Where Do I Get Bad Credit Loans to Consolidate My Bills?

Couple and baby apply to get a loan
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Review different consolidation options.
  • A home equity loan will offer the lowest monthly cost, but the highest overall cost.
  • Work to improve your credit, if your bad credit is limiting your options.

Where Do I Get Bad Credit Loans to Consolidate My Bills?

If your credit rating has taken a beating, you may be struggling to pay the bills. Low credit scores are often accompanied by abruptly boosted interest rates, which lead to higher expenses. Debt consolidation is a great way to get a handle on your bills, even if you have bad credit. Are you wondering, "Where do I get bad credit loans to consolidate my bills?" Keep reading to find the answer.

Consolidate Credit Cards with Bad Credit

If you have a lot of debt on high interest credit cards, you have three choices to consolidate your bills: a credit card balance transfer, a home equity line of credit or home equity loan or home refinance, or a personal loan. A balance transfer will get you the lowest rate, but only temporarily. A personal loan will have a rate that is lower than your current credit card interest rates for a longer term, but it may still be relatively high if you have a very low credit score. Contact your bank to ask about a personal loan. You may also receive offers in the mail. Carefully research the lender before agreeing to any offer you receive in the mail.

If you own a home, a home refinance or home equity loan is your best option. Because the loan is secured by your home, the interest rate is lower than you would find with a credit card or personal loan. The rate won't be the lowest possible, however, because those are reserved for borrowers with excellent credit. You may also find that the rate is lower if you have more equity in your home because it gives the bank a bigger financial cushion if you default.

Tax deductions are another advantage to home equity loans. Mortgage interest and most interest for home equity loans or lines of credit is tax deductible, which will free up a little extra cash for paying those bills.

Consolidate Student Loans with Bad Credit

If you need to consolidate federal student loans, you're in luck. The interest rates and consolidation rates are regulated by the federal government. You will almost certainly qualify for a reasonable interest rate from any student loan consolidator. Start with your current lender, but contact a few others to see if their terms and discounts vary. Consolidating is more complicated with private loans, but it may still be possible. Contact your current lender for information, then search for lenders online. Ask a few for quotes before accepting an offer.

When it comes to student loans, you should avoid combining them with other debts or paying them off with a home equity loan or cash-out refinance. This is because most federal student loans are forgiven at death or permanent disability and can be deferred while you're alive. You lose these benefits if you swap them for a different kind of debt.

If you have bad credit, consolidating your debt and bills is a great way to improve your credit history. By paying down debt, you also improve your financial future and your ability to qualify for better credit. No matter what your credit is like, you'll be able to find someone who is willing to take a risk on you.

Comments (16)


Chris D.
Alamosa, CO  |  July 29, 2011
I have about $10,000 in debt and bad credit- I owe a bank about $1,500 that was sent to collections, deb collectors for Verizon, Sprint, medical bills, college tuition... I only make about $1,000 a month and am currently paying on only one medical bill. I am scared to death because of garnishment. If I get garnished I won't even be able to pay my rent. I am scared! I own nothing that could be put down on a loan. What do I do?
Bills.com
August 01, 2011
You can try to work out monthly payments with your creditors, after disclosing your income and fixed expenses. You could also try to negotiate settlements with your creditors, although you likely need to have funds ready to pay a settlement to make the process succeed. Lastly, you can consult with a bankruptcy, which could wipe out your debts and also protect you from any wage garnishment. If you consult with a bankruptcy attorney and find that you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you don't have to file for it, but will have the peace of mind of knowing that it's an option if you are sued and can't work out solutions with your creditors.
Jaynee L.
Brookhaven, NY  |  July 22, 2011
I need to know a name of lender in NY that would possibly give me loan, my credit is not totally shot yet, just fell behind because out of work have good paying job now and just want to make good on all I could use like 5000.00 to get up to par and handle everything on time there after.
Bills.com
July 25, 2011
It is hard to find a decent unsecured loan these days. You can try a bank, such as CitiBank, a credit union, or look into peer to peer lending.
Memorie J.
Crystal, NV  |  July 22, 2011
i am a 42 yr old mother of 6.i have recently gone through a separation i have 4 grown children and 2 young still at home. I am in need of a 4000.00 dollar loan to pay off my credit cards and loans as well as i only have 1000.00 left to pay off my car I purchased last August.i had a fair credit score up to about a month ago when things went south. i have been working at same place for 3 1/2 years and will make manager soon.i need to consolidate debt to get control of my credit and my life for my boys.if i pay off my car i can use it for collateral.blue book is 6000-7000.please contact me with any advice or resource as I am at my wits end. thank you
Bills.com
July 22, 2011
When you have bad credit, few are willing to lend to you and anyone who will likely charges very high interest rates.

