Debt Consolidation Calculator

See if refinancing your debt into a single loan could save you money. Compare your current payments against a new consolidation loan.

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New Consolidation Loan

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Is Debt Consolidation Right for You?

The 5% Rule

Consolidation works best if you can secure a rate at least 5% lower than your current average. For balances over $10,000, this can save you thousands.

The Term Trap

Lower payments often come from extending your loan term (e.g., 3 years to 7 years). This feels cheaper monthly but costs more total interest. Aim for the shortest term you can afford.

Ready to Create a Complete Payoff Plan?

Try our main Debt Payoff Calculator to compare Avalanche vs Snowball strategies and see your full debt-free timeline.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is debt consolidation a good idea?

Debt consolidation can be a good idea if you qualify for a lower interest rate than your current debts and you have the discipline not to rack up new debt. It simplifies payments and can save money on interest. However, it's not right for everyone — use our calculator above to see if the math works for you.

Will debt consolidation hurt my credit score?

Initially, opening a new consolidation loan may cause a small dip in your score due to the hard inquiry. However, if you make on-time payments and reduce your credit utilization, your score typically improves over time.

What APR should I look for in a consolidation loan?

Look for an APR lower than the weighted average of your current debts. For credit cards averaging 20-24% APR, a consolidation loan at 8-15% represents significant savings. The lower the rate, the more you save.

What is the difference between debt consolidation and a balance transfer?

Debt consolidation uses a personal loan to pay off debts. A balance transfer moves debt to a new credit card with a promotional 0% APR period. Balance transfers work for smaller amounts you can pay off during the promo period; consolidation loans are better for larger amounts.