How Much of a Personal Loan Can I Get?

Personal loan amounts can range from $1,000 to $100,000 depending on the lender and your qualifications. These loans can offer flexible funding for an array of uses, such as home improvement projects or debt consolidation.

Whether you’re looking for a large personal loan or a small one, the lending criteria is usually the same. Here, learn more about how much lenders typically offer, what factors play into the size of a personal loan that you can get, and when it makes sense to get a personal loan.

Key Points

•   Personal loan amounts vary by lender, typically ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.

•   Credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history significantly influence loan approval and conditions.

•   Applying jointly with someone who has strong credit may increase the borrowing limit.

•   Secured loans, requiring collateral, often allow for higher borrowing amounts compared to unsecured loans.

•   The intended use of the loan can affect the maximum amount lenders are willing to provide.

How Much Do Lenders Offer?

How much can you get for a personal loan? Amounts vary by lender, but typically start at $1,000 and go as high as $100,000.

The amount you actually get approved for depends on a handful of criteria, which you’ll delve into in more detail below.

Recommended: Typical Personal Loan Requirements

Factors that Determine how big of a personal loan you can get

What Determines How Big of a Personal Loan You Can Get?

The amount a lender offers and the amount you qualify for aren’t always one and the same. There’s a handful of financial and credit criteria that can impact the loan amount, rates, and terms. The main factors are as follows:

Credit Score

In general, the higher your credit score, the larger the loan amount, and the more favorable the terms and interest rates. On the flip side, the lower your credit score, the smaller the loan amount, and the less favorable your terms and interest rates.

Lenders usually have credit score requirements. The minimum required credit score for a personal loan varies but can start at 580. To get the best terms and rates, you usually need a credit score of at least 700.

Recommended: Can a Personal Loan Hurt Your Credit?

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. It’s expressed as a percentage. For example, say your monthly income (before taxes, withdrawals, and other deductions are taken out) is $10,000, and your total debt obligations are $4,000. In that case, your DTI is 40%.

For the most part, lenders would like to see a DTI no higher than 35% to 42%. But if you have a high credit score, you might get approved with a slightly higher DTI.

Lender Amount Limits

The amount you can borrow may be limited by how much funding you can receive from your lender. If your credit is stellar, you have low DTI, steady employment, and a good income. But if the lender’s max personal loan amount is $50,000, then the most you can potentially borrow is $50,000.

Applying as An Individual or Jointly

If you’re applying for a personal loan with another applicant and their credit is strong, you might be eligible to borrow more money than you would be if applying solo. However, not all lenders let you apply jointly, so you’ll want to check beforehand.

Income and Employment History

How much you can borrow also depends on your income and employment history. If you bring in a certain amount of money and have steady work for the last few years, that could boost the approval amount.

Some lenders may give more weight to your income and employment history. If yours are excellent, you might be able to get a higher loan amount with a lower credit score and a higher debt-to-income ratio.

Minimum Income Requirements

There typically isn’t one single minimum income that is required for a personal loan. The amount needed will depend on a variety of factors, such as the amount of funding you are seeking (higher figures mean more income is likely required) and your credit history. The lender wants to feel secure that you are going to be able to repay the loan.

Collateral

Not all personal loans require you to provide a valuable asset, such as your home or car, to back up the loan. But if you’re looking into a secured loan, you might be able to get a higher max amount on your personal loan than if you went the unsecured loan route.

Using collateral and getting a secured loan means you could get a bump in your personal loan amount. Remember, not all lenders offer secured personal loans. If a lender does offer both secured and unsecured loans, you can compare quotes from the same lender for either option.

Loan Purpose

A lender might only allow you to use the loan for certain purposes. For instance, some lenders specialize in credit card debt consolidation loans. Lenders that offer greater flexibility might have limits on how much you can borrow depending on the loan purpose.

For example, the limit on using the loan proceeds for childcare expenses and large purchases might be different than if you’re planning to use the funds toward a major home improvement project.

Calculating How Much You Can Borrow

Determining how much you can borrow requires you to know your financial situation, how much you’d like to borrow, and what you can reasonably afford to pay off on a regular basis.

To start, jot down the repayment term and rate you anticipate receiving. If you get prequalified, that can give you a fair estimate on your loan amount.

Next, you’ll want to figure out the following numbers:

•   Income before taxes

•   Additional income you get on a regular basis (i.e., rental property income, alimony, disability benefits)

•   If you’re filing jointly, you’ll also need to include the other applicant’s income and other details

•   Tally up your existing debt. This might include credit card debt, other personal loans, a car loan, or student loan debt.

That can help you figure out how much you can afford for your monthly payment.

How to Calculate Your Borrowing Power

If you’re mulling over the possibility of debt consolidation, you want to gauge how much you’d save on interest or how much your monthly payment will be lowered by rolling over your existing debt to a new one.

You can break out a calculator and punch in basic numbers, such as the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment term, to figure out what your monthly payment shakes out to.

Online Loan Calculators and Prequalification

Another option: Let tech do the work for you. You can use a handy personal loan calculator to simplify this process and perhaps comparison-shop a bit using online tools.

You may find that you can prequalify for a loan online, too, which gives you a picture of what you might qualify for in terms of loan amount and interest rate. This is not a binding agreement and doesn’t involve a hard credit pull, but it can help you approximate what options may be available.

Recommended: Pros and Cons of Personal Loans

Does a personal loan make sense

Does a Personal Loan Make Sense?

Personal loans do have the word “personal” in them. So whether it makes sense for you to take out a personal loan depends on your unique situation and circumstances.

Here are some scenarios where getting a personal loan might be a good idea:

•   You need a large sum upfront. If you need a chunk of cash for a big-ticket purchase or to fund a home renovation, a large personal loan can provide you with the money to cover a purchase.

•   You have a good credit score. The higher your score, the higher the loan amounts and the better your rates and terms will most likely be.

•   You’re using the funds for something you really need. If you need the money to cover a financial shortfall, unexpected emergency, or much-needed home remodeling project, it could be a sound move to take out a personal loan.