You may be able to get a title loan on your car, given its equity position, but it may not be helpful to do so. One, you put your car at risk if you miss a payment. Two, the interest rate can be so high that it is not beneficial.

If you have high interest rates on your credit cards, look into credit counseling. A credit counseling program will review your budget with you and offer you a debt management plan, if it will help you, that can lower your interest rates.
Nicole P.
Riverview, FL  |  June 27, 2011
I am looking for a loan to consolidate about $20,000 in credit card debt. I am not sure what my credit score is but assuming not great based on Credit to debt. However, I have not missed a payment in well over 7 years. I am just foundering to make the payments due to high interest rates.
Bills.com
June 27, 2011
Another debt may not be the answer to your needs. Read the Bills.com resource What are my debt resolution options? to read more about how to handle overwhelming debt. See also the Bills.com Debt Coach for an interactive tool that will help advise you how to resolve your debt problem.
Jina O.
Fayetteville, IL  |  April 08, 2011
Need a loan to consolidate some credit cards and a lot of medical bills... About 9,000
Bills.com
April 09, 2011
You are not giving us much information to go on. See the Bills.com series What are my debt relief options? to see tactics and strategies for dealing with debt. Ask any follow-up questions you may have on the appropriate page.
Erika S.
Santa Rosa, CA  |  April 01, 2011
I am looking to consolidate about $19,000 in debt (credit cards, medical, student loans)I work through a staffing agency (currently on a long term assignment that is more than likely going to go permanent) and make one LARGE payment per month. My credit is NOT the greatest and I am doing my best to avoid filing for bankruptcy. Is there a lender out there that would consider me?
Bills.com
April 01, 2011
You face an uphill struggle if you have a high debt-to-income ratio and a low credit score. See the Bills.com resource Peer-to-Peer Loan to learn about that option. Instead of finding another loan to consolidate your existing loans, consider a different path — debt resolution.
Leon J.
Baton Rouge, LA  |  January 11, 2011
I need a list of lenders that will help me consolidate my bills. I own my home but is behind with it, also some outstanding bills.
Bills.com
January 11, 2011
You did not leave enough information for me to fully understand your situation and to present some options to you. When you are behind on your mortgage, it is likely that your credit rating has taken a beating. Your credit rating could prevent you from qualifying for a consolidation loan. If you can't qualify for a loan, I recommend that you look at all your options for taking care of your debt.
JANE H.
Wichita, KS  |  December 15, 2010
I NEED THE NAME OF A SPECIFIC LENDER AVAILABLE TO A RESIDENT OF KANSAS WITH BAD CREDIT AND LATE CAR PAYMENTS. THE AMOUNT WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $8,000. NO HOME EQUITY LOANS PLEASE.
Bills.com
December 16, 2010
Please enter your comments using the correct case. Asking a question in ALL CAPS is difficult to read. It also comes across as shouting, which I am sure was not your intent.

You present a tough set of requirements.
  1. Because you seek a local lender, you will need to call your local credit unions and banks and apply to each directly.
  2. Consider a peer-to-peer loan
  3. Adding debt may not be the answer to your needs. Consider resolving your debt.
Thanks for your feedback!

Get a Loan Quote Now!

 
Thank you for subscribing!