90 days to receive funding from a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan.

Potential for Low Interest Rates

If you have strong credit, personal loans can have lower annual percentage rates (APRs) than other financing products — such as credit cards. While it can be useful to have a business credit card, you’ll pay a relatively high rate if you carry a balance from month to month.

Small business credit cards may also have penalties and fees that personal loans may not have. These often include penalty APRs that go into effect if you make a late payment, over-limit fees if you spend more than your credit limit, annual fees, and more.

Flexibility and Versatility

Personal loans have few restrictions on how you’re allowed to use the money you borrow. You can use them for anything from debt consolidation to home repairs to a veterinary bill.

Disadvantages of a Personal Loan for Business

Despite the potential advantages of using a personal loan to help you start your business, there are drawbacks.

Some Lenders Don’t Allow Personal Loans for Business

Some lenders place restrictions on how personal loans can be used. It’s wise to be transparent about your intention to use the personal loan for business expenses and confirm if the lender permits it.

In some cases, it may not be. However, it’s far better to be honest about how you plan to use a loan than risk breaching the loan agreement. If you end up using a loan in a prohibited way, your lender could force you to immediately repay the full amount of the loan with interest.

Lower Loan Amount Limits

Personal loans generally offer borrowing limits as low as $1,000. They can go as high as $100,000 for larger personal loans. For small businesses, this might be plenty. But if you own a larger business that needs more money, you might benefit more from a loan specifically designed to meet business financial needs. Small business loans generally have lower interest than personal loans.

Shorter Repayment Terms

Lending periods for personal loans vary. Typically, you can find loans with term lengths of 12 months to five years. Compared to some small business loans, this is a relatively short period. Consider that for SBA loans, maximum terms can be as much as 25 years for real estate, 10 years for equipment, and 10 years for working capital or inventory.

Potential to Affect Personal Credit Score and Assets

If you take out a personal loan and can’t make monthly payments, you are putting your personal credit at risk. Missed payments may harm your credit score, which can make it more difficult for you to access funding in the future.

Recommended: What Is Considered a Bad Credit Score?

Fewer Tax Deduction Opportunities

Generally, the interest you pay on a personal loan is not tax deductible, unlike the interest paid on business loans. However, there’s an exception if you use the proceeds of a personal loan for business purposes.

However, this can get a bit tricky, as you may only deduct interest on the portion of the loan used for business expenses. So if you use any of that money to remodel the primary bathroom in your home, for example, interest on that portion can’t be deducted.

How to Get a Personal Loan for Business

Securing a personal loan for business purposes involves several key steps. The process looks like this:

1. Assess your finances: Begin by looking at your personal credit score, income, and overall financial health. This will give you insight into the likelihood of qualifying for a personal loan and the interest rates you might get.

2. Choose a lender: Look for banks, credit unions, and online lenders that offer personal loans suitable for business purposes. Make sure they allow you to use personal loan funds for business expenses. Compare interest rates, loan terms, and fees to find the best lender for your needs.

3. Prepare your documents: Gather documents like proof of income, tax returns, identification, and any business-related information required for your application.

4. Submit your application: Complete the loan application process with your chosen lender. Be honest about your intention to use the loan for business expenses. This transparency helps avoid potential issues in the future.

5. Review loan terms: Once your application is approved, carefully review the loan terms, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any associated fees. If everything looks good to you, accept the loan terms to move forward with the funding process.

What to Consider Before Applying for a Personal Loan for Business

When analyzing the benefits and risks of this approach, consider these factors.

• Your personal creditworthiness: Using a personal loan for business mixes your individual finances with the company’s risk. Think about the effects this move might have on your personal credit score and future loans.

• Your business revenues: You’ll want to be sure your business will bring in enough money to cover your monthly personal loan payments. Run the numbers to be sure that paying the costs for this loan won’t force you to skimp on other needed business expenditures.

• The loan’s true cost: Beyond the loan’s interest rate, lenders may charge fees for loan origination, late payments, loan processing, or account maintenance.

• Timing: Funding for a personal loan may be processed faster than for a business loan. That’s an advantage over SBA loans, which can take up to three months to come through, possibly costing you a current opportunity.

• Usage restrictions: Some personal loan agreements forbid using funds for business, so double check that your prospective lender permits it.