•   You need the money quickly. The processing and funding times for a personal loan can be a lot faster than other funding choices, such as a home equity loan or home equity line of credit, or HELOC.

•   You want to consolidate high-interest debt. If you qualify for a lower interest rate, lower monthly payments, and more flexible repayment terms, it could make financial sense to take out a debt consolidation loan.

When a Personal Loan May Not Be the Best Option

Now, consider instances when a personal loan may not make sound financial sense:

•   You can’t keep up with monthly payments. If you’ve looked at your situation, done the math, and realized that you’ll have a hard time staying on top of your monthly payments, then a personal loan might not be the right choice for you at the time.

•   You have time to save for your major purchases and goals. If you aren’t in a financial pinch and don’t need the money right away, you might be better off saving the amount needed instead. That can allow you to sidestep paying interest.

•   You don’t need to take out a large amount of money. Unless you have good reason to take out a sizable amount of cash, then it probably doesn’t make financial sense to get a personal loan. Other options, such as a personal line of credit, might be a better move.

Alternatives to Personal Loans

If you’re on the fence about taking out a certain type of personal loan, know that other options exist. Here are other routes to take:

Credit card. If you’re already shouldering a lot of credit card debt and are paying a lot in interest fees, this might not be the best choice for you. But if you need to borrow a small amount — and can reasonably pay off your balance in a short amount of time — then a credit card can provide easy access to funding.

Personal line of credit. Don’t need a lump sum upfront and anticipate needing to tap into funds for different purposes? Then a personal line of credit, which is similar to a credit card, might be a better fit.

Peer–to-peer loan. If you’re struggling to qualify for a personal loan with a traditional lender, you might have better odds of getting approved for a peer-to-peer (P2P) loan. Instead of being funded by a financial institution, P2P loans are funded by individuals who serve as investors and are loaning the money. The lending criteria for P2P loans tend to be less stringent than traditional loans.

Home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). If you’re a homeowner who has built equity in your home, you could qualify for a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Because you are offering your home as collateral, you typically can qualify for higher loan amounts. Plus, home equity loans or HELOCs tend to have less stringent lending criteria.

If possible, consider waiting to take out a personal loan until you’ve worked on building your credit, reduced your debt loan, are earning a higher income, or have a more stable employment history.


💡 Quick Tip: Just as there are no free lunches, there are no guaranteed loans. So beware lenders who advertise them. If they are legitimate, they need to know your creditworthiness before offering you a loan.

The Takeaway

How much of a personal loan you can get depends on a handful of factors, such as what’s available from the lender, your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history. Plus, it’s important to get your head around what you can reasonably afford to pay each month.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.


SoFi’s Personal Loan was named a NerdWallet 2026 winner for Best Personal Loan for Large Loan Amounts.

FAQ

What is the maximum personal loan amount?

Most lenders offer a maximum personal loan amount of $50,000 to $100,000. But just because a lender offers that doesn’t mean you’ll get approved for it. You’ll also want to be mindful about not taking on more than you need and can pay back on time.

How much is too much to ask for a personal loan?

There’s no specific number that constitutes “too much” for a personal loan, up to the maximum which is typically $100,000. That said, an amount might be considered too high if you don’t have a good reason to take out that much money and if you aren’t able to afford the monthly payments.

Does the size of a personal loan affect a credit score?

As your personal loan payments are reported to the three major credit bureau agencies, the size of your personal loan can impact your credit. For example, your payment history is the largest contributing factor, and if you take out too large a loan and struggle to make payments on time, that can negatively impact your score.

Can I get a personal loan if I have existing debt?

Yes, it’s possible to get a personal loan if you have existing debt. Prospective lenders will review your ability to repay the personal loan and see whether you’ve handled debt responsibly in the past. An example of getting a persona loan with existing debt could be a mortgage holder getting a personal loan to buy new furniture.

How can I increase my chances of getting approved for a larger loan?

You may be able to increase your chances of getting approved for a larger loan by building your credit score, increasing your income, shopping around with different lenders, and having a co-applicant or co-signer on the loan.


Photo credit: iStock/Ridofranz

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.


*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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 .

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.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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Paying off $50,000 in Credit Card Debt

Paying off $50,000 in Credit Card Debt

Not all debt is bad. In fact, taking out loans and using credit cards responsibly is how most people build credit to access low-interest loans in the future. However, a problem arises if budgeting is poorly managed or finances become tight.

In either case, it’s easy to slide further and further into debt with no clear path to financial freedom. Before you know it, you may end up with $50,000 in credit card debt, which can feel insurmountable. But instead of throwing up your hands, here are some tips for how to pay off $50,000 in credit card debt and get your finances back on track.

Key Points

•   Pay more than the minimum balance to reduce principal and interest over time.

•   Focus on high-interest debt first to save money and pay off what you owe faster.

•   Use the snowball method to build motivation by paying off smaller debts first.

•   Consider debt management programs for consolidated payments and lower interest rates.

•   Review expenses and use extra cash to accelerate debt repayment and reduce interest.

•   Borrowers can often save on interest by sweeping their credit card debt into a lower rate personal loan.

Tips for Paying Off $50,000 in Credit Card Debt

Unsure of how to pay down $50,000 in credit card debt? Here are some paths forward you may consider, depending on your financial situation and preferences.

1. Pay More Than the Minimum

If you only pay the minimum balance on your card each month, it will take you much longer to pay off the debt. That’s because you will continue to pay a high interest rate. If you can pay off more than the minimum and start chipping away at the principal loan amount, you’ll pay less in interest over time, and the debt will disappear faster.

2. Focus on High-Interest Debt First

High-interest debt is the most expensive, so you’ll save money if you can get rid of it sooner. Check your credit cards to see which one has the highest annual percentage rate (APR), and then pay that one off first. Then, use the amount you save once that card is paid off to work on paying down the card with the next-highest APR.

Recommended: What Is the 10 Percent Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Act?

