Budgeting Tips for Life After Divorce

You may be getting divorced, but you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 34% of women and 33% of men in the United States are right there with you, having endured the end of their unions.

Certainly, though, this life event can cause emotional turmoil, and it may trigger worries about money too. Take heart: The end of a marriage does not have to mean an end to financial security. If you keep calm and make a careful post-divorce budget, you are more likely to stay fiscally fit.

Learn more here with tips on how to prepare financially for a divorce and soften your landing, including:

•   Why a post-divorce budget is critical

•   How to budget after divorce

•   How to divide kids’ expenses

•   How to adjust to one income

•   How to supplement earnings.

Why Is a Post-divorce Budget Critical?

A realistic budget after divorce is a must. It can often cost a lot more to run two households than one. Still, doing what’s right for your personal life path and well-being comes first; there’s no point staying unhappily wed simply to save money. It can be possible to find steady footing during this transition with the right basic living expenses budget.

Truth is, after the sometimes hefty expense of a divorce lawyer (if you hired one), you will possibly be solely responsible for housing, utilities, groceries, car maintenance, and more.

There are various ways to budget for this, including the 50/30/20 rule and the envelope system, among others. You’ll also likely encounter a variety of tools, including spreadsheets and apps. Take the time to review your options and find an approach that feels right for you.

Recommended: Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Debt?

Lifestyle Pre-divorce and Post-divorce Will Be Different

Get ready for changes in your lifestyle and your cash management. Transitioning from couplehood to single status can take time, patience, and being kind to yourself.

You may be responsible for more household chores now, as you may not be able to afford, say, the cleaning person or landscaper you used to employ. Trimming the leisure budget (dinners out, vacations, entertainment, fitness classes) might be necessary, but all is not lost. Prioritize what is most important to your self-care now. This can be a bump in the road, not the end of the line.

Newly Single Life Can Be Taxing Emotionally and Financially

Divorce can affect your spirit as well as your bank account. If you’re struggling and don’t have a therapist, consider finding one and/or joining a support group in your community. No awards are given for white-knuckling a marriage breakup without counsel. We can’t always “adult” our way through rough seas.

Finances for Children May Be Difficult

Children are a hot-button topic for almost all parents, both married and divorced. Meeting their emotional and financial needs can lead to a tug-of-war, especially if you and your ex don’t communicate calmly and effectively.

As your divorce unfolds, pay close attention to what counts as child support. For instance, you may want to continue your child’s soccer league, guitar lessons, or art classes, but these activities may or may not be covered. Also, if you have a teen who is begging for a used car, that large expenditure may not be covered by child support either.

Knowing just what counts as a child support expense, along with careful record keeping, will be important as you develop with your divorce budget. After all, knowledge is power. It will help you negotiate and budget better as a single parent, as well as keep the peace as you co-parent.

Recognize You Can No Longer Rely on Two Incomes

It can be a huge learning curve: Relying on a single salary instead of two. This post-divorce situation can be especially complicated if your ex had the employee benefits, including family health and dental insurance, 401(k) contributions, and a flexible spending account (FSA), where payroll deductions cover everything from child care to eyeglasses.

Now is the time to investigate what options you have to gain self-sufficiency and stay on budget. For example, if you work, does your employer offer an affordable health insurance plan? If you are self-employed, what networking groups could advise you on good options? Do you perhaps qualify for a lower-cost health insurance plan on the marketplace? Invest some time in exploring what’s available that suits your needs and budget.

Potential Questions to Ask Yourself

As you move through your divorce process and onto your newly single life, ask and answer the big questions. These can help you both trouble-shoot and thrive.

•   How much is my income going to change? First, look at joint bank statements (it’s easy online). See how much your spouse and you have each contributed to the family income. In many cases, of course, alimony will come into play, but you need a realistic income-based expectation for that, too.

•   What do I need to let go of? This may take soul-searching. As you go from two to one income, it’s likely that something’s got to give in terms of expenditures. Think creatively about where and how to economize. You might decide to plan and cook ahead for the week to minimize the temptation and expense of eating out. Or perhaps you decide to split an apartment with a friend for a while to save on rent while you get your bearings. It’s your call.

