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Loan modifications change the terms of your loan with the goal of making the payment more manageable. Unlike refinancing a loan, having a loan modified means the loan remains with the same lender — just under revised terms.

Loan modifications can be challenging to obtain and typically decrease your credit score. But for some borrowers, they may be the only option, if the lender agrees to the terms.

So what is a loan modification and how does it work? Let’s explore the details below.

Loan Modification Defined

A loan modification is a revision to the terms and conditions of an existing loan. The lender and borrower agree to new terms that make the monthly payments more manageable for the borrower and prevent the lender from having to take more expensive, drastic actions, like foreclosing on a property.

While loan modifications are most common for secured loans, like home mortgages, it’s also possible to get student loan modifications and even personal loan modifications.

How Do Loan Modifications Work?

The goal of a loan modification is to make a borrower’s monthly payments more manageable. Typically, borrowers will consider this option if they’re at risk of defaulting on their loan (or if they already have). In the case of mortgages, loan modifications can help prevent foreclosure.

Borrowers may also look for loan modifications in times of hardship, like a serious illness or injury. In this case, borrowers might also request a loan deferment.

So how do loan modifications work? They’re a two-way street: The lender and the borrower must come together and agree to a change of the loan terms. The approach can vary, but strategies may include:

•  Adjusting the interest rate: If interest rates were high when you first took out your loan, your lender may agree to lowering the interest rate on your loan. Doing so typically reduces your monthly payment. SoFi’s personal loan calculator is one tool that might be helpful in determining how a new interest rate can affect your monthly payments.

•  Extending the length of the loan: Extending the loan could reduce your monthly payment, though adding more years to a loan may mean you’ll spend more on interest in the long run. Still the immediate relief it offers might be worth it.

•  Changing the structure of the loan: If your loan has an adjustable interest rate structure, you might benefit from modifying it to a fixed rate. This can make your monthly payments more predictable.

•  Reducing the principal balance: In some cases, a lender may agree to temporarily reduce the amount owed on your principal to make it easier to manage your monthly payments. Note, however, that you’ll have to make up for those reduced payments later. In the case of mortgages, this is a rare strategy that is typically only considered to avoid foreclosure. Student loan forbearance is also possible.

When Should You Use Loan Modification?

Loan modifications are often a last resort. Here are some scenarios when it might be time to consider loan modification:

•  Risk of foreclosure: If you’ve missed multiple payments on your mortgage or cannot afford to make future payments at the current amount, a lender may be open to modifying. This can prevent you from losing your home to foreclosure and may save the lender money in the long term.

•  Underwater on a mortgage: An underwater mortgage (also called an upside-down mortgage) occurs when you owe more on your home than it’s worth. This can happen if your home’s property value plummets or if you miss payments early on and are playing catchup on accumulated interest. Loan modification may be the right solution for you and your lender.

•  Defaulting on a personal loan: If you cannot afford your upcoming monthly personal loan payment or have already missed one or more payments, it may be worth seeing if you can have your loan modified, likely by extending the life of the loan to reduce your monthly payments. This may be more agreeable to a lender than having to take expensive legal action against you.

•  Financial hardship: If you are undergoing some kind of hardship, such as a debilitating medical condition or loss of job, you may want to work with your lender to see if you can modify your loan before you miss a payment.

Does Loan Modification Hurt Your Credit Score?

A loan modification will show up as a negative entry on your credit report and thus could drive down your credit score.

That said, if you’re missing payments on your loan because you can’t afford them — or worse, verging on home foreclosure in the case of a mortgage loan — that can have an even more dramatic impact on your credit.

Recommended: What Credit Score Is Needed For a Personal Loan?

How Often Do Loan Modifications Get Approved?

While getting a personal loan can be a simple process, approval for loan modifications vary by lender, loan type, and the borrower, but they’re typically more challenging to get than refinancing. Lenders are not obligated to approve your loan modification, but it may be in their best interest to avoid an expensive foreclosure process.

You might be able to improve your chances of approval by working with a debt settlement company. These companies advocate on your behalf with the lender and have more time and experience to negotiate.

However, debt settlement companies aren’t free, and there’s no guarantee that they’ll be successful in getting your loan modified.

What Does It Mean to Refinance Your Personal Loan?

Personal loan modification is possible, but for many borrowers, it may make more sense to refinance a personal loan. You might consider refinancing a personal loan to achieve one of several goals. Here’s a look at a few of them:

Shortening Your Term

If you initially took out a personal loan with a particularly long term, you could try to refinance for a shorter term and pay it off sooner. While your monthly payment would go up, you might pay less in interest over the life of the loan.