3. Pay Off the Card With the Lowest Balance First

A different approach to paying down credit card debt is to initially focus on the card with the lowest balance. This is known as the snowball method, and it can help you stay motivated to pay down debt when you see each card’s balance getting paid off one by one.

4. Review Your Expenses

You might be able to free up cash to put toward paying off your credit card debt by taking a close look at how you spend your money and perhaps creating a budget that’s a bit stricter.

A good place to start when looking for areas to cut back are monthly subscriptions that you’re not using or don’t need, such as streaming services or audiobooks. You might also consider whether you can change your lifestyle. Look for ways to reduce your expenses — perhaps you can eat out less, buy cheaper groceries, or downsize your home.

5. Use Extra Cash to Pay Down Your Debt

If you’re lucky enough to receive a bonus at work or an unexpected windfall, use it to pay down your debt rather than adding it to your spending pool. Also think about whether you could take on some gig work, which would allow you to increase your income temporarily while you focus on paying down some of your debt.

Debt Management Program

Another option you might explore to get a handle on $50,000 of credit card debt is a debt management program (DMP). Credit counseling agencies offer DMPs to help people better manage their finances through education and counseling.

These agencies are non-profit organizations that assign counselors to individuals who need help. The counselors provide advice and guidance, and negotiate with the client’s creditors to develop reduced payment plans. Creditors are eager to get paid back, so they’re usually amenable to lowering interest rates and waiving fees for clients who work with a DMP and show they’re serious about repaying their debt.

If you choose to work with a DMP, you’ll usually make a single monthly payment, which then gets distributed to your creditors. The DMP will lower the amount of interest you’re paying overall and remove late fees, which means more of your money goes toward paying down your principal. This translates to your debt getting paid off quicker.

There’s usually a fee for a credit counselor’s services, and you will be required to close all of the accounts under the DMP so that you don’t continue to rack up debt. Still, a DMP can help relieve financial stress since you’re taking concrete steps to improve your financial situation.

Credit Card Debt Forgiveness

Credit card forgiveness occurs when a creditor forgives you of debt. While this might sound like a surefire path to financial freedom, this is rare for credit card companies, and it usually comes at a cost. Instead, what credit card companies might do is agree to negotiate a settlement whereby you pay a portion of the amount you owe with penalties. If you’re three or more months behind and unable to catch up with payments, it’s possible to negotiate a settlement with a credit card provider.

That being said, a creditor is more likely to offer forgiveness right before selling your debt to a collector because they’ll have to sell the debt for less than the full amount you owe and lose money. Negotiating a settlement with you instead may minimize their losses. It’s even easier to pursue debt forgiveness from a debt collector because collectors can profit even if you only pay some of the amount you owe.

Note that in general, forgiven debt is considered income by the IRS, so you will owe taxes on the forgiven amount.

Additional Options for Paying Off Debt

Other options for paying off $50,000 in credit card debt include taking out a debt consolidation loan, which is a common type of personal loan, or turning to a home equity loan or a balance transfer credit card.

Home Equity Loan

If you have equity in your home, a home equity loan might offer a lower interest rate than your credit card and provide cash to pay off some of that higher-interest debt.

However, you will have to factor closing costs into the equation. Also know that you’re putting your home at risk if you can’t stay on top of monthly payments.

Personal Loan

Among the many common uses for personal loans is debt management and consolidation. If approved, you can use the funds you receive from a personal loan to pay off your credit cards. This will consolidate your debt, leaving you with just one payment to worry about each month.

Ideally, you’ll be able to secure a lower interest rate as well, which can offer savings. A personal loan calculator can help you determine if lowering your interest rate and monthly payments with a personal loan could help you save on total interest.

💡 Quick Tip: Credit card interest caps are a hot topic, as American credit card debt continues to rise. Balances on high-interest credit cards can be carried for years with no principal reduction. A SoFi  personal loan for credit card debt may significantly reduce your timeline and could save you money on interest payments.

Balance Transfer

With a balance transfer, you move your existing credit card debts to another card, ideally one that offers a lower interest rate. Some balance transfer credit cards even offer a temporary introductory APR that’s as low as 0%, though you’ll generally need solid credit to qualify for the most competitive offers.

Just note that a balance transfer fee will apply, so you’ll need to factor that into your overall costs. Also make sure that you’ll be able to pay off your balance in full before the introductory APR ends — otherwise, the interest rate could rise dramatically.

The Takeaway

Figuring out how to pay off $50,000 in credit card debt can seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are a number of options at your disposal. You might try a debt payoff method like the debt snowball or the debt avalanche, or you might look for ways to cut back or bring in extra money to put toward debt payments. Seeking help through a DMP is another option if you’re struggling to get your financial life back in order. Another possibility is consolidating your debt by taking out a personal loan.

Credit cards have an average APR of 20%–25%, and your balance can sit for years with almost no principal reduction. Personal loan interest rates average 12%, with a guaranteed payoff date in 2 to 7 years. If you’re carrying a balance of $5,000 or more on a high-interest credit card, consider a SoFi Personal Loan instead. See your rate in minutes.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named a NerdWallet 2026 winner for Best Personal Loan for Large Loan Amounts.

FAQ

Should I sign up for a debt management program?

Consider signing up for a debt management program if you feel overwhelmed by your debt. A credit counselor can consolidate your debts into one payment and simplify the debt repayment process, as well as offer general advice and guidance.

Should I seek credit card forgiveness?

Credit card forgiveness is rare to receive. However, you might be able to negotiate with your creditor to reduce the amount you owe, which can help relieve some of your debt burden.

How long will it take to pay off $50k in credit card debt?

How long it will take you to pay off $50,000 in credit card debt depends on the APR and the amount of your monthly payment. For example, assuming you’re not continuing to add to your debt, if you have an APR of 19.07% and make monthly payments of $2,000, it will take you 33 months to pay off your debt. If you were only paying $1,000 a month at that APR, it would take you 101 months — that is, more than eight years.


Photo credit: iStock/milan2099

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.


Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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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man writing in notebook

Can You Get A Student Loan with Bad Credit?