•   How should I supplement my income? If you need to get cash flowing your way, contemplate what’s in your toolbox of strengths and skills. A key benefit of a side hustle is that it can boost your income and fit your schedule. Maybe you’re a super-organized person who offers decluttering skills, a tech-savvy type who can build websites for others, or an animal lover who pet-sits or walks dogs. Other ideas: Fill free hours as an Instacart shopper, Amazon delivery person, or Uber driver.

•   How will we fairly work out financial support for the kids? Are the children dividing their time 50/50 between you and your ex? What will your child support agreement entail? What additional expenses may come up in the future (tutoring, college prep classes)? Think and work it through, possibly with professional guidance which can share the prevailing practices on this front.

Post-Divorce Budgeting Tips

Once you have mulled over the issues relating to post-divorce life, keep these strategies in mind to help you optimize your finances.

Focusing On Current Income

Base your budget on your income now, after taxes. Do not base it on the projected income you hope to have. Don’t get caught up thinking about your former two-person income. Being pragmatic right now wil likely pay off and help you stay out of debt.

Focusing On Most Important Monthly Expenses

For now, prioritize what it will take to get through daily life. Calculate costs of a roof over your head, a way to get to work, food, child care, healthcare, and other essentials. Take care of people first, starting with yourself; then deal with material things later.

Letting Go of Unnecessary Items

Go ahead and slash some items out of your budget. Perhaps you can jettison a couple of streaming services, cut back on clothes shopping, and mow your own lawn instead of hiring someone else to do it. That feeling of opening up some room in your budget can be priceless.

Giving Yourself Safe and Budget-Friendly Fun

Find the right mood lifters. Avoid expensive, impulsive purchases (say, a new car) when you are feeling emotionally hurt and raw. They can wreak havoc with your finances.

Instead, treat yourself to free or low-cost adventures and experiences. Fresh air can be healing and motivating; local parks and wildlife sanctuaries may offer free guided walks and birdwatching outings. Or perhaps get a membership to The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association and enjoy free entry to 1,000 member institutions.

Considering Working With a Financial Advisor

As you sort out your finances as you approach a divorce, you may want to enlist a professional versed in the issues that can crop up. Child support, shared credit-card debt, and division of jointly owned real estate can require this kind of guidance. A certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA) is trained to assist with this and help you get the fairest possible deal.

Post-divorce, you might also seek out an advisor who can help you set up a financial plan so that your spending and saving habits suit your new situation.

The Takeaway

Transitioning from pre-divorce to post-divorce life can stir up fears and insecurities, but you can take concrete steps to manage the unknown. Face facts about income, and set a realistic budget. Prioritize your needs, and be willing to put unnecessary expenses on hold for now. Like so many others, you will find your footing and peace of mind, thanks to patience, flexibility, and wise budgeting.

Looking for a financial institution that can help out? A SoFi online bank account makes it easier to manage finances, follow a budget, and track your income, right on your smartphone or laptop. Sign up for our Checking and Savings with direct deposit, and you’ll earn a top-notch APY, without any account fees. That means your money could grow faster.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How do you budget after a divorce?

To budget for post-divorce life, assess and prioritize non-negotiable needs (such as housing, food, utilities, and child care), and phase out or reduce unnecessary extras. Pay attention to the details of your divorce agreement, as alimony and/or child support may impact your finances significantly.

How long does it take to financially recover from divorce?

The timeline for recovering financially from divorce varies tremendously, depending on the particulars of a person’s income, divorce agreement, and other factors. Many people feel it takes at least a few years to fully regain their sense of control over their money, though that could happen much sooner for some.

Will I be poor after divorce?

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that after a divorce, household income for women can drop considerably. This is all the more reason to budget carefully after divorce and seek professional advice. These steps could help you avoid costly mistakes that impact your financial wellness.


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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.


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 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.

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 Many Personal Loans Can You Have at Once?

Technically, there is no limit to how many personal loans you can have at once. Lenders may approve a second or third loan if the borrower has paid off part of the first loan and has a history of on-time repayment.

In fact, it’s fairly common for one loan to fall short of covering all of a borrower’s needs. Let’s say you’re remodeling your primary bathroom. You take out a $5,000 personal loan to cover the costs. But then you discover major plumbing issues that will cost thousands more to fix, making your $5,000 budget woefully inadequate.