Lowering Your Monthly Payment

On the flip side, you could extend the length of your loan when refinancing to lower your monthly payment. While you might pay more in the long term, this strategy could be helpful if you’re struggling to pay your bills each month.

Lower the Interest Rate

If you took out a personal loan when interest rates were higher — either because of your credit score or the state of the market — it could be worth refinancing to get a better personal loan rate. Depending on the difference in the interest rate and the size and length of the loan, refinancing could save you a considerable amount of money.

Recommended: Loan Modification vs. Refinancing

How to Get a Loan Modified

Lenders are under no obligation to modify your loan, but it’s worth a shot if you don’t see any other options.

Qualifying for modification usually requires missed payments and a demonstration of personal hardship. In some cases, borrowers may qualify for a government loan modification program.

Thinking about applying for loan modification from your lender? You’ll need to assemble a wide range of documents for your application, including:

Proof of Income

Or rather, proof of lack of income. Demonstrating to the lender that you do not currently earn enough income to afford your loan payment is crucial to making your case.

Self-employed individuals may need to supply a profit and loss balance, while salaried and hourly workers can supply an employment contract demonstrating their pay.

Your most recent tax return can also offer insight into your income and overall financial standing.

Bank Statements

Lenders typically want to see your bank statements as well. This will verify how much money you have but will also show them your spending habits.

Hardship Statement

A hardship statement is your chance to make your case. You can use this formal letter to explain your hardship — medical issues, divorce, unemployment, etc. — and how it has affected your finances.

You may be more successful if you include documentation to support your argument. This might include medical bills, divorce paperwork, or a termination letter.

The Takeaway

A loan modification can help make monthly payments more manageable for borrowers and can be a useful strategy for those who are at risk of defaulting on their personal loan or having their house foreclosed. The lender and the borrower must agree to a change of the loan terms. Strategies may include adjusting the interest rate, extending the length of the loan, changing the structure of the loan, and reducing the principal balance.

Are you looking for a personal loan with no hidden fees at competitive interest rates that makes it much easier to manage your monthly payments? Consider a personal loan from SoFi. Check your personal loan rate with SoFi in as little as 60 seconds.

Get competitive rates, no hidden fees when you take out a SoFi personal loan.

FAQ

Does a loan modification hurt your credit?

A loan modification results in a negative mark on your credit report, which can lower your credit score.

However, the alternative for many borrowers is missed payments and, in the case of a mortgage or car loan, eventual foreclosure or vehicle repossession. These can have an even worse impact on your credit score.

What qualifies as a loan modification?

Loan modification is a revision to the terms of an existing loan. The borrower and the lender must both agree to those terms. Modifications can take many forms, but often the lender will reduce the borrower’s interest rate, increase the length of the loan, or change the rate structure from adjustable to fixed.

What are the types of loan modifications?

Borrowers can seek out loan modifications for various types of loans, but mortgage modifications are the most common. Borrowers with unsecured loans, like personal loans and student loans, may also be able to get modifications. Modification types include changes to the interest rate, rate structure, and length of the loan. In some cases, lenders may temporarily adjust the principal balance as a type of loan modification.

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Photo credit: iStock/Riska
SoFi Loan Products
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.

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.

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Personal loans can provide much-needed financial assistance, but it’s important to be aware of potential scams that lead to financial loss and identity theft.

Unscrupulous lenders can hook you in by offering a loan with seemingly good terms when, in fact, you could be charged exorbitantly high interest rates and hidden fees. Scam artists, on the other hand, might take upfront fees and/or your personal information and then disappear without ever giving you a loan.

You can protect yourself, however, by understanding common personal loan scams and knowing how to identify legitimate lenders. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Examples of Personal Loan Scams?

There are a few types of personal loan frauds that crop up with some regularity. These include debt consolidation scams, no-credit-check-loan scams, and loan fees scams. Here’s a closer look.

Debt Consolidation Scams

Debt consolidation is a legitimate way to pay off debt. It entails taking out a new loan (ideally with better rates or terms) and using it to pay off other existing loans or credit cards. There are many legitimate debt consolidation companies that can help individuals pay down their debt. And then there are scammers.

Scammers may offer debt consolidation loans that promise to lower your monthly payments and interest rates. However, they often charge high upfront fees and fail to provide the promised services, leaving you in a worse financial situation.

