Best Student Loan Refinance Companies, Aug 2023

The Best Private Student Loan Refinance Companies of 2023

Are you burdened by the weight of your student loans? Do you find yourself longing for a way to escape the heavy interest rates and unyielding payment terms? If so, you may want to consider refinancing your student loans. Refinancing offers an opportunity to pay less in interest, switch from a variable-rate to a fixed-rate loan, or even change the length of your payment term.

But before you jump into the world of loan refinancing, it’s important to note that there are some trade-offs. If you have federal loans, refinancing may cause you to lose key protections and repayment options, including the potential for loan forgiveness. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider whether refinancing is the right move for you. Should you decide to explore this path, we have compiled a list of the best private student loan refinance companies of 2023 to help you get started on your search.

The Top Private Student Loan Refinance Companies

Earnest Student Loan Refinancing
SoFi Student Loan Refinancing
PenFed Student Loan Refinancing
Laurel Road Student Loan Refinancing
Splash Financial Student Loan Refinancing
Citizens Bank Student Loan Refinancing
LendKey Student Loan Marketplace
College Ave Student Loan Refinancing

These companies have been selected based on various factors, including their interest rates, nationwide availability, variety of term lengths, and absence of fees such as origination fees or prepayment penalties. They have also been reviewed for their reputation and customer trustworthiness, with high ratings given by the Better Business Bureau.

Now, you may have some questions about student loan refinancing. Let’s address the most frequently asked ones.

Student Loan Refinancing Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 Is Credible a good company to refinance student loans?

Credible is not a direct lender, but rather a student loan marketplace. While it can show you the available offers, you won’t be able to refinance your student loans directly with the company.

🤔 Can student loans be forgiven if you refinance?

No, student loans cannot be forgiven if you choose to refinance them.

🤔 How can I get a better rate on my student loans?

Typically, a better rate can be achieved by improving your credit score or having a cosigner with a good credit score.

🤔 Is it smart to refinance student loans multiple times?

It depends on the situation. Most reputable lenders don’t charge application fees for refinancing. However, there might be origination fees, which increase the cost of the loan. But don’t worry, none of the lenders on our list charge origination fees when you refinance your loan.

🤔 Why is it difficult to refinance student loans?

The biggest factor influencing your approval chances is your credit and credit history. If you have a poor credit score, it can be challenging to get approval. However, you may be able to improve your chances by enlisting a cosigner.

🤔 How long can I take to repay a refinanced student loan?

The lenders on our list offer loan terms ranging from five to twenty years. Additionally, all of them allow you to pay off your loan early without any prepayment penalty.

🤔 Will refinancing my student loans hurt my credit score?

In the short term, refinancing can have an impact on your credit score. When you apply for a new loan, lenders will perform a hard inquiry, which can slightly lower your credit score. Additionally, as your original loan is closed and a new one is opened, your credit score may take a hit as you establish a new payment history.

🤔 What documents do I need to refinance student loans?

While the specific document requirements may vary by lender, generally, you’ll need a statement verifying your current loan, proof of income, proof of residency, proof of graduation, a government-issued ID, and your social security number. If you have a cosigner, you’ll also need their information.

Student Loan Refinancing vs. Consolidation

The terms “refinancing” and “consolidation” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different processes with different outcomes. Refinancing involves restructuring your current loans and obtaining a new loan with updated terms. This allows you to make a single monthly payment and even combine both private and federal loans. However, refinancing federal loans with a private lender means losing some key borrower protections.

On the other hand, consolidation is the process of combining multiple loans into one. After consolidation, you’ll have a single monthly payment, and the interest rate will be the weighted average of your old loans’ rates. This can be an effective way to streamline your payments and potentially secure a lower interest rate.

How We Chose the Best Student Loan Refinancing Companies

At Personal Finance Insider, we strive to help you make informed decisions with your money. To select the best student loan refinance companies, we conducted a thorough review of various lenders, comparing their interest rates, terms, and fine print. Additionally, we cross-referenced our findings with other personal finance sites. Some of the factors we considered include low interest rates, nationwide availability, multiple term lengths, minimal fees, high maximum loan amounts, and positive Better Business Bureau ratings.

Now, let’s dig deeper into some of the top student loan refinance companies and explore their unique features.

Earnest Student Loan Refinancing

Why Earnest stands out: With some of the most competitive starting interest rates, Earnest is an excellent choice for borrowers with excellent credit scores. Earnest offers a unique perk with its refinanced loans – the ability to skip one payment per year. While interest accrues during this time, it gives borrowers some flexibility.