What is someone in this situation supposed to do? Even if you can have more than one personal loan, should you? We’ll investigate when it makes sense to take out additional loans, and what the potential risks are.

Can You Have Multiple Personal Loans at Once?

There is no law against having multiple personal loans, either from the same bank or different lenders. However, some lenders limit the number of concurrent loans they’ll extend to an individual. Other lenders have no such limit, but do cap the total amount one person can borrow.

Personal loan interest rates tend to be low compared to the alternatives. So carrying multiple loans at once can be a smart way to avoid the trap of revolving credit.

However, many lenders allow individuals to take out additional loans only if they have paid off part of the initial balance of the first loan — three to six payments, for instance.

Does It Ever Make Sense to Have Multiple Loans?

It’s never a good idea to take on debt unnecessarily, but there are a few situations where taking out an additional personal loan might be your best option.

Let’s say you take out a personal loan to consolidate credit card debt — one of the more common reasons for applying for a personal loan. After a year of making payments, you and your spouse decide to start a family. But you need fertility treatments, which aren’t covered by your insurance. The doctor requires payment upfront and doesn’t offer payment plans. A personal loan may be preferable to running up credit card debt.

Similarly, say you need money for emergency home repairs, veterinary bills, or automotive repairs. If ignoring an expense will cause more financial challenges and emotional stress than taking on more debt, a new loan is a viable option.

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Ways Multiple Personal Loans Can Affect Your Credit

Any time you open a new loan, the repercussions ripple out to your credit report in a few different ways. First, opening a loan produces a hard inquiry on your credit report, and remains on it for two years.

Too many hard inquiries will affect your credit score, because the credit scoring models most commonly used will verify how recently and how often you’ve applied for credit. An uptick in both can, in turn, affect the interest rate available to you for a new loan.

Recommended: Can Personal Loans Hurt Your Credit?

Juggling multiple payments is another issue. An additional loan means another bill to pay every month. If you miss any payments — whether on your student loans, mortgage, credit cards, or personal loans — it can have consequences for your credit score. Payment history counts for a whopping 35% of your total FICO® Score. Beware of overborrowing when considering multiple loans.

Other Potential Complications

If you have multiple personal loans and are applying for a mortgage or other type of loan, your application could be denied because of your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This ratio is calculated by adding up your monthly debt payments and dividing them by your monthly gross income.

Every lender will have different DTI requirements when considering someone for a loan, so check with your lender for specifics.

Getting Multiple Loans From the Same Lender

If you’re considering applying for a second loan from the same lender, you’ll first want to consider the following:

•   Ensure your current loan is in good standing. If you have missed or late payments, your lender can either decline your second loan application or charge you a higher interest rate.

•   Check whether your lender limits the number of outstanding personal loans, or caps the amount you can borrow.

•   Calculate your overall DTI, including any auto loans, mortgage, credit cards, and student loans. If the sum of all your monthly loan payments comes close to 50% of your income, another personal loan may not be in the cards. Many lenders recommend a DTI of no more than 36%.

If you believe you’ll meet the lender’s requirements for a second personal loan — and you feel comfortable making the additional monthly payment — getting an additional loan from the same lender could be the right strategy.

Recommended: Fixed vs. Variable Rate Loans

Qualifying for Another Personal Loan

Getting approved for a personal loan from another lender isn’t much different. While you won’t have to worry about a cap on the number of loans you have or the combined amount you can borrow, you will have to show that your DTI falls within recommended parameters.

The second lender will likely do a hard inquiry (or hard pull) on your credit report. They will see the payment history for your other personal loan, as well as other debt going back seven years. You can prepare by following the guidelines above in the first and third bullets.

Alternatives to Personal Loans

When you need to cover unexpected expenses, personal loans are a great resource — but not your only option. What’s right for you will depend on how much you want to borrow, and how long you’ll need to pay the money back. Here are some alternatives to personal loans you might consider.

•   Credit card. If your credit score is high, you can apply for a 0% APR credit card. The introductory rate is for a limited time — generally 12 to 18 months. If you can pay off the purchase by then, you’ll save a lot on interest.