• Repayment details: If you do get the green light, you may want to have on hand a solid business plan (showing revenue model and expenses, for example) to show how the loan will be repaid.

There are funding alternatives that could cost you less or give you added flexibility. Those are detailed in the next section.

Alternatives to Personal Business Loans

Personal loans might not be ideal for everyone and aren’t the only funding option for your small business. It may be worth considering small business loans or other types of business loans as alternatives.

Small Business Loans

Small business loans are offered through online lenders, banks, and credit unions. There are various options available, each designed for specific purposes. For example, a working capital loan is designed to help you finance the day-to-day operations of your business. Equipment financing can help you replace aging technology and buy new tools and machinery.

SBA loans are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, whose aim is to help small businesses start and grow. If you aren’t able to make your payments, the SBA will step in and cover up to 85% of the default loss. By reducing risk in this way, the organization helps businesses get easier access to capital.

Shopping around for the best small business loan rates is a good way to compare lenders and find the one that works best for your unique financial needs.

Business Lines of Credit

A business line of credit is revolving credit, similar to a credit card. You have a set credit limit and only pay interest on the amount you’re currently borrowing, making it a more economical option than a term loan for some business owners. As you repay the funds, they are available to borrow again.

Another advantage to a line of credit over a term loan is the ability to use a check to pay vendors who do not accept credit cards.

Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards can be useful for separating personal and business expenses. They also usually have higher credit limits than personal credit cards, which gives you more flexibility to make larger business purchases. Plus, they may offer rewards, perks, and bonuses. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that credit cards tend to have higher interest rates than other types of business financing.

Merchant Cash Advance

A merchant cash advance (MCA) is an alternative form of financing for businesses that get revenue through credit card sales. With an MCA, a business can borrow a lump sum of money and repay the lender with a percentage of future credit card transactions. The repayment amount is larger than the advance, since the lender charges a fee. In some cases, MCA fees can significantly exceed interest rates on other types of business loans.

The Takeaway

Can you use a personal loan to start a business? Perhaps. Taking out a personal loan may be one way to fund your small business needs. However, some lenders do not allow a personal loan to be used for business purposes. It’s a good idea to explore alternatives, such as a small business loan or line of credit.

If you’re seeking financing for your business, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your business in minutes.

With one simple search, see if you qualify and explore quotes for your business.

FAQ

Can a personal loan be used for business?

Yes, you can use personal loans for business if the lender allows it. It’s important to check with the lender to ensure there are no restrictions on using the loan for business expenses.

Can I write off a personal loan if used for my business?

You can typically write off the interest on a personal loan used for business purposes, but only the portion directly related to business expenses. Personal loan principal repayments are not tax-deductible.

Does the SBA offer personal loans?

No, the Small Business Administration (SBA) does not offer personal loans. The SBA provides various loan programs designed specifically to support small businesses, such as SBA 7(a) loans and SBA 504 loans.

What are the risks of using a personal loan for business purposes?

Funding your business with a personal loan can present a number of risks. The overall risk is that such a loan puts your individual creditworthiness on the line, as personal loans always require a personal guarantee. This means:

• Any missed payments could hurt your individual credit history.

• Even if you pay on time, you’d miss the opportunity to build your business credit score.

• Defaulting on a personal loan could cause lenders to take legal action, meaning you’d probably have to pay for a lawyer to represent you.

• Negative consequences from a lawsuit could include a lien on your home or garnishment of your wages.

Can startups qualify for a personal loan for business?

Generally, the answer is no. Many lenders disallow the business use of a personal loan, for one thing. For another, lenders ordinarily approve or deny loans based on the borrower’s ability to manage repayments — and given the high rate of startup failure (roughly 20% in the first year), both personal and business loans to new entrepreneurs are often seen as too risky.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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Jan

2026

Basics of Debt Consolidation Loans for Married Couples

By Ashley Kilroy | Debt Payoff, Family Finances, personal_loan | Comments Off

If you’re married and struggling to pay off multiple debts, you might consider applying for a debt consolidation loan jointly with your spouse. This approach allows you to roll multiple loan payments into a single monthly payment, which can simplify your household finances, reduce stress, and potentially save money.

Depending on your — and your spouse’s — income and credit score, getting a debt consolidation for married couples could help you qualify for a lower rate and/or better terms compared to applying on your own. However, there are also some downsides to consolidating debt when you get married. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Debt Consolidation Loans?