No-Credit-Check Loan Scams

No-credit-check loan scams target borrowers with a poor or limited credit history. There are legitimate lenders that consider factors other than your credit score, but they are likely to do at least a soft pull on your credit score (which will not affect it).

Scammers, on the other hand, often promise funds without any kind of credit check. They may ask for fees and personal information upfront and then disappear. Or, they might provide a loan but charge exorbitant interest rates.

Loan Fee Scams

Scammers may request upfront fees for processing or guaranteeing a loan. Generally, you should never pay anything upfront — it’s highly likely that your money will disappear, and you will not receive a loan. Legitimate lenders typically deduct any fees from the loan amount.

How Do I Know if I’m Being Scammed for a Loan?

Identifying loan scams requires vigilance and attention to detail. Here are 12 warning signs to look out for.

1. Phone Offers

If you receive a phone call offering you a guaranteed personal loan or unusually low interest rate, it’s most likely a scam. Reputable lenders do not cold-call potential customers. It is illegal, in fact, to make loan offers over the phone. You ‘ll want to look for lenders that advertise through traditional online and mass media.

2. Upfront Fees

While some upfront fees are charged by legitimate lenders, such as origination fees, these fees are usually deducted from the loan amount before the borrower receives the funds and only after the loan is approved. Be wary of any lender that asks for payments before providing the loan funds.

3. Wire Transfers

Scammers will often request loan payments via wire transfer. Legitimate lenders, on the other hand, typically accept payments through recognized and secure channels, such as automatic debit, online payments, or mailing a check to the lender. If you wire funds, there is no way to recover them.

4. Credit History

Be wary of lenders who claim to offer loans without checking your credit history. Trustworthy lenders typically base their loan terms on your ability to repay the loan. This involves looking at your credit, sometimes getting reports from all three major consumer credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian).

5. Copycat Name

Online loan scammers may use a business name or website that seems genuine. They may copy a well-known logo and website to trick you. Be sure to verify the lender’s identity by conducting thorough research online, including a lender search by name with both the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB).

6. Personal Information

Scammers will often try to get your bank account details, passwords, Social Security number, and other personal information in order to drain your checking account and/or run up charges on your credit card.

If they have enough of your personal information, they may even be able to take out loans or obtain credit cards in your name. Always check if a lender is legitimate before giving them any of your personal information.

Recommended: How to Report Identity Theft

7. State Registration

A lender or loan broker must register in the states where they do business. One way to vet a lender is to go to their website and make sure it lists the states where the company can legally conduct business. If you don’t see a list of registered states, it’s a sign the company is fraudulent.

If they do list states, it’s a good idea to verify the information with your state regulator or attorney general.

8. Reviews

It can be helpful to research the lender online and read reviews from previous customers. Genuine lenders will have positive reviews and a good reputation. You can also check the BBB’s website to see if there are complaints connected with its business profile. The BBB also has a Scam Tracker that is worth checking as well.

9. Customer Service

Reputable lenders that offer personal loans generally have phone numbers you can call and speak with a live person, rather than a chatbot. It’s a good idea to call the lender’s customer service number, ask questions, and gauge their responsiveness and professionalism. Legitimate lenders prioritize customer service.

10. Hidden Fees

Some legitimate lenders do not disclose their fees on their website; however, they are required to be transparent about fees and terms when they give you a loan offer. Be sure to carefully review loan documents for hidden fees or terms that differ from what was initially discussed.

11. Prepaid Credit Card

Scammers often request payment via prepaid credit cards. Legitimate lenders typically accept payments through secure methods, such as bank transfers or online payment platforms.

12. No Physical Address

Trustworthy lenders have physical office addresses. Be cautious if the lender only provides a PO Box or has no physical presence. If they provide an address, it’s a good idea to look it up on Google Maps or other mapping software. If their address is suspect, their services most likely will be too.

What to Do if You Are Scammed

If you believe you have fallen victim to a personal loan scam, you’ll want to take the following steps.

1. Gather Documents

Compile all relevant documents, including loan agreements, payment receipts, and communication with the scammer.

2. Contact Authorities

It’s a good idea to contact your local law enforcement — by filling out a police report, you’ll have an official record.

It’s also wise to contact agencies specializing in oversight, including your state attorney general’s office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the BBB. When they have your information, these agencies can better serve and protect other consumers.

3. Contact Your Bank and Creditors

You’ll want to notify your bank and credit card company about the scam. They can advise you on necessary steps to protect your accounts and finances.

4. Set Up Fraud Alerts

You may want to contact one of the three credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This notifies lenders that you’ve been a victim of fraud so they can take extra measures to verify your identity when they get an application for credit in your name. You only need to contact one bureau — that bureau will contact the other two automatically.

