You are making multiple payments on your student loan and your debt burden compared to your income is damaging your credit. You have heard people mention Chase student loan debt consolidation, but are not quite sure what consolidating means or and if it will truly benefit you. Consolidating your loan may actually be a great option for you if you qualify. If you're considering consolidating, read this article to determine whether it's appropriate for you, then get a
Free Student Loan Consolidation Quote from Bills.com.
The Positive Side of Chase Student Loan Debt Consolidation
If you have variable interest rate student loans issued between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 2006, then student loan consolidation can simplify your payments and save you money. The interest rate is reset annually at a rate not to exceed 8.25%. If the rate is currently lower than that and rates are falling, consolidating can lock-in that lower rate on your older loans. By consolidating, you will also simplify your loans by making just one or two payments a month instead of several. Many lenders also offer additional discounts for automatic payments and after a period of on-time payments.
If your loans were issued after July 1, 2006, then your rate is fixed, but consolidating can still reduce the number of payments and extend your repayment term. Discounts for on-time and automatic payments may also still apply.
Chase Student Loan Debt Consolidation May Not Be For Everybody
If your loan was issued after June 1, 2006, you may already have a great fixed interest rate on your loans and consolidating them will only lengthen your repayment term and cost you your good interest rate. Even if you have a high interest rate, if your loan is less than $10,000 or you are close to paying off your loan, student loan debt consolidation may not be your best bet. You may end up paying more in interest over the length of your extended term or may not even be able to find a lender for your loan without consolidating with a private loan. Unfortunately, if you have financial difficulties a private loan cannot be put on forbearance on deferred, where as a federal student loan can be. In addition, if you die your federal student loans are waived, but your heirs will be responsible for them if they have been consolidated with a private loan. Loans consolidated with home equity loans could cost you your house if you are unable to make your payments.
Factors affecting qualification for Chase Student Loan Debt Consolidation
In order to qualify for consolidating your loan, you should have enrolled less than half time in school and must also be actively repaying your loan or at least be in the grace period. If you have defaulted on your loan, there might still be companies which would consolidate your loan but at higher interest rates. A good option for you is to look for a lender on the Internet who can consolidate your loan at an affordable monthly payment. If you have gone for a federal student loan, there is no penalty for prepayment and you can get rid of your debt burden by making larger payments retaining your low rate of interest. Lastly, if you have taken private loans along with federal loans and plan to consolidate them, it is best to consolidate the two separately in order to retain the benefits which federal loans offer.
Start shopping lenders if you have decided that you would like to consolidate. One monthly payment and a lower interest rate are both good reasons to approach a consolidating lender, but you want to make sure that you get the best deal available to you. If rates are low, make sure you lock in that rate before June 30.
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