A debt consolidation loan allows you to combine your outstanding debt balances into one loan, leaving you with a single monthly payment. In other words, you take out a new loan and use the proceeds to pay off your existing debt.

You can use a debt consolidation loan to combine different types of debt, like credit cards, personal loans, and medical debt. It won’t erase your debts, but it can make things easier by simplifying your payments. If you can qualify for a debt consolidation loan with a lower interest than what you’re paying on your current debts, you could also save money.

Typically, debt consolidation loans are unsecured personal loans, meaning they don’t require collateral. However, some people choose to use secured loans, like a home equity loan, to consolidate debt. Either way, the goal is to reduce the complexity of managing multiple debts and, ideally, save on interest.

Benefits of Debt Consolidation for Married Couples

Debt consolidation offers several advantages for married couples looking to streamline their finances and reduce financial pressure. Here’s a look at the key benefits:

Simplified Financial Management

Managing multiple debts as a couple can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling other financial responsibilities like bills, savings, and investments. Consolidating your debts into one loan, and one monthly payment, can make it easier to stay on top of your monthly bills.

A simplified approach to paying off your combined debts can also reduce stress, make it easier to set (and stick to) a household budget, and enable you to work together to achieve your financial goals, whether it’s buying a home, building an emergency fund, or planning for retirement.

Potential for Lower Interest Rates

One of the reasons why many people consolidate debts is to save on interest. This not only saves you money over time but can also help you pay off your debt faster.

When you apply for a debt consolidation loan as a couple, the lender will use your combined income and credit profiles to determine if you qualify and, if so, what your interest rate will be. Applying with your spouse might help you qualify for a lower rate, especially if they have better credit than you. Reducing the overall interest rate on your combined debt can result in significant savings over time.

Recommended: Debt Payoff Guide

Types of Debt Consolidation Loans

There are several types of debt consolidation loans for married couples, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The right choice will depend on your needs and financial situation.

Personal Loans

A personal loan is one of the most common forms of debt consolidation. These loans are typically unsecured, meaning they do not require collateral like a house or car. With a personal loan, individuals or couples can consolidate various types of debt into one loan with a fixed interest rate and a set repayment term.

A personal loan for debt consolidation can be a smart way to consolidate debt if you qualify for a low interest rate, enough funds to cover your combined debts, and a manageable repayment term. Because these loans are unsecured, your rate and terms will largely depend on your and your partner’s credit profile.

💡 Quick Tip: Everyone’s talking about capping credit card interest rates. But it’s easy to swap high-interest debt for a lower-interest personal loan. SoFi credit card consolidation loans are so popular because they’re cheaper, safer, and more transparent.

Home Equity Loan

If you and your spouse own your home and have built up significant equity, you might consider using a home equity loan to consolidate your debts as a couple. This allows you to borrow against the equity in your home and use the funds to pay off other loans and/or credit card balances.

Home equity is the difference between the appraised value of your home and how much you owe on your mortgage. Depending on the lender, you may be able to borrow up to 85% of the equity you own.

Since home equity loans are secured against the value of your home, lenders can often offer competitive interest rates, usually close to those of first mortgages. However, this type of debt consolidation loan is secured by your home. If you and your spouse are unable to keep up with payments, you could lose your home.

Student Loan Consolidation

In the past, the government allowed married borrowers to combine their federal student loans into one joint consolidation loan, but that program ended in 2006.

Currently, the only way to consolidate federal student loans with a spouse is by using a private lender. With private student loan consolidation or refinancing, you can combine your federal and/or private student loans into a single private student loan at a new interest rate.

If you apply jointly with your spouse, the lender will look at your combined household income and both of your credit scores. If your spouse has better credit or a higher income than you, refinancing with your spouse may allow you to qualify for a lower interest rate than you’d get on your own.

However, not all lenders offer spouse student loan consolidation, which can limit your options. Also keep in mind that refinancing federal loans with a private lender means giving up federal loan benefits and protections, including the ability to enroll in an income-driven repayment plan and eligibility for loan forgiveness programs.

Factors to Consider Before Consolidating Debt

Before committing to a debt consolidation loan as a married couple, it’s important to consider the potential complications and drawbacks of this decision.