•   Buy now, pay later (BNPL). Also known as a point-of-sale loan, BNPL gives you more time to pay off a large purchase — from several weeks to several years, sometimes at 0% interest. But terms and fees vary wildly, so make sure you understand what you’re signing up for.

•   401(k) loan. If you have funds in a 401(k) plan, you can borrow against them without any penalties — and the interest you’re charged goes back into your investment plan. This might make sense for short-term loans of 1 year or less.

•   Home equity loan. A home equity loan is a type of secured loan, meaning you offer your home as collateral in the event of default. These loans offer low fixed interest rates for those who qualify, as well as longer terms.

•   Payday loan. Also known as cash-advance loans, these are short-term, high-interest unsecured personal loans provided by small local merchants. Borrowers must show proof of income via a recent paycheck, but no credit check or collateral is required. The risks of payday loans are so great that many states have outlawed them.

The Takeaway

There is no law against having multiple personal loans. However, some lenders limit the number of concurrent loans they’ll extend to an individual, or cap the total amount one person can borrow. If you have two or more personal loans, having a solid repayment strategy helps prevent late payments and other potential problems. One of the simplest methods to avoid late payments is to set up automatic bill pay.

You may consider leveraging technology, such as SoFi Relay, to help keep track of your budget while you pay off these loans. If you’re looking to apply for a personal loan, consider seeing what options are available at SoFi. SoFi’s Personal Loans have absolutely no fees — no origination fees required, no prepayment fees, and no late fees.

Learn more about personal loans at SoFi.


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.


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.

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What's the Difference Between a Hard and Soft Credit Check?

What’s the Difference Between a Hard and Soft Credit Check?

The main difference between a soft vs. hard credit check is that each hard check knocks a few points off your credit score, whereas soft checks don’t affect your score. Both hard and soft checks pull the same financial data but for different purposes. Hard checks are typically done when you apply for a loan or credit card; soft checks are conducted for most other purposes, such as pre-screening for credit card offers.

It’s important for consumers to understand this difference because too many hard checks — also known as hard pulls and hard inquiries — can significantly lower your credit score. This in turn can hurt your chances of getting the best offers on credit cards and loans. Keep reading to learn more about credit checks and how to prevent unnecessary hard checks of your credit file.

What Is a Soft Credit Inquiry?

As noted above, a soft credit check pulls most of your financial data:

•   The number and type of all your credit accounts

•   Credit card balances

•   Loan balances

•   Payment history for revolving credit (credit cards and home equity lines of credit)

•   Payment history for installment loans (auto loans, mortgages, student loans, and personal loans)

•   Accounts gone to collections

•   Tax liens and other public records

Soft inquiries are not used during loan or credit card applications. Instead, they’re used for most other purposes that require a background check, and do not require the consumer’s permission or involvement. Reasons for a soft check can include:

•   Employment pre-screening

•   Rental applications

•   Insurance evaluations

•   Pre-screening for financial offers by mail

•   Loan prequalification

•   Checking your own credit file

•   When you’re shopping personal loan interest rates or credit cards

Soft credit checks do not affect your credit score, no matter how often they take place. Some soft checks appear on your credit report, but not all — you may never find out they took place.

When they are listed, you might see language like “inquiries that do not affect your credit rating,” along with the name of the requester and the date of the inquiry. Only the consumer can see soft inquiries on their report; creditors cannot.

What Is a Hard Credit Inquiry?

A hard credit inquiry typically takes place when you apply for a credit card, mortgage, or car loan, and give permission for the lender or creditor to pull your credit file.

Each hard pull may lower your credit score — but only by less than five points, according to FICO® Score. All hard inquiries appear on your credit report. While they stay there for about two years, they stop affecting your credit score after 12 months.

Not all loans require a hard credit inquiry — but consider that a red flag. Some small local merchants offer short-term loans, high-interest unsecured personal loans. Borrowers must show proof of income via a recent paycheck, but no credit check is required. The risks of these “payday loans” are so great that many states have outlawed them.

Recommended: How to Get Approved for a Personal Loan

Avoiding Hard Credit Inquiries

Consumers should carefully consider if they really need new credit before applying for an account that requires a hard credit check.

For example, department stores and some chains like to entice you to apply for their store credit card by offering a generous discount on your purchase as you’re checking out. In that situation, ask yourself if it’s worth a credit score hit (albeit a small one).