It is possible to borrow a student loan with bad credit. Federal student loans, with the exception of Direct PLUS loans, do not require a credit check.

Private loans, on the other hand, generally do review a borrower’s credit history to inform their lending decisions.

Read on for more information on student loans, how credit scores are used in a lender’s decision making process, and how to get a student loan with bad credit.

Key Points

•   Federal student loans typically do not require a credit check, except for Direct PLUS loans.

•   With private student loans, lenders generally check a borrower’s credit score and history for approval.

•   Applicants with bad credit may need a cosigner to secure a private student loan.

•   Building credit through responsible financial habits such as paying down debt and making bill payments on time can improve future lending options.

•   Refinancing student loans with a stronger credit score could result in lower interest rates and better repayment terms.

Getting a Federal Student Loan

When applying for most federal student loans, the status of your credit is not usually a factor. One exception is if you are in default on an existing federal loan — that may hinder your ability to qualify for more federal funding.

In order to take out federal student loans, you first need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). If you are a dependent student, you will also need your parents to fill out their portion of the FAFSA.

Are you a Dependent Student?

Not sure if you’re a dependent student or not? You very likely are if you are under the age of 24, even if you are financially independent and even if your parents don’t claim you as a dependent on their tax forms any more.

If you’re under the age of 24, there are a few ways you wouldn’t be considered a dependent student including if you are legally emancipated, an orphan, married, an armed services veteran or currently serving active duty, or if you have legal dependents other than a spouse.

Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans

The FAFSA is used to determine your financial aid award, including both Direct Unsubsidized or Subsidized Loans.

Subsidized Federal Loans take financial need into account and the federal government will pay the interest that accrues on these types of loans while the borrower is attending college. So, the principal amount that is initially borrowed will remain the same until after graduation.

Unsubsidized Federal Loans don’t take your financial need into account, and you are responsible for paying any interest that accrues — including while you’re in school and during times of deferment or forbearance.

Another type of federal Direct loan is called the PLUS Loan, and it’s available to parents of students if they want to help fund their children’s college education. It’s also available for graduate/professional students. According to the Department of Education, all Direct PLUS Loan applicants go through a credit check, because a qualification of the loan is that the borrower can’t have an “adverse credit history.”

Getting Private Student Loans

If you find that sources of funding like federal student loans, scholarships, grants, or earnings from work-study will not be enough to fund your education, then private student loans may be another option to consider. Note that private student loans do not come with the same borrower protections afforded to federal loans (such as federal forgiveness programs or income-driven repayment plans or deferment options) and are usually considered after all other options have been reviewed.

When it comes to private student loans, you may be asking yourself, can I get a student loan with bad credit? Private lenders are more likely to rely on credit scores and credit history when determining their lending decisions.

So if you currently have a lower credit score, or not enough credit history, you may want to consider applying with a cosigner who has solid credit history, which can help strengthen the loan application. And if you haven’t really established your own credit history yet, a private lender will also likely want a cosigner for at least two reasons:

•   There is scant record to demonstrate how responsibly you would pay back a loan

•   About 15% of your FICO® Score is based on the length of your credit history (and 90% of lenders use FICO Score when making lending decisions)

Development of Credit Scores

Credit scores were developed by the three major credit bureaus and the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) in the late 1980s and have now been widely adopted by the financial industry. Before the development of such scores, lenders needed to slog through credit reports that were sometimes pages long, and then make lending decisions that, at least in part, were based on these reports. Under that system, it was easier for the biases of lenders to play a role in lending decisions.

With credit scores, information is quickly summarized, and lenders can establish objective requirements about what type of credit is needed before a cosigner is required and/or a loan can be approved.

How Credit Scores Are Used

When applying for a loan, as mentioned previously, about 90% of lenders refer to your FICO Score as a sort of risk “litmus test.”

For example, let’s say you apply for a private student loan. The lenders will review your application, including your credit score, and they can approve it or deny it.

Besides your credit score, lenders will likely look at factors like how many loans you currently have, your payment history, and the amount of time in which you’ve responsibly used credit.

Recommended: Can You Get a Student Loan With No Credit History?

Building Credit Scores

Thirty percent of your FICO Score is based upon how much money you owe. This means that reducing your debt may help build creditworthiness. These are some ways to help pay off debt and potentially strengthen a credit score:

•   Make monthly payments on-time.

•   Prioritize paying off your credit card balance monthly.

•   Consider reducing the interest rate on your debt by consolidating credit card debt into a personal loan, which generally has lower interest rates than credit cards.

•   Snowball down the debt. With the snowball method, if you have debt spread across multiple credit cards, you start by paying off the account with the smallest balance while making minimum payments on the rest. Then move to the next smallest bill, paying as much as you can on that one until it’s paid off, and so forth.

•   Limit the amount of spending done with a credit card.

Once your credit gets stronger, you may want to consider refinancing any existing student loans you have. With student loan refinancing, you take out a new loan to replace the old loan, ideally with a lower interest rate and better terms.

If you currently have student loans, and you’re wondering if refinancing might be a good option for you, using a student loan refinance calculator can help you determine how much you might save.

Should you refinance your student loans? If you can get better rates and terms with a stronger credit score, it may be worth it. However, it’s important to note that refinancing federal student loans makes them ineligible for federal programs and protections. If you don’t need to use those programs, you may want to explore refinancing.

Recommended: Student Loan Refinancing Guide

The Takeaway

It is possible to get a student loan with bad credit. Aside from Direct PLUS Loans, federal student loans do not require a credit check.

However, private student loans usually do require a credit check. Credit scores and credit history are used to determine a borrower’s creditworthiness and can affect whether an applicant is approved for a loan and the terms and rates they qualify for. Keep in mind that if the rate you get is higher than you hoped for, you can always work on strengthening your credit over time and then consider refinancing student loans.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.


With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.


SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers.
Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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 .

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.

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How Much Does It Cost to Remodel in 2025?