Different Money Management Styles

When you take out a debt consolidation loan with your spouse, you’re both on the hook for the payments. So it’s worth thinking about how you handle money as a couple and if you’re okay sharing the debt. Are you both ready to commit to making monthly payments and following a budget together? If managing money together seems challenging, you might want to look into other options like consolidating your debts separately.

Marital Breakdown

If you take out a loan as co-borrowers, you’re both 100% legally responsible for paying it back, even if things don’t work out and you separate. It doesn’t matter if your partner has been paying the loan all along and agrees to continue. If you separate or divorce and that partner stops making payments, the lender will look to you to repay the debt.

Also keep in mind that you can’t remove your name from a joint loan without the lender’s permission. If approval was based on your joint personal loan application, the lender may not be willing to do that. Should your marriage break down, you might end up with payments you can’t afford to make.

Credit Score Impact

Even after you get married, you and your spouse still have separate credit reports. When you apply for a new loan as co-borrowers, the lender will do a hard credit pull on both of your credit reports, which can cause a small temporary dip in your scores. And if either of you misses a payment or falls behind on the loan, it can hurt both your credit scores — even if it’s not your fault.

If you handle repayment responsibly, however, a joint debt consolidation loan for married couples could positively influence your individual credit histories over time.

Irreversible Process

When you consolidate debts with a spouse, the process is permanent. You won’t have the opportunity to revert your former debts back to their original state. Once you use the proceeds of the new loan to pay off your existing loans, those accounts will be closed. This could be problematic if you consolidate federal student loans into a private consolidation loan, since you’ll lose your federal protections like forgiveness and forbearance.

Takeaway

Debt consolidation loans for married couples allow you and your spouse to combine multiple debts into one new loan. This can be an effective way to simplify your financial situation, reduce interest rates, and take control of your debt.

Before you jump in, however, it’s a good idea to discuss how a joint loan will affect your individual credit scores, who will make the payments, and how refinancing will impact your future financial goals.

Whether or not you agree that credit card interest rates should be capped, one thing is undeniable: Credit cards are keeping people in debt because the math is stacked against you. If you’re carrying a balance of $5,000 or more on a high-interest credit card, consider a SoFi Personal Loan instead. SoFi offers lower fixed rates and same-day funding for qualified applicants. See your rate in minutes.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named a NerdWallet 2026 winner for Best Personal Loan for Large Loan Amounts.

FAQ

Can a married couple consolidate their debt into one loan?

Yes, married couples can combine their debts into one loan if they qualify. The process typically involves applying for a personal loan or a home equity loan in both spouses’ names and using it to pay off one or both of their individual debts.

If your spouse has a stronger credit score than you, applying for a consolidation loan together could improve your chances of approval and potentially secure a better interest rate. However, both partners are equally responsible for repaying the loan, so it’s important to ensure that consolidating the debt benefits both parties.

How will debt consolidation affect credit scores?

Debt consolidation can impact credit scores in both positive and negative ways. Initially, applying for a new loan may result in a temporary dip in your credit scores due to a hard inquiry. However, if you use the loan to pay off high-interest credit card debt and make timely payments, it can improve your credit profile over time. Also, having just one payment can reduce the risk of missed payments, further benefiting your credit.

What are the alternatives to debt consolidation loans?

Alternatives to debt consolidation loans include:

• Balance transfer credit cards: These cards may offer a low or 0% introductory interest rate for transferring existing credit card balances. This can help you save on interest if you are able to pay off the balance within the promotional period. Just be sure any transfer fees don’t negate the savings.

• Debt snowball or avalanche methods: These strategies focus on paying off smaller debts first (snowball) or debts with the highest interest rates first (avalanche) without consolidating.

• Debt management plans (DMPs): Offered by credit counseling agencies, DMPs help negotiate lower interest rates and consolidate payments without taking out a new loan.

About the author

Ashley Kilroy

Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/milorad kravic

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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Jan

2026

Is Debt Settlement a Good Idea?

By Bonnie Gibbs Vengrow | Debt Payoff, Financial Independence | No Comments

Debt can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling multiple high-interest balances and struggling to make minimum payments. One possible solution is debt settlement, which involves negotiating with your creditors to pay less than what you owe, usually in one lump sum payment. But is debt settlement a good idea?