Potential drawbacks: Earnest does not disclose its maximum interest rates, so borrowers with weaker credit histories may end up paying more interest than expected.

SoFi Student Loan Refinancing

Why SoFi stands out: SoFi’s standout feature is unemployment protection. Eligible borrowers can suspend loan payments for up to 12 months if they lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Additionally, SoFi offers job payment assistance during this forbearance period.

Potential drawbacks: SoFi’s loans are serviced by a third-party provider, MOHELA. If you prefer a direct relationship with your lender, this arrangement may not be ideal.

PenFed Student Loan Refinancing

Why PenFed stands out: PenFed offers the lowest maximum refinance rates among all lenders on our list. This makes them an attractive option for borrowers with poorer credit. Plus, becoming eligible for a PenFed refinanced loan is accessible for military veterans and those working at qualifying organizations.

Potential drawbacks: PenFed does not offer variable-rate loans, which can sometimes start at lower rates than fixed-rate loans.

Laurel Road Student Loan Refinancing

Why Laurel Road stands out: Laurel Road offers some of the best fixed rates among all lenders. However, it’s essential to note that their highest rates are only available to a small percentage of applicants with excellent credit scores. They also offer an interest rate discount if you sign up for a Laurel Road checking account.

Potential drawbacks: Late fees can add up – $38 or 5% of your payment, whichever is less – in case you fall behind on payments.

Splash Financial Student Loan Refinancing

Why Splash Financial stands out: Splash Financial, like LendKey, is a student loan marketplace that allows borrowers to compare loan offers from multiple lenders at once. Checking your rates with Splash Financial won’t impact your credit score, making it easy to explore different options.

Potential drawbacks: As Splash Financial does not underwrite its own loans, partnering lenders may provide varying experiences in managing your loans.

Citizens Bank Student Loan Refinancing

Why Citizens Bank stands out: Citizens Bank offers the highest maximum loan amount of any lender on our list, making it a suitable choice for borrowers with significant outstanding debt. Additionally, being a brick-and-mortar bank, Citizens Bank provides a traditional banking experience for those who prefer it.

Potential drawbacks: Citizens Bank sets a higher minimum loan amount of $10,000 compared to other lenders on our list.

LendKey Student Loan Marketplace

Why LendKey stands out: LendKey, similar to Splash Financial, is a marketplace that allows borrowers to compare loan offers from different lenders. However, LendKey partners specifically with credit unions and community banks, providing a more personalized experience.

Potential drawbacks: LendKey offers the lowest maximum refinance amount among the top lenders, which might not be sufficient for borrowers with substantial loan debts.

College Ave Student Loan Refinancing

Why College Ave stands out: College Ave offers borrowers the flexibility of choosing from 11 different repayment term lengths, ranging from five to fifteen years. This variety allows borrowers to find loan terms that perfectly suit their unique financial situations.

Potential drawbacks: College Ave has a relatively lower maximum refinancing amount, which may impact borrowers with significant debt levels.

Honorable Mentions

Discover Personal Loans, ELFI, and PNC Bank Personal Loan are notable contenders in student loan refinancing. Discover Personal Loans offer competitive rates, but come with a lower maximum loan consolidation amount. ELFI has a $15,000 minimum refinance amount, while PNC Bank Personal Loan might be costlier for borrowers who didn’t complete their college education.

Trustworthiness of Lenders

It’s essential to have trust and confidence in your chosen lender. Therefore, we have taken the Better Business Bureau’s ratings into account when assessing the trustworthiness of each lender. All the lenders on our list have received high grades, with the exception of Splash Financial, which has a B+ rating due to some customer complaints. It is advisable to seek input from friends, family, or read customer reviews to gain a better understanding of each lender’s customer experience.

Should You Refinance Your Student Loans?

Refinancing can be a beneficial route if you can secure a lower interest rate on your loans. However, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons, especially when it comes to federal loans, which offer unique benefits. Refinancing private loans offers the advantage of potentially saving money without forfeiting any federal protections. Ultimately, the decision to refinance should be made after carefully evaluating your options and financial situation.

Refinancing your student loans can provide a path to more manageable payments, lower interest rates, and newfound financial freedom. The best private student loan refinance companies of 2023 offer a variety of options, ensuring that you can find the right fit for your needs. Take the time to explore these lenders, consider your goals, and determine whether refinancing is the right move for you.