Another way to minimize hard inquiries is to ask which type of credit check a company intends to run. If, for example, a cable company usually requires a hard credit inquiry to open an account, you might ask if a hard pull can be avoided. Other situations where there may be some flexibility include:

•   Rental applications

•   Leasing a car

•   New utility accounts

•   Requesting a higher credit limit on an existing account

•   Opening a money market account

Disputing Inaccurate Hard Inquiries

A good financial rule of thumb is to review your credit reports every year to check for common credit report errors and signs of identity theft. The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees consumers the right to access their credit reports each year for free. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to order reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

To check for inaccurate hard inquiries, look for a section on your credit report with any of these labels:

•   Credit inquiries

•   Hard inquiries

•   Regular inquiries

•   Requests viewed by others

You can dispute hard inquiries and remove them from your credit reports under certain circumstances: if you didn’t apply for a new credit account, you didn’t give permission for the inquiry, or the inquiry was added by mistake.

That said, under federal law, certain organizations with a “specific, legitimate purpose” can access your credit file without written permission. They include:

•   Government agencies, usually in the context of licensing or benefits applications

•   Collection agencies

•   Insurance companies, when certain restrictions are met

•   Entities that have a court order, as in child support hearings

Even so, if you didn’t give permission for a hard credit pull, it’s worth filing a dispute to request that the credit check be removed from your report.

Consumers may dispute hard inquiries online through AnnualCreditReport.com, or by writing to the individual credit reporting agencies.

Recommended: Fixed vs Variable Rate Interest Loans

Hard Credit Checks and Your Credit Scores

As mentioned earlier, hard inquiries appear on your credit report, and each hard pull may lower your credit score by five points or less. Here we’ll go into a bit more detail.

Why Hard Inquiries Matter

Multiple hard inquiries within a short time frame can do significant damage to your credit score. For instance, a 20-point hit from four or five hard inquiries could be enough to move you from the Good credit range down to the merely Fair. Someone in a Fair credit range can pay substantially more over a lifetime in interest and fees than someone with a Good score or higher.

How Many Points Will a Hard Inquiry Cost You?

As noted above, each hard pull will lower your credit score by less than five points. One or two hard inquiries per year may not matter, especially if you’re not planning on applying for a loan.

However, consumers should keep in mind that the impact on their credit score remains for 12 months. The real concern is when you’re shopping around for the best interest rate on a loan, and too many hard inquiries over a short period combine to pull down your score in a significant way.

How Long Do Inquiries Stay On Your Credit?

Hard inquiries stay on your credit report for two years. But their impact on your credit score lasts only 12 months.

Soft inquiries may remain on your credit report for one or two years, but only the consumer can see them.

Awarded Best Online Personal Loan by NerdWallet.
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The Takeaway

Soft credit inquiries do not affect a credit score, while hard credit inquiries usually cost you less than five points. In both cases, businesses pull information from your credit reports. Checking your own credit report counts as a soft pull, as do most other situations where the consumer hasn’t given written permission. Hard pulls are typically done only when you’re applying for a loan or new credit account.

If you’re thinking of opening a new credit card or raising your credit limit on an existing account, consider a personal loan instead. With a SoFi Personal Loan, you can borrow between $5,000 and $100,000 for home improvements, credit card consolidation, medical costs, and more. And you can check your rate in 60 seconds without affecting your credit score.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2022 winner for Best Personal
Loan for Good and Excellent Credit and Best Online Personal Loan overall.


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.


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.

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Which Credit Bureau Is Used Most?

Although Experian is the largest credit bureau in the U.S., TransUnion and Equifax are widely considered to be just as accurate and important. When it comes to credit scores, however, there is a clear winner: FICO® Score is used in 90% of lending decisions.

It’s crucial that consumers understand at least the basics of how credit reports work and credit scores are calculated. After all, a high credit score will get borrowers the best deals on loans and credit cards, potentially saving them many thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Read on to learn how you can build a credit history that lenders will swoon over.

Will My Credit Score Be the Same Across the Board?

In a word, no. Credit scores vary depending on the company providing the score, the data on which the score is based, and the method used to calculate the score.