While it might seem like an attractive way out, the debt settlement process can take years to complete, come with steep fees, and do serious harm to your credit. Before you choose this option, it’s important to understand how debt settlement works, the risks involved, and what alternatives may be available.

Table of Contents

What Is Debt Settlement?
What Is a Debt Settlement Company?
Why Is Debt Settlement Risky?
How Does Debt Settlement Affect Your Credit Scores?
Debt Relief vs. Debt Consolidation
Pros and Cons of Debt Settlement
Beware of Debt Settlement Scams
Debt Settlement Alternatives
The Takeaway
FAQ

Key Points

• Debt settlement involves negotiating with creditors to reduce the total amount owed, often through one lump-sum payment.

• You can try debt settlement on your own but it is typically done through a third-party debt settlement company.

• High fees and credit damage are significant risks associated with debt settlement.

• A debt settlement program can take several years and success is not guaranteed.

• As more American consumers look for an exit strategy from credit card debt, personal loans offer a cheaper, safer, and more predictable alternative.

What Is Debt Settlement?

Debt settlement, also known as debt relief, is the process of negotiating with your creditors to pay less than the full amount you owe. Instead of paying off your debt over time, you reach an agreement — typically through a debt settlement company — where the creditor accepts a lump-sum payment that’s typically less than your outstanding balance.

Debt settlement programs usually focus on unsecured debts, which aren’t tied to a physical asset like a house or car. Examples include credit cards, store cards, medical bills, and old debts in collections. Secured debts such as mortgages, car loans, student loans, and tax debt, typically don’t qualify for these programs.

Though debt settlement is a potential alternative to bankruptcy, the process is seldom fast or simple and can have significant financial and credit consequences.

💡 Quick Tip: Credit card interest rates average 20%-25%, versus 12% for a personal loan. And with loan repayment terms of 2 to 7 years, you’ll pay down your debt faster. With a SoFi personal loan for credit card debt, who needs credit card rate caps?

How Debt Settlement Works

Since creditors typically only consider settlement if they suspect you won’t pay at all, a settlement company will typically advise you to stop making payments on your debts right away and instead put your monthly payments in a dedicated savings account set up by the settlement company.

Once you have enough money saved for a lump-sum offer, the settlement company will attempt to negotiate with your creditors to accept a lower one-time payment to satisfy the debt.

If your creditors agree to debt settlement, you pay the negotiated amount, as well as the debt settlement company’s fees. At that point, the debt is marked as “settled” or “paid for less than the full balance” and the creditor can no longer hound you for payments or take you to court for that particular debt.

While that may sound like a welcome reprieve, keep in mind that this whole process can take up to three to four years (during which fees and interest on your debt continue to mount), and it isn’t always successful.

What Is a Debt Settlement Company?

A debt settlement or debt relief company is a for-profit business that offers to arrange settlement of your debt with lenders or debt collection agencies.

Debt settlement companies often require an initial consultation so they can determine whether you qualify for their debt relief program and which option might fit your situation. You might be asked to provide basic information regarding your current creditors, debt balances, monthly income, and expenses.

While debt settlement companies typically charge a fee for their services, a reputable relief company will not ask you to pay any money up front. By law, settlement companies are only allowed to charge you a settlement fee once a successful result is reached and you have made at least once payment to the creditor.

Fees and Payment Structure

Debt settlement companies typically charge a fee of 15% to 25% of the amount you owe. For example, if you owe $15,000, and the debt settlement company charges a settlement fee of 25%, you’ll pay them $3,750 once the settlement is complete, in addition to paying the settled amount to your creditor.

In some cases, debt settlement companies may also charge other fees, such as a set-up fee to open the dedicated savings account and a monthly fee to maintain the account. However, they generally cannot collect these fees until they successfully settle at least one enrolled debt.

Why Is Debt Settlement Risky?

While debt settlement might sound like a fast way to get out of high-interest debt, it carries several risks that could potentially leave you worse off than before. Here are some key things to keep in mind.

Debt Settlement Can Be Expensive

Between the lump-sum payments to creditors and the settlement company’s fees, you may not save as much money as you expect. If negotiations fail, you could still owe the full balance — plus late fees and interest.