The cost to renovate a house can vary drastically based on myriad factors, with the average whole house remodel cost ranging anywhere from $40,000 to $75,000. Of course, that’s a whole house renovation — the cost of a house remodel, say in just the kitchen or an outdated bathroom, can run much lower.

Before you start in on a project, it’s critical to assess how much it will cost to remodel or renovate so you can make decisions that are financially realistic. While it might seem like a pain upfront, creating a budget beforehand can help you avoid headaches and hard choices down the line.

Key Points

•   Renovating a house can cost between $40,000 and $75,000.

•   The cost of renovations varies significantly based on factors including project scope, house size, material quality, and geographical location.

•   Kitchen and bathroom remodels tend to be the most expensive, with average costs ranging from $6,000 to over $40,000 depending on the room and the extent of the upgrades.

•   Financing options for home renovations include paying out-of-pocket, borrowing from family, using a home equity line of credit, or applying for a personal loan.

•   Homeowners should prepare for unexpected costs and delays by budgeting an additional 10% to 15% beyond initial estimates for their renovation projects.

What Is the Average Cost to Remodel a House?

The national average cost to remodel a whole home generally falls between $40,000 and $75,000. That being said, the cost to remodel a house can vary quite a bit depending on the scope of the project, the size of the house, and the quality of the materials used. On the low end, someone could spend just a few thousand dollars, while on the high side, a home remodel’s cost could reach $200,000.

National vs. Regional Remodeling Cost Averages

One key factor to consider when considering a remodeling project is your home’s location. Consider whole home renovation costs: A home remodel in a lower-priced market might fall near the low end of the $40,000-$70,000 average cost range, while higher prices for materials and labor in markets like New York City or San Francisco could push prices up. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean annual wage for an electrician in the highest-cost areas (New York, Illinois, Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C.), tops $75,000, whereas wages in less expensive states in the South, such as Tennessee and Alabama, don’t often top $51,000).

Cost to Renovate a House Per Square Foot

Because the size of the house can play a big role in the ultimate cost to remodel a house, it can be helpful to know the average cost to remodel per square foot. On average, the cost to renovate or remodel a whole house runs between $15 and $60 per square foot.

For certain rooms, however, the price per square foot is typically higher. For instance, the cost for a kitchen or bathroom renovation may be more like $100 to $250 per square foot. This is because of the materials needed and also the labor involved due to plumbing and electrical work required.

Factors of a Home Remodel Cost

As mentioned, there are several factors to take into account when budgeting for a home remodel. Some of the major factors to consider that will influence the ultimate cost of a house renovation include whether the remodels are high-end, mid-range, or low-end, the type of home, and the number and size of rooms to be renovated.

Recommended: Home Affordability Calculator

1. High-End Versus Low-End Renovation

The variation in price for a home renovation project stems mostly from the scale of the projects. According to HomeGuide.com, a homeowner generally can expect to complete the following home remodels within each budget range:

•   Low-end home remodel: A low-end renovation would include small changes such as new paint, updated hardware, and fresh landscaping. It might also include inexpensive finishes like new counters and flooring.

◦   Budget: $15,000-$40,000

•   Mid-range home remodel: In addition to the low-budget projects, a mid-range home renovation includes full-room remodels like a bathroom and kitchen, as well as a higher quality flooring than the low-end renovation.

◦   Budget: $40,000-$75,000

•   High-end home remodel: A high-end home remodel would include the low-end and mid-range projects, as well as high-quality finishes including custom cabinetry and new appliances. It might also include improvements to the foundation, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.

◦   Budget: $75,000-$200,000

As a homeowner, you can expect to customize your home remodel budget once you identify what rooms you want to upgrade and to what extent. Only one in five homeowners finish home remodels under budget, so it’s smart to pad estimates by 10% to 15% in the event of unexpected renovation costs.

2. Type and Age of Home

Older homes will typically need more attention during the home renovation process, especially as new issues arise when existing problems are addressed. Once walls and floors are opened up, for example, a homeowner might realize the wiring and plumbing are outdated and should be brought up to code.

While a house won’t necessarily be unsellable if everything isn’t up to code, there could be issues with sellers financing. That’s because lenders generally will not close on a house where health and safety issues are identified as problems.

If your home is deemed old enough to be considered “historic”— which is generally 50 years or older, according to the National Park Service — you’ll want to check on any existing guidelines that your city’s codes office may have, or if there’s a historic overlay that enforces the need for an architectural review. Designated historic properties in states like California, where owners of qualified historic buildings can receive property tax relief for maintaining their homes, could boost a home’s value.

Depending on the condition of the house and any past upgrades, its age can have an impact on the cost of a home remodel, but so, too, can the type of home, regardless of age. According to Angi.com, Victorian homes generally cost the most to renovate — anywhere from $20 to $200 per square foot — while farmhouses and townhouses tend to have the lowest cost per square foot, between $10 and $50.

3. Size and Layout

The square footage of a home has a sizable impact on renovation costs, with a small-footprint home of 1,200 square feet averaging about $20,000 and a home over 3,000 square feet averaging more than $75,000.

4. Permits and Local Building Codes

The permitting process can be costly, HomeGuide.com reports. Small jobs might require a single permit that is priced as low as $50, but for large projects, a permit might cost $500 and some projects require multiple permits. And that is just the cost of the permit itself. Some projects require an expeditor who is a pro at securing permits to help move permits through the buildings department process. In an expensive market like New York City, for example, this can add several thousand dollars to costs.

5. Labor and Material

As noted above, labor costs are a big part of any renovation project and can vary greatly by region. As a general rule, you can expect labor to be about two-thirds of your budget, although the exact proportion differs according to the type of project. Materials are another significant line on the budget, with a kitchen or bathroom typically having higher materials costs. A kitchen, for example, might need cabinets, appliances, countertops, and flooring.

Recommended: Homebuyer’s Guide

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Typical Renovation Costs by Room

When it comes to home-renovation expenses, generally not every room is created equal. Rooms with cabinets and appliances — think bathrooms and kitchens — tend to be the priciest and are often where a home remodel budget can go awry.