In an ideal world, all credit bureaus would have the same information. But lenders don’t always report information to every bureau, so there will be variations in your credit file — usually minor — from bureau to bureau.

How Are Credit Scores Calculated?

Regardless of the scoring model used, most credit scores are calculated with a similar set of information. This includes information like how many and what types of accounts you have, the length of your credit history, your payment history, and your credit utilization ratio.

Lenders like to see evidence that you have successfully managed a variety of accounts in the past. This can include credit cards, student loans, and mortgages, in addition to other types of debts. As a result, scoring models sometimes include the number of accounts you have and will also note the different types of accounts.

The length of your credit history shows lenders that you have a record of repaying your debts responsibly over time. Scoring models will factor in how recently your accounts have been opened.

Your payment history allows lenders to see how you’ve repaid your debts in the past. It will show details on late or missed payments and bankruptcies. Scoring models typically look at how late your payments were, the amount you owed, and how often you missed payments.

Each scoring model will place a different weight of importance on each factor. As an example, here are the weighting figures for your base FICO Score:

Payment History

35%

Credit Utilization 30%
Length of Credit History 15%
Credit Mix 10%
New Credit 10%

Recommended: Can You Get a First-Time Personal Loan With No Credit History?

Which Credit Score Matters the Most?

As noted earlier, the credit score that matters the most is your FICO Score, since it’s used in the vast majority of lending decisions. There’s really no way to determine which credit score is most accurate, though, because they all use slightly different scoring models to calculate those precious three digits.

Even within your FICO Score, there’s variation. The most widely used FICO Score is FICO 8. This differs from previous versions in key ways:

•   Credit utilization is given greater weight.

•   Isolated late payments are given less weight than multiple late payments.

•   Accounts gone to collections for amounts less than $100 are ignored.

In addition, FICO can tweak their algorithm depending on the type of loan you’re applying for. If you’re looking to get an auto loan, your industry-specific FICO Score may emphasize your payment history with auto loans and deemphasize your credit card history.

As you can see, slight differences in method can result in different credit scores even given the same source data.

What Are the Largest Three Credit Bureaus?

The three major credit bureaus are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These bureaus collect and maintain consumer credit information and then resell it to other businesses in the form of a credit report. While the credit bureaus operate outside of the federal government, the Fair Credit Reporting Act allows the government to oversee and regulate the industry.

It’s worth noting that not all lenders report to the credit bureaus. You may have seen advertisements for loans with no credit check. Because these loans are riskier for the lender, they can justify high-interest rates (as much as 1000%) and faster repayment schedules. Consumers should beware of predatory lenders, especially risky payday loans and other fast-cash loans.

Recommended: What Is a Short-term Loan?

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How To Find Your Credit Score

Your credit history and score play a large role in your personal finances. They can impact everything from taking out a mortgage or renting an apartment to buying a car and refinancing your student loans. Having an idea of what your credit score is can help you determine what your loan may look like and how much you can afford to borrow.

You can request a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Along with your credit file, you’ll receive a generic credit score. Experian also provides a look at your base FICO score. As an alternative, you may be able to access your FICO Score for free through your bank or credit card company.

Be careful when you pull your free credit reports not to accidentally opt in to an add-on service that will charge you for special tools or credit monitoring.

Building Strong Credit

Credit scores aren’t set in stone. They evolve constantly as new financial information comes in, both positive and negative. Here are some strategic steps to consider for those trying to build a positive credit history:

Make Payments on Time

This includes credit card payments, rent, loans, utilities, and any other monthly bills or payments. Lenders often consider past behavior to be a predictor of future behavior and want to avoid lending money to individuals with a history of missed payments.

Pay Down Revolving Credit

Revolving credit refers to credit cards and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). Lenders generally like to see a credit utilization ratio of 30% or lower. It’s an indicator that the borrower can effectively manage their credit.

A debt consolidation loan is a popular choice for consumers looking to pay down high-interest revolving debt. An unsecured personal loan requires no collateral and offers comparatively low fixed interest rates compared to credit cards. (Variable interest rate loans are also available, but are not as popular in the current climate of rising interest rates.)

Getting approved for a personal loan is fairly straightforward, and you can shop around for the best personal loan interest rates without it affecting your credit score.