Signs of a Legitimate Loan Company

You can be assured that a company is a legitimate lender by doing your due diligence. Here are key things to look for.

Valid Contact Information

Legitimate lenders have valid contact information, including a physical address and a working phone number.

Registered

You’ll want to make sure the lender is registered and authorized to operate in your state. You can check with your state’s regulator or attorney general.

Better Business Bureau

It’s wise to verify the lender’s rating and accreditation with the BBB. A good rating and positive customer reviews indicate legitimacy.

Good Reviews

Be sure to read reviews from previous customers to get a sense of their experiences. Legitimate lenders will have positive reviews and a good reputation.

Get a Legitimate Personal Loan

To secure a legitimate personal loan, follow these guidelines:

•  Research potential lenders thoroughly.

•  Compare loan offers and interest rates from multiple reputable lenders.

•  Read loan agreements carefully, ensuring you understand all terms and fees.

•  Ask questions and seek clarification before signing any contracts.

•  Protect your personal information and be cautious about sharing it with a lender you’re unsure about.

The Takeaway

Unfortunately, there are a lot of loan scammers out there. The good news is that you can protect yourself by familiarizing yourself with common scam playbooks and knowing how to identify legitimate lenders.

Remember to thoroughly research lenders, review loan terms carefully, and never provide personal or financial information without verifying the lender’s legitimacy.

If you’re interested in exploring your personal loan options but not sure where to turn, SoFi could help. SoFi personal loans offer competitive, fixed rates and a variety of terms. Checking your rate won’t affect your credit score, and it takes just one minute.

See if a personal loan from SoFi is right for you.

FAQ

What are some examples of personal loan scams?

There are several examples of personal loan scams to be aware of:

•  Advance fee scams Scammers ask for upfront fees before providing the loan but disappear once they receive your payment.

•  Guaranteed approval scams Fraudsters claim to offer guaranteed loans, regardless of credit history, but ask for upfront fees or personal information.

•  Identity theft scams Scammers pose as legitimate lenders and use the personal information you give them during the loan application process for identity theft.

•  Phishing scams Scammers send fraudulent emails or text messages pretending to be from a reputable lender, requesting personal and financial information.

How do I know if I’m being scammed for a loan?

Some signs that you may be being scammed for a loan include:

•  Upfront fees Legitimate lenders deduct fees from the loan amount, so be cautious if a lender asks for payment before providing the loan funds.

•  Unsolicited offers Unsolicited phone calls or emails offering guaranteed loans or unusually low-interest rates are red flags. Reputable lenders do not make unsolicited offers.

•  Unsecure payment methods Scammers often request loan payments via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards. Legitimate lenders usually accept payments through recognized and secure channels.

•  No credit check Be cautious of lenders who claim to offer loans without checking credit history. Legitimate lenders typically assess creditworthiness before approving a loan.

•  Lack of state registration Check if the lender is registered to operate in your state. Legitimate lenders comply with state regulations.

•  Negative reviews Research the lender online and read reviews from previous customers. Negative reviews or multiple red flags are signs of potential scams.

What do I do if I get scammed?

As soon as you suspect that you have been scammed, consider taking the following steps.

•  Gather documents: Collect all relevant documents, including loan agreements, payment receipts, and communication with the scammer.

•  Contact law enforcement: Report the scam to your local law enforcement agency and provide them with all the information you have gathered.

•  Contact your bank and creditors: Inform your bank or credit card company about the scam. They can advise you on necessary steps to protect your accounts and finances.

•  Set up fraud alerts: Place a fraud alert on your credit report to prevent further unauthorized activity and protect your identity and credit.

•  Monitor accounts: Regularly monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions.

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Photo credit: iStock/Moyo Studio
SoFi Loan Products
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.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we 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.

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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Debt consolidation is a debt payoff strategy that involves taking out a new loan (often a personal loan) to pay off high-interest debts in an effort to streamline monthly payments and save money on interest.

While it can be challenging to get a debt consolidation loan if you have bad credit, you aren’t necessarily out of luck. Some lenders look at factors beyond credit score, such as your income and job history. There are also several actions you can take to increase your odds of getting approved for a debt consolidation loan. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan With Bad or Average Credit

Even with fair or poor credit, you can often still qualify for a debt consolidation loan. Here are a few ways to increase your chances of getting approved.