Kitchen Remodel

The typical range for the cost of remodeling a kitchen comes in between $14,590 and $41,533, with $26,972 being the average, according to Angi.com. But kitchens also can have the most variation when it comes to cost, depending on cabinetry, finishes, appliances, and other add-ons.

Here’s what a homeowner might expect to pay for a home remodel of a kitchen:

•   Low-end kitchen remodel: This would include new lighting, faucets, a coat of paint, refreshed trim, and a new but budget-friendly sink backsplash. A low-end kitchen remodel also might include knocking down walls or a counter extension project.

◦   Budget: $5,000-$30,000

•   Mid-range kitchen remodel: A remodel of this level could encompass new appliances, floors, and tiled backsplash to the sink and countertop. It also might include new cabinets and mid-range slabs for the countertop.

◦   Budget: $30,000-$60,000

•   High-end kitchen remodel: With this range of remodel, there could be custom cabinets, high-end countertops like rare stone or granite, and deluxe appliances added. When the budget for a kitchen is expanded, the projects start to take on custom finishes. Other projects might include new lighting, hardwood flooring, and new faucet fixtures.

◦   Budget: $65,000 and up

Because a kitchen can be extremely customizable and include so many levels of finishes, your home remodel budget could fluctuate greatly due to the cost and availability of materials, the labor involved, and where you live.

Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms take on a similar budgeting structure to kitchen remodels. The typical range for the cost of a bathroom remodel is between $6,639 and $17,621, with $12,119 being average. However, that budget includes a range of projects, customizations, and features.

For example, new cabinets in a bathroom can account for up to 30% of the budget. Other big-ticket items affect pricing based on whether you choose low-end or high-end finishes.
On the low-end, a new bathtub might cost around $400, but if you are looking for a high-end tub, you could pay upward of $8,000. Similarly, a sink can run anywhere from $190 to $6,500, while a toilet might cost between $130 and $800.

Bedroom Remodel

Budgeting for a bedroom remodel can be a little more cut-and-dried, since it generally doesn’t include as many costly fixtures as you might find in the bathroom or kitchen. You might spend as little as $3,500, although $20,000 is the average cost.

This typically includes installing new carpet, windows, and doors, as well as refreshing the molding or trim. A bedroom remodel might also include new heating and insulation and updated wiring and lighting.

Remodeling a primary suite could cost a bit more since it typically includes a bathroom and bedroom renovation in one. If you want to add or expand a closet in the primary suite, you can estimate adding around $3,000 to the budget.

Living Room Remodel

Similar to a bedroom remodel, a living room remodel can be more economical, costing between $2,500 and $15,000, with an average spend of around $8,000. Like the bedroom, living rooms tend to lack the “wet” features (plumbing and appliances) that can drive up the cost of bathroom and kitchen renovations.

If you plan to add a fireplace feature to a living room, expect to spend a bit more. A fireplace could add up to $5,000 per room.

Exterior Remodel

Updating roofing and refreshing the exterior of a home is a common part of a home remodel. The national average cost to replace a roof runs $4 to $11 per square foot, but that price will vary depending on materials.

Adding new siding to a home typically costs anywhere from around $5,000 to $17,000, with the cost again fluctuating based on the material used. Painting the exterior of a home will cost between $1,800 and $4,400.

Basement or Attic Remodel

A basement remodel can be surprisingly costly, especially if it involves digging up the floor to increase the room height. On average, it will run you $22,000, with costs trending higher if you are starting with a raw, unfinished space. An attic remodel is similarly costly, averaging $20,000. It could creep much higher if you want to bring plumbing lines up to the floor.

Garage Remodel

A garage remodel could be slightly less costly than an attic or basement, averaging around $17,000. Adding plumbing or needing to increase insulation could push prices upward.

Other Home Remodeling Considerations

A home remodel isn’t just financial spreadsheets. There are other things you may want to consider — like if you are planning to sell the house or make it your forever home — before taking a sledgehammer to a room.

Home Remodel Timeline

A renovation project could take anywhere from a few days to a few months, so you may want to plan your home remodel timeline accordingly. It might be tempting to duck out of town when big projects are underway, but staying around means that you can monitor projects and provide answers to your contractors if any unexpected issues arise.

Additionally, home renovations can be stressful and might be best scheduled around other big life events. For example, you might think twice about a full home remodel that coincides with a wedding, the holidays, or a baby on the way. Unexpected events could arise, but there often is no need to pile on projects with other major life events going on.

Who Is the Home Remodel for?

Before diving deep into plans, you may want to consider who your home remodel ultimately is for. Is it for you to enjoy decades from now, or is it to make the house more marketable for a future sale? The renovation could take a different shape depending on your answer to this critical question.

If the remodel is just for you as the homeowner, you might choose fixtures based on personal taste or decide to splurge on high-end bathroom features that you’ll enjoy for years to come. On the other hand, if you plan to sell within a few years, you may consider tackling projects that have the greatest return on investment (ROI), which could mean prioritizing projects like a kitchen update or bathroom remodel.

Not sure about a project’s resale value? SoFi’s home project value estimator can be a useful tool to help determine the approximate resale value of a home improvement project.

Home Remodel Delays and Unforeseen Expenses

When deciding to take on a major home remodel, it’s helpful to expect the unexpected. Unforeseen delays like a shortage of materials can extend your home remodel timeline, or materials cost increases due to tariffs could drive a project over budget. As a general rule of thumb, estimate at least 10% in added budget for emergencies or unexpected costs.

Using a General Contractor vs Subcontractors

As you weigh the costs of your project, one consideration will be whether you plan to manage the project yourself or use a general contractor, who would hire subcontractors for different aspects of the work. Having a general contractor to manage project costs, deal with permits, and ensure subcontractors are licensed and insured can be a timesaver and provide peace of mind, although it may add to costs.

Financing a Home Remodel

Coming up with the money to finance a home remodel can be daunting enough to make some homeowners abandon the whole process entirely. However, there are multiple financing avenues you can explore.