Debt Settlement Can Damage Your Credit

Because debt settlement often requires you to stop making payments, your accounts will become past due, and your credit score can drop significantly. This damage can linger for years, making it harder to qualify for loans, rent housing, or even get certain jobs. (See below for more information on exactly how debt settlement impacts your credit.)

There’s No Guarantee Debt Settlement Will Work

Creditors aren’t obligated to accept a debt settlement. Some may refuse to work with a debt settlement company outright. Those that are willing to negotiate may not accept the settlement offer. If a deal doesn’t go through, you’ll still be out the fees and interest that accrued on your debt during the process, leaving you worse off than you were before you entered the debt settlement program.

Tax Consequences of Settled Debt

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generally regards forgiven debt as income. So if you are able to settle your debt for less than what you, any amount that is wiped off your balance may be taxable. Your creditor may send you (and the IRS) a Form 1099-C, “Cancellation of Debt.” Even if you don’t receive a form, you may still be required to report the forgiven amount as “other income” on your tax return. It’s a good idea to consult with an accountant or tax advisor if you have any forgiven debt.

How Does Debt Settlement Affect Your Credit Scores?

Debt settlement can significantly impact your credit. Here’s how:

• Missed/late payments: Any payments you don’t make leading to debt settlement will be reported to the credit bureaus after 30 days. Payment history is the most important factor in your credit score, so any late or missed payments listed on your credit file can do major damage to your credit.

• Increased credit utilization: As interest accrues on your credit cards, your credit utilization ratio (how much of your available credit you’re using) will increase. Higher utilization can negatively impact your credit profile.

• Accounts may go to collections: After several months of nonpayment, your creditor may send your account to collections. This debt will be marked as a collections account on your credit report, which can negatively impact your credit.

• Settled accounts on your credit reports: If your account is successfully settled, your creditor will report it as “settled” rather than “paid in full.” Settled accounts can be a red flag for future lenders and stay on your credit report for seven years.

Debt Relief vs. Debt Consolidation

Debt relief often refers to debt settlement, which involves working with a third-party settlement company to resolve your unpaid debts. They will negotiate on your behalf with creditors in hopes of getting portions of your debt forgiven. Debt consolidation, on the other hand, typically involves paying off one or more existing debts with a new loan or credit card, ideally with a lower interest rate. This can simplify repayment and potentially help you save money.

While debt consolidation aims to help you pay off your full balance over time, debt settlement focuses on reducing the total you owe, often at the cost of your credit score and financial stability.

Pros and Cons of Debt Settlement

Like most financial strategies, debt settlement has both benefits and drawbacks. Here are some to keep in mind:

Pros of Debt Settlement

• Potential to reduce total debt owed: If negotiations succeed, you may pay significantly less than your original balance.

• Avoid bankruptcy: Settlement may help you steer clear of the more severe consequences of bankruptcy.

• Stop harassment from creditors: Once a debt is settled, creditors and debt collectors can no longer hound you for the debt.

• Faster resolution: If you have cash on hand to settle your debt, you could resolve your debt faster than through long-term repayment plans.

Cons of Debt Settlement

• Credit damage: Missed payments and settlement status can hurt your credit for years.

• High fees: Settlement company charges can be steep, which negates some of the benefits of debt settlement.

• No guarantees: Creditors don’t have to agree to settle.

• Tax implications: Forgiven debt can be treated as taxable income.

Beware of Debt Settlement Scams

Unfortunately, the debt settlement industry has attracted bad actors. Some companies make unrealistic promises, charge high upfront fees, or disappear after collecting your money.

Signs of a potential scam include:

• Asking for large upfront payments before settling any debt

• Guaranteeing that they can settle all your debts for a specific amount

• Saying they can stop all debt collection calls or lawsuits

• Starting enrollment without any review of a your financial situation

• Claiming there is a “new government program” that they are assisting with

• Advising you to stop communicating with your creditors without explaining the risks

Before committing, it’s important to research companies thoroughly, check their accreditation and standing with organizations like the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) or International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), and read customer reviews.

Debt Settlement Alternatives

Before opting for debt settlement, it’s wise to consider other debt payoff strategies that may be less risky and have a smaller impact on your credit.

Credit Counseling

Nonprofit credit counseling agencies offer free or low-cost advice on budgeting and debt repayment options. A credit counselor can help you create a personalized plan to pay down debt without resorting to settlement. If you’re struggling with debt, this is generally one of the safest places to start.