Check Your Credit Reports

Before you apply for a debt consolidation loan, it’s a good idea to comb through your credit reports (you have three) to see if there are any errors that could be negatively impacting your score. You can check your credit report for free at each of the credit reporting bureaus credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) using AnnualCreditReport.com .

If you notice any incorrect information (such as wrong accounts, incorrectly reported payments, inaccurate credit limits, or partial information), on any of your reports, you’ll want to reach out to the appropriate credit union and file a dispute. By law, the credit bureaus usually have up to 30 days to review your claim and respond.

Shop around

You can find personal loans for debt consolidation at local banks, national banks, credit unions, and online lenders. To find the best deal, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare qualification requirements, loan amounts, repayment terms, and fees from multiple lenders. You can often prequalify for a loan online without impacting your credit score.

Apply with a cosigner

Having a cosigner with a good credit history can significantly improve your chances of getting approved for a personal loan for debt consolidation. It can also potentially help you get approved for a larger loan amount and better rates. A cosigner agrees to take responsibility for the loan if you default, which significantly reduces the risk to the lender.

Provide Collateral

Secured personal loans, which require you to provide collateral (such as a vehicle or property) to back up the loan, can be easier to get if you have bad or average credit. The downside is that you’re putting your asset on the line. If you run into trouble repaying the loan, the lender can seize the collateral to get their money back.

Build your credit score

If you’re not in a hurry to consolidate your debt, you may want to focus on improving your credit before you apply for a consolidation loan. Steps that can help include paying your bills on time, reducing credit card balances, and (as noted above) addressing any errors on your credit report.

You might also consider signing up for a service where your rent payments are reported to the credit bureaus. In turn, this could help build your credit (however, there may be a fee for this service).

Where to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan with Bad Credit

Trying to find consolidation loans for bad credit can feel overwhelming. Here are some places to start your search.

Local Banks and Credit Unions

Traditional banks and credit unions tend to be stringent in their lending criteria. However, if you already have a relationship with a local bank or credit union, they may be willing to work with you based on your overall financial profile, and not simply look at your credit score. You might want to talk to a loan officer about getting a personal loan to consolidate your debt and what rates and terms you could potentially qualify for.

Online Debt Consolidation Lenders

Online lenders tend to have more flexible qualification criteria for personal loans than banks, and can be a good place to look for debt consolidation loans for bad credit. These alternative lenders also typically offer a simpler application process and are faster to fund than traditional lenders. While rates tend to be higher, some online lenders will offer competitive rates on personal loans.

Payday Lenders

Payday lenders should be approached with caution due to their sky high interest rates and short repayment terms. This type of personal loan should be considered as a last resort if other options are not available.

How to Apply for a Debt Consolidation Loan

To apply for a personal loan to consolidate your debt, you typically need to provide the following information in your application:

•   Personal information

•   Employment information

•   Income information

•   Collateral or cosigner information (if applicable)

It’s helpful to gather these documents:

•   Government-issued ID (i.e., driver’s license, passport)

•   Proof of residence

•   Pay stubs

•   Bank statements

The lender will look over your application and likely perform a hard credit check, which can have a small, temporary negative impact on your credit score. They will typically take these qualification criteria into consideration:

•   Credit score

•   Income

•   Debt-to-income ratio

What Are the Benefits of a Debt Consolidation Loan?

The benefits of getting a debt consolidation loan include:

•   Simplified finances Combining multiple debts into one payment can make it easier to manage your finances and reduce the risk of missing payments.

•   Lower interest rate If you can secure a debt consolidation loan with a lower interest rate than your existing debts, you can save money on interest charges over time.

•   May help improve your credit Making regular, on-time payments towards your consolidated loan can positively impact your credit score over time.

Debt Consolidation Alternatives

If you’re not entirely sold on getting a debt consolidation loan or don’t think you’ll get approved because of your credit situation, here are some other options to consider.

•   Credit counseling You might want to work with a nonprofit credit counseling agency to create a personalized debt management plan and receive financial guidance. These agencies reach out to the creditors and lenders on your behalf and try to negotiate for a lower rate. Instead of paying your creditors directly, you would pay the counseling service each month.

•   Debt settlement It may be possible to negotiate with your creditors to settle your debts for less than what you owe. However, this option may have a negative impact on your credit.

•   Balance transfer credit card If you qualify for a credit card with lower interest rate or a promotional 0% APR period, you might want to transfer your high-interest credit card balances to this card.

•   Manage it yourself To tackle your debt on your own, you’ll want to make a list of all your existing debts, interest rates, and balances, then choose a DIY debt payoff plan, such as the snowball or avalanche method, to pay them down.