Out-of-Pocket Home Remodel Expenses

Homeowners who take on small renovations and have liquid savings might decide to pay for everything out of pocket. The upside of this approach is not having to deal with debt or interest rates.

However, paying cash for a large project can be challenging for some homeowners. It might even lead to cutting corners on important elements in an effort to keep costs down. Plus, unexpected emergency costs could drive you into debt.

Borrowing Money from Friends or Family

Another alternative to financing your home remodel is borrowing money from family members or friends. While this may save you from having to deal with loan applications and approvals — and potentially provide more flexible terms — it can come with its own share of issues, such as risking the personal relationship if you’re unable to pay back the lender.

Additionally, loans from family members may be considered gifts by the IRS — and, thus, may be taxable. Consider discussing this method of financing a home remodel with a tax professional before proceeding if you have any concerns or uncertainties.

HELOC

A HELOC, or home equity line of credit, allows homeowners to pull a certain amount of equity from their home to finance things like renovations. Qualifying for a HELOC depends on several factors, including the outstanding mortgage amount on the home, the home’s market value, and the homeowner’s financial profile.

HELOCs typically come with an initially low interest rate, and a homeowner generally has the option to only pay interest on the amount they’ve actually withdrawn. For many homeowners, the ability to borrow in increments makes a HELOC preferable to a home equity loan, because funds can be withdrawn as needed over the course of a renovation project. It’s important to remember, though, that your home is acting as collateral, meaning that if you fail to make payments, your home could be on the line.

Personal Loan

If you don’t have the cash on hand or enough equity in your home for a HELOC, then a personal loan is another consideration. The most common type of personal loan is an unsecured loan, meaning the loan isn’t attached to your home equity. For home projects, a home improvement loan is often a good fit.

Personal loans might be a good option for people who recently bought their homes, need capital quickly for unexpected reasons, or need a loan for their home improvement project — there are a number of potential uses for personal loans.

Figuring out your remodel costs ahead of time is important if you want to take out a personal loan though. One of the steps to get a personal loan approved is determining how much you’ll need to borrow.

Cash-out Refinance

Another way to finance a large remodeling project is to do a cash-out refinance. This involves getting a completely new home loan with a new interest rate and term. The amount you borrow will cover whatever you owe on your original mortgage, so you can pay that one off. It will also provide a lump sum of extra cash that you can use to fund your remodel.

Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

The Takeaway

The cost to remodel a house will depend on the number of rooms you decide to renovate, the degree to which each room is remodeled, the materials you use, and the area in which you live. Opting to DIY some projects could help bring down the budget, but it can be smart to bring in a professional for more specialized projects like electrical work and plumbing.

Before you get started, consider mapping out a plan that prioritizes which projects you tackle first and how you intend to finance your home remodel. One option you might consider is a home improvement loan. Another smart choice is a home equity line of credit.

SoFi now partners with Spring EQ to offer flexible HELOCs. Our HELOC options allow you to access up to 90% of your home’s value, or $500,000, at competitively lower rates. And the application process is quick and convenient.


Unlock your home’s value with a home equity line of credit from SoFi, brokered through Spring EQ.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a house rehab, remodel, and renovation?

A house rehab, or rehabilitation, involves keeping and repairing old or historical elements of a home to make it in better condition, which could include introducing new materials. With a remodel, you’re changing the structure of a room, whereas a renovation is reviving the existing room to make it more attractive or personalized.

How do I estimate renovation costs?

The best way to estimate your renovation costs is to talk to a local contractor. You might contact a few to get some different estimates to work with. From there, you might consider adding at least 10% to that figure to account for unforeseen expenses and other surprises.

How much should I spend on a home renovation?

It’s really up to you how much to spend on a home renovation. That being said, it’s important to keep in mind the value of surrounding homes as you add value to your own. You might contextualize remodeling costs in the context of the overall value of your home.

How much remodeling can be done with $100,000?

It’s possible to renovate an entire house with a budget of $100,000, considering the national average cost to remodel a whole home generally falls between $40,000 and $75,000. However, the amount of remodeling you can do also depends on factors such as the quality of materials used, the square footage of the house, and the home’s location. The cost of remodeling can vary widely based on these factors and others.

What is the most expensive part of a home renovation?

Labor — especially skilled trades such as plumbers or electricians — typically constitutes the bulk of the cost of any home renovation project. As a rule of thumb, you can expect labor to require two-thirds of your budget and materials one-third.

What are some ways to save on home renovation costs?

You can save money on home renovations by creating and sticking to your budget and managing the project and doing some part of the labor yourself. Of course, not everyone has the skills or time to be their own contractor. Other ways to save include reusing materials and choosing more affordable finishes, fixtures, and appliances. Minimizing the moving of plumbing or electrical lines can also help save costs.


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All loan terms, fees, and rates may vary based upon your individual financial and personal circumstances and state.
You should consider and discuss with your loan officer whether a Cash Out Refinance, Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit is appropriate. Please note that the SoFi member discount does not apply to Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit not originated by SoFi Bank. Terms and conditions will apply. Before you apply, please note that not all products are offered in all states, and all loans are subject to eligibility restrictions and limitations, including requirements related to loan applicant’s credit, income, property, and a minimum loan amount. Lowest rates are reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Products, rates, benefits, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria. Information current as of 06/27/24.
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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.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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Medical Debt Relief Options

Up to 100 million Americans struggle with medical debt in 2025, according to the White House. What’s more, health insurance costs, which can help control medical costs, are getting more expensive: The price went up 7% year over year in 2025, and 6% the year prior.

If you’re facing financial challenges due to medical debt, learn some options here.

Key Points

•  At least tens of million Americans are currently struggling with medical debt.

•  Health insurance costs rose 7% year over year in 2025.

•  Payment plans and negotiation can make medical debt more manageable.

•  Nonprofit advocates and credit counseling organizations offer assistance with debt.

•  Personal loans can consolidate medical bills, potentially reducing interest rates.

How Much Do Americans Spend on Healthcare Each Year?