Talking to Creditors

Sometimes, simply calling your creditors and explaining your situation can lead to better terms. It’s generally in a creditor’s interest to help you avoid default, so they may agree to a reduced interest rate, waived fees, or an extended repayment term. This can make monthly payments more affordable without harming your credit or having to resort to debt settlement.

Balance Transfer

A balance transfer involves taking out a new credit card and using it to pay off your current credit card balances. If your credit score is still in good shape, you might qualify for a balance transfer card with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR). This can give you a window — often 12 to 21 months — to pay down debt without interest piling up.

Just be aware that balance transfer cards usually charge a 3.0% to 5.0% transfer fee on the transferred amount. Also, if you don’t pay off the balance within the promotional period, the interest rate will jump, potentially undoing your progress.

Fixed-Rate Personal Loan

Interest rates on personal loans are generally much lower than credit cards, especially if you have strong credit. If you can qualify for a competitive rate on a personal loan for debt consolidation and use it to pay off your high-interest debt, it could help you save money and potentially pay off your debt faster. Debt consolidation can also simplify repayment by rolling multiple debts into one monthly payment.

💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. One question can save you many dollars.

Debt Management Plans

Debt management plans (DMPs) are offered by credit counseling agencies. For a small fee, a counselor will negotiate with your creditors on your behalf to lower interest charges and fees, and come up with a manageable repayment plan. You then make a single monthly payment to the agency and they distribute payments to your creditors.

Unlike debt settlement, you pay off your debt in full, just with more manageable terms. Keep in mind that DMPs typically require closing your credit accounts and you usually can’t access new credit during the plan.

The Takeaway

Debt settlement can seem like a lifeline when you’re drowning in bills, but it’s not without significant drawbacks. It can damage your credit, cost more than you expect, take years to complete, and there’s no guarantee of success. While it may work for some people — especially those facing severe financial hardship and unable to pursue other options — it’s far from a quick fix.

Before making a decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and explore safer alternatives like credit counseling or debt consolidation. The right debt solution is the one that not only addresses your current challenges but also supports your long-term financial health.

Credit cards have an average APR of 20%–25%, and your balance can sit for years with almost no principal reduction. Personal loan interest rates average 12%, with a guaranteed payoff date in 2 to 7 years. If you’re carrying a balance of $5,000 or more on a high-interest credit card, consider a SoFi Personal Loan instead. See your rate in minutes.

SoFi’s Personal Loan is cheaper, safer, and more predictable than credit cards.

FAQ

How much do debt settlement companies typically charge?

Debt settlement companies usually charge fees ranging from 15% to 25% of your total enrolled debt. So if you enroll $20,000 in debt and the fee is 20%, you could owe $4,000 in fees once the settlement is complete, in addition to paying the settled amount to your creditor. It’s important to review contracts carefully to ensure fees are transparent and avoid companies that demand advance payments.

Can debt settlement stop collection calls?

Debt settlement can stop collection calls, but not right away. Calls may not stop until you or a debt settlement company working for you negotiates a settlement with your creditor or debt collector and you pay the settled amount.

How long does debt settlement stay on your credit report?

Debt settlement typically remains on your credit report for up to seven years from the date the account first became delinquent. During that time, it can lower your credit score because it signals to lenders that you did not repay the full amount owed. The impact lessens over time, especially if you practice good credit habits afterward. Once the seven-year period passes, the record should automatically fall off your credit report, potentially improving your credit profile.

Is debt settlement better than bankruptcy?

Whether debt settlement is better than bankruptcy depends on your financial situation. Debt settlement may allow you to repay a reduced portion of what you owe without going through court, but it can still harm your credit for years. Bankruptcy, especially Chapter 7, may erase most debts faster but can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years and carry legal costs. Settlement is often better for moderate debt, while bankruptcy may suit extreme, unmanageable debt.

What should you look for in a legitimate debt settlement company?

A legitimate debt settlement company should be accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Fair Credit Council, the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators, or the Consumer Debt Relief Initiative. They must also comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) rule against upfront fees. In addition, they should provide a written agreement and be willing to explain the risks, including credit score impact. Avoid companies that guarantee results, pressure you to sign immediately, or make claims that sound too good to be true.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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