•   Home equity loan If you own a home and have significant equity in it, you may be able to take out a home equity loan to pay off your existing debts. This isn’t technically a debt consolidation loan, but you might be able to reduce the amount of interest you’re paying because your home secures the loan.

The Takeaway

Debt consolidation can be a valuable tool to simplify your finances and work towards becoming debt-free. While it may be challenging to get a debt consolidation loan with bad credit, it’s not impossible. By exploring different lenders, improving your credit profile, and considering collateral or a cosigner, you can increase your chances of approval.

If you’re interested in exploring your debt consolidation options, SoFi can help. With a low fixed interest rate on loan amounts from $5K to $100K, a SoFi personal loan for debt consolidation could substantially lower how much you pay each month. Checking your rate won’t affect your credit score, and it takes just one minute.

See if a personal loan from SoFi is right for you.

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Photo credit: iStock/Vladimir Vladimirov

SoFi Loan Products
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.

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 .

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we 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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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For many people, personal loans can be the difference between affording something they need — like major home repairs — and having to forego the purchase. But personal loans aren’t without fees. Lenders always charge interest on loans, and in many cases, something called an origination fee.

But what is an origination fee on a personal loan, and how does it work? We’ll dive in below.

What Are Personal Loan Origination Fees?

Personal loan origination fees are an upfront, one-time charge by the lender that covers the costs of processing the loan, including the application, underwriting, and funding.

Typically, lenders charge origination fees as a percentage of the total loan amount. It’s usually 1% to 6%, but origination fees may go as high as 8% or even 10% of the loan amount. In some instances, a lender may charge a flat fee instead.

Not every personal loan has an origination fee, and lenders may differ in how they require consumers to pay it, if it’s included.

Recommended: Should I Get a $5,000 Personal Loan?

How Do Personal Loan Origination Fees Work?

If a lender charges an origination fee for a personal installment loan, it’s usually a percentage of the loan amount, somewhere between 1% on the low end and 10% on the high end. For example, if you take out a personal loan for $15,000 and there’s a 5% origination fee, you’ll pay $750 in fees.

Lenders typically subtract this fee from the total loan amount. In our example, that means they’d offer you a loan for $15,000, subtract $750 from the amount, and give you $14,250. But you’d still have to repay $15,000, plus interest. If you truly need the full $15,000, it’s a good idea to request more than $15K to ensure that you have enough funds after the origination fee is deducted.

In this case, the personal loan origination fee would be reflected in the APR calculation. That’s why experts often suggest comparing loans by their APRs. The APR, which represents the annual cost of a loan (not just the interest rate) will give you a true picture of what you’ll pay over the life of the loan.

Learn more about interest vs. APRs before comparing loans.

Note: While subtracting the fee from your loan amount is common, some lenders may require an out-of-pocket payment or add it to your loan total. Asking a lender how they charge the origination fee is a good idea when shopping for loans.

How Much Are Personal Loan Origination Fees Usually?

Personal loan origination fees typically vary between 1% and 10% of the total loan amount. Depending on how much you’re borrowing, this fee can get extraordinarily high.

For example, if you borrow $100,000 with an 8% origination fee, that’s an extra $8K you’re paying on top of the loan amount and interest.

Recommended: What to Know Before You Borrow Money Online

How Are Origination Fees Calculated?

Lenders may advertise a set origination fee or a percentage range. If it’s the latter, how exactly do they determine the percentage you’ll pay?

Unsurprisingly, lenders primarily consider your credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. The stronger your credit score and the lower your DTI ratio, the lower origination fees you might be offered. Lenders that don’t charge origination fees at all may have strict requirements that only borrowers with good or excellent credit can meet.

Lenders may also consider the length and size of the loan. Having a cosigner with good credit can help reduce your fees. In addition, lenders may ask your reason for borrowing or use other information from your application when setting your fees.

Recommended: Guide to Large Personal Loans

When Is an Origination Fee a Dealbreaker?

It’s wise to compare the loan APRs, which represent your total annual costs. A loan with no origination fee but a higher interest rate may wind up costing you more in the long run; comparing APRs can help you figure it out.

If you qualify for a handful of personal loans with varying fees, you may not necessarily want to go with the lowest fee. Compare APRs to discover the true cost of each loan.

At SoFi, we offer competitive personal loan interest rates and the option to pay an origination fee to secure a lower interest rate. An origination fee is not required, but it may cost you less in the long run, depending on your loan amount and term. We encourage everyone to do their due diligence and research multiple loans, but we’re proud of what we offer: same-day funding, flexible loan terms and amounts. You can even check your personal loan rate in as little as 60 seconds.