Many people receive health insurance through an employer. And even though employers generally help pay for a portion of the costs, the financial burden can still be significant. A typical household spends $513 per month — or $6,159 per year — on healthcare expenses, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey. This includes routine things such as health insurance costs, doctor’s visits, medications, and medical supplies. That reflects an uptick of 7.3% year over year.

How Many Americans Struggle With Medical Debt?

Despite employer-sponsored health plans covering some of the costs, some Americans struggle to pay their medical bills.

In fact, estimates as of early 2025 range as high as 100 million Americans — or almost one in three people — struggling with medical debt. Other surveys say the number is closer to 20 million, which is still quite a high number.

Lower-income earners, Black Americans, those with chronic illnesses, and those between ages 35 and 64 typically have the most debt. As you might guess, medical debt can increase with age.

What Happens If Medical Debt Is Not Paid?

Even if you’re facing an overwhelming amount of medical debt, the worst thing to do is ignore it because you don’t have the cash in your bank account. Depending on the state where you live, a medical provider might charge you a late fee for bills not paid on time and may even charge interest if payments aren’t made at all.

After a few months, if medical bills go unpaid, the provider might choose to pass the debt over to a debt collection agency.

If the medical provider does decide to give the debt to a debt collection agency, the debt might immediately appear on the debtor’s credit report and affect their credit score. The debt collector will take steps to collect the bill. If the debt is not collected, the provider may take it even further and take legal action.

While U.S. laws don’t allow debtors to be imprisoned for unpaid debts, they could face another consequence, such as wage garnishment. If the case goes to court and a judge rules in favor of the medical service provider, there’s a chance the debtor’s wages could be garnished. In simple terms, this means that payment will be taken out of their paycheck and sent to the provider. This means less money will turn up in your checking account and can make paying bills more challenging.

4 Medical Debt Relief Options

While there are no one-size-fits-all solutions to help ease the financial burden of medical debt, the following tips for paying off outstanding debt may be worth considering. It’s also a smart move to contact a professional before taking any action.

1. Medical Debt Payment Plans

Because healthcare services are often costly, contacting medical providers to ask if they offer payment plans might be one plan of action to consider. Some medical providers may offer payment plans to pay off debt in installments instead of paying it off all at once, which might make the debt more manageable.

2. Negotiating Medical Debt

It may feel counterintuitive or inappropriate to negotiate medical bills, but some providers actually expect it. While it may seem awkward at first, negotiating medical bills can help make them more manageable. Additionally, negotiating may even help avoid a credit score ding, or worse, getting sued.

For starters, reaching out to the provider’s billing department directly to see if negotiation of medical debt is possible might be an option. Many providers have financial departments that can determine if patients qualify for discounts or reductions. Remember, when negotiating, try to be as polite as possible. But it can be helpful to be persistent, too.

Another point to remember is that providers may favor cash. So those who can afford to make a lump sum payment might consider asking if the provider offers a discount for a cash payment.

Recommended: What Is Considered a Bad Credit Score?

3. Working With a Nonprofit Advocate

If the medical bills keep piling up, it may be worthwhile to consider finding a nonprofit advocate or reputable credit counseling organization that offers assistance with managing money and debts, creating a budget, and providing resources to help consumers pay off the debt that’s dogging them.

Certified counselors that have been trained to help individuals create a plan to solve financial concerns can be found through the U.S. Department of Justice. These organizations offer counseling and debt management plans and services.

One solution credit counselors may suggest is a debt management plan. These plans may help the borrowers get their debt under control.

With one type of debt management plan, the borrower makes a lump sum payment to the credit organization, and then the organization pays the creditor in installment payments. If you decide to go this route, make sure not to confuse a credit counseling nonprofit organization with a debt settlement company.

In contrast to credit counseling nonprofits, debt settlement companies are profit-driven. They negotiate with creditors to reduce the debt owed and accept a settlement — a lump sum — that’s less than the original debt. However, these companies can charge a 15% to 25% fee on top of the debt settled. While some of these companies are legitimate, consumers are cautioned to be wary of scams.

Some deceptive practices include guarantees that all of a person’s debts will be settled for a small amount of money, that debtors should stop paying their debts without explaining the consequences of such actions, or collection of fees for services before reviewing a person’s financial situation. Researching a company’s reputation can be done through the state attorney general’s office or the state consumer protection agency.

4. Using a Personal Loan

Using a credit card to pay off medical bills doesn’t help anything when you’re trying to reduce your overall debt. Taking out a personal loan could be a way to streamline multiple bills into one monthly payment.

Consolidating medical debt might include a number of benefits. It could help you get a fixed monthly payment and, potentially, reduced interest rates.

It’s important to compare rates and understand how a new loan could pay off in the long run. If your monthly payment is lower because the loan term is longer, for example, it might not be a good strategy, because it means you may be making more interest payments and therefore paying more over the life of the loan.

Recommended: Emergency Fund Calculator

The Takeaway

If you’re steeped in medical bills, you’re hardly alone. While dealing with the debt may not be pleasant, it’s a task you shouldn’t ignore. Otherwise, you may end up with your credit score being negatively impacted or your debt being passed along to a collections agency.

Fortunately, there are some debt relief options you may want to consider. Examples include exploring debt payment plans, negotiating the debt with your provider, enlisting the help of a nonprofit advocate, or taking out a personal loan to help pay off the bills. Having the right banking partner, such as one with favorable interest rates and low or no fees, can be a smart move too.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

FAQ

Is there debt forgiveness for medical bills?

Some hospitals offer debt forgiveness, or what may be called charity care, for certain patients.

How can you handle medical bills you can’t afford?

Options can include negotiating your bill, requesting a payment plan, working with an advocate, looking into debt repayment plans, or taking out a personal loan.

Can you negotiate medical bills after insurance?

Yes, it is a common practice for patients to negotiate the remaining balance after insurance with their healthcare provider’s billing office. Politely explaining your situation and asking for discounts or an accommodation is a path to consider.


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