So when is a personal loan origination fee a dealbreaker? If the fee makes your total cost of borrowing higher than another offer, you should consider the better loan offer.

All lenders are required to disclose their fees as part of the Truth in Lending Act. If a lender advertises no origination fees, it’s a good idea to check the fine print to see if they’ve disguised the fee with a look-alike fee, like an “administrative” or “application” fee. If a lender does this and it gives you bad vibes, go with your gut — you should always feel good about the lender you choose.

Explore SoFi Personal Loan Rates

Looking for a personal loan with no required origination fee? Try a personal loan from SoFi. You can get same-day funding, and our loan terms and amounts are flexible (two to seven years and $5K to $100K in loans). Check your rate online in as little as 60 seconds!

Get a personal loan without the high fees from SoFi.

FAQ

How much are personal loan origination fees typically?

Personal loan origination fees typically range between 1% and 6% of the loan amount. But depending on the lender, your credit score, and other factors, you may pay as much as 8% or 10% in personal loan origination fees.

Do private loans always have origination fees?

Many private lenders charge origination fees, but that is not always the case. Before taking out any loan with a private lender, it’s a good idea to compare origination fees and APRs.

Can origination fees be negotiated?

You can often negotiate origination fees for certain types of loans, such as mortgages and personal loans. SoFi Personal Loans allow you to negotiate a fee in exchange for a lower interest rate.. However, with a high enough credit score, you may be able to qualify for a personal loan without an origination fee — or at least a lower one.

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Photo credit: iStock/lechatnoir

SoFi Loan Products
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.

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.

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Figuring out how to double your money with investments often hinges on striking the right balance between risk and reward. Your personal risk tolerance and goals can influence how you invest and the returns your portfolio generates.

However, doubling your money is a reasonable goal, especially if you’re willing to wait for your money to grow. And that’s a big variable to keep in mind: Time. If you’re interested in doubling your money and growing wealth for the long-term, there are several investing strategies to consider.

Investing Strategies to Double Your Money

1. Get to Know the Rule of 72

The rule of 72 can be a helpful guideline for answering this question: How long to double your money?

If you’re not familiar with this investing rule, it’s not complicated. It uses a simple formula to estimate how long doubling your money might take, based on your annual rate of return. You divide 72 by your annual return to get the number of years you’ll need to wait for your investment to double.

So, for example, if you have an investment that generates a 5% annual return, it would take around 14.5 years to double it. On the other hand, an investment that’s generating a 12% annual return would double in about six years.

The rule of 72 doesn’t predict how an investment will perform. But it can give you an idea of how quickly (or slowly) you can double your money, based on the returns you’re getting each year. Just keep in mind that the rule’s accuracy tends to decrease as the rate of return increases, so it’s more of a guideline than a hard-and-fast rule.

💡 Quick Tip: How do you decide if a certain trading platform or app is right for you? Ideally, the investment platform you choose offers the features that you need for your investment goals or strategy, e.g., an easy-to-use interface, data analysis, educational tools.

2. Leverage Your Employer’s Retirement Plan

One way to attempt to double your money through investing may be through your workplace retirement plan. If your employer offers a matching contribution to the money you’re deferring from your paychecks, that’s essentially free money for you.

Employer matching contributions are low-hanging fruit, in that you don’t need to change your investment strategy to take advantage of them. All that’s required is contributing enough of your salary to your employer’s retirement plan to qualify for the match.

The matching formula that companies use varies, but some companies offer a dollar-for-dollar match, meaning that the money you put into a 401(k) would automatically double when you receive your match. Keep in mind that some companies use a vesting schedule, meaning that you have to work at the company for a certain period of time before you get to keep all the employer contributions.

Aside from potentially helping to double your money, investing your 401(k) or a similar qualified retirement plan can also yield tax benefits. Contributions made with pre-tax dollars are deducted from your taxable income, which could lower your annual tax bill.

3. Diversify Strategically

Diversification means spreading your money across different investments to create a portfolio that will meet your needs for both risk and return.

As a general rule of thumb, riskier investments like stocks have the potential to generate higher returns. More conservative investments, such as bonds, tend to generate lower returns but there’s less risk that you’ll lose money on the investment.

If you want to double your money, then it’s important to pay attention to diversification and what that means for your return on investment. For instance, if you’re investing heavily in stocks then you could see greater returns but you might experience deeper losses if the market takes a hit. Playing it too safe, on the other hand, could cause your portfolio to underperform.

Also, keep in mind that there are many types of investments besides stocks, mutual funds and bonds. Real estate, stock options, futures, precious metals and hedge funds are just some stock and bond alternatives you could use to build a portfolio. Understanding their risk/reward profiles can help you decide what to invest in if you’re focused on doubling your money.

💡 Quick Tip: Distributing your money across a range of assets — also known as diversification — can be beneficial for long-term investors. When you put your eggs in many baskets, it may be beneficial if a single asset class goes down.

4. Consider Buying When Others Are Selling

The stock market is cyclical and you’re guaranteed to experience ups and downs during your investing career. How you approach the down periods can impact your ability to double your money when the market goes up again.

When the market drops, some investors start selling off stocks or other investments to avoid losses. But if you’re comfortable taking risks, the sell-off could present an opportunity to buy the dip.

If you can purchase stocks at a discount during periods of volatility when other investors are selling, you could double your money when those same stocks increase in value again. But again, making this strategy work for you comes down to knowing how much risk is acceptable to you.

5. Commit for the Long Term

There are different investment philosophies you can adopt. For example, traders regularly buy and sell investments to try and get quick wins from the market. A buy-and-hold strategy takes a different approach, but it could pay off if you’re trying to double your money.

Buy-and-hold investing involves buying an investment and holding onto it for the long-term. The idea is that during that holding period, the investment will grow in value so you can sell it at a sizable profit later.

This is a passive investment strategy that relies on patience and time to increase your portfolio’s value. The longer you have to invest, the more you can capitalize on the power of compounding gains, or gains you earn on your gains.

If you’re using a buy-and-hold strategy with a value investing strategy, you could potentially double your money or more if your investments meet your expectations. Value investing means investing in companies that you believe the market has undervalued.

This strategy takes a little work since you have to learn how to understand the difference between a stock’s market value and its intrinsic value. But if you can find one of these bargain hidden gems and hold onto it, you could reap major return rewards later when you’re ready to sell.

6. Step Up Your Investment Contributions

Another simple strategy to double your money is to invest more. Assuming your portfolio is performing the way you want and need it to to reach your goals, doubling your investment contributions could be a relatively easy way to boost your returns.

If you can’t afford to put big chunks of money into the market all at once, there are ways to increase your investments gradually. For instance, you could start building a portfolio with fractional shares and increase your contributions by a few dollars each month.

If you’re investing your 401(k) at work, you could ask your plan administrator about raising your contribution rate annually. For example, you might be able to automatically bump up salary deferrals by one or two percent each year. And if that coincides with a pay raise you may not even miss the extra money you’re contributing.

7. Focus on Tax Efficiency

Minimizing tax liability is another opportunity to stretch your investment dollars. There are different ways to do that inside your portfolio.

Investing in your retirement plan at work is an obvious one, so if you aren’t doing that yet you may want to consider getting started. Remember, the longer you have to invest, the more time your money has to grow.

If you don’t have a 401(k) or a similar plan at work, you could open a traditional or Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) instead. A traditional IRA allows for tax-deductible contributions, meaning you get an upfront tax break. Then, you pay ordinary income tax on that money when you withdraw it in retirement.

Roth IRAs aren’t tax-deductible, since you fund them with after-tax dollars. The upside of that, however, is that qualified withdrawals in retirement are 100% tax-free.

A taxable brokerage account is another way to invest, without being subject to annual contribution limits the way you would with a 401(k) or IRA. The difference is that you’ll pay capital gains tax on your investment growth.

Paying attention to asset location can help with maximizing tax efficiency across different investment accounts. For example, exchange-traded funds can sometimes be more tax-efficient than other types of mutual funds because they have lower turnover. That means the assets in the fund aren’t bought or sold as frequently, so there are fewer taxable events.

Keeping ETFs in a taxable account while putting less tax-efficient investments into a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, could help with doubling your money if it means reducing the taxes you pay on investment gains.

The Takeaway

Learning how to double your money can mean taking a slow route or a quicker one, but it all comes down to how much risk you’re comfortable with and how much time you have to invest. One of the keys to growing your investments is being consistent and that’s where automated investing can help.

There are numerous strategies and tactics that you can try to leverage to your advantage. But ultimately, whether you’re able to double your money will likely come down to how much you’re willing to risk, how much time you have on your side, and probably a little bit of luck.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

Photo credit: iStock/South_agency

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SoFi Invest®

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

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.

Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $25 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.


Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.

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