Recommended: Secured vs. Unsecured Personal Loans

Be Selective About New Accounts

Opening a new credit card or applying for a loan generally involves a hard credit inquiry. Too many hard credit inquiries can have a negative impact on the applicant’s score. So while having a diverse mix of credit is a good thing in the eyes of lenders, opening a number of new accounts at once may be counter-productive.

The Takeaway

All three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — are more alike than they are different, and any variations in their data are usually minor. Equifax is the largest credit bureau in the U.S., but TransUnion and Equifax are thought to be just as accurate and important. When it comes to credit scores, however, lenders prefer FICO Score by a wide margin.

SoFi Personal Loans

A personal loan is a popular way to consolidate and pay off credit card debt. You’ll have just one monthly payment to manage and a low fixed interest rate. To see how much a personal loan could save you, take a look at SoFi’s personal loan calculator.

Check your rate in 60 seconds without affecting your credit score, and get your loan funded as soon as the same day you’re approved.


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.


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.

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How Refinancing Credit Card Debt Works

The pandemic may have slowed consumer spending over the last few years, but spending is on the rise again — along with consumer debt. Americans carry, on average, three credit cards and have $5,525 in credit card debt. Overall, U.S. credit card debt is $71 billion higher than it was one year ago.

That amount of debt can be a challenge to pay down along with regular monthly household expenses. Some people may choose to refinance their high-interest credit card debt in an effort to secure a lower interest rate or a lower monthly payment. Refinancing credit card debt can be one way to make progress toward eliminating it completely.

What Is Credit Card Debt?

If you’re putting more purchases on credit cards than you can pay off in a monthly billing cycle, you have credit card debt.

Interest will accrue on the balance that carries over to the next billing cycle. If you don’t pay at least the minimum amount due, you’ll likely also be charged a late fee. Since credit cards use compound interest, you’ll be charged interest on accrued interest and fees. That can add up quickly and make it more difficult to get out of debt.

Carrying a balance on more than one credit card can make the debt even more difficult to manage. If your goal is to be free of credit card debt, refinancing can be one way to achieve that.

What Are Some Benefits of Refinancing Credit Card Debt?

Credit cards are revolving debt and typically have variable annual percentage rates (APRs).

Refinancing credit card debt with an installment loan that has a fixed interest rate, such as a personal loan, will mean you’ll have a fixed end date to your debt and will have the same APR for the entire term of the loan.

If you’re refinancing multiple credit card balances into one new loan or line of credit, you’ll have fewer bills to pay each month. That could potentially make monthly budgeting a simpler task.

Consolidate your credit card
debt with a personal loan from SoFi.


How Might Debt Refinancing Affect Your Credit Score?

Something to keep in mind when your goal is to pay down debt is that it’s a long game.

That being said, in the short term your credit score can decrease slightly when you apply for new credit and the lender looks at your credit report. During the formal application process, the lender will perform a hard inquiry into your credit report, which may result in a slight temporary drop of your credit score.

If you’re comparing multiple lenders, and they offer prequalification, they’ll do a soft inquiry into your credit report, which won’t affect your credit score.

Building your credit — or rebuilding it — through refinancing credit card debt can be possible if you make on-time, regular payments on the new loan. Reducing your credit utilization can be another positive result of refinancing credit card debt. Both of these can potentially increase your credit score.

It’s important not to overuse the credit cards you refinanced into a new loan, however, or you might accumulate even more debt than you started with.

Will Canceling My Unused Credit Cards Affect my Credit Score?

After you’ve refinanced your existing credit card debt into a new loan, you might be tempted to cancel those credit cards. But that strategy could negatively affect your credit score.

Whether it’s a good idea to cancel a credit card really depends on the card. If you’ve had the credit card for a long time, closing it would shorten your credit history, which could result in a credit score drop. But if it’s a card you genuinely don’t have a reason to keep, such as a retail card for a store you no longer shop at or a card that has a high annual fee that can’t be justified with your current spending habits, closing the account might be the right step for you.

If you plan to keep a credit card open, it may be a good idea to use it for a small, recurring charge so the card issuer doesn’t close it for inactivity. Setting up autopay can make this a convenient way to ensure the card stays open but is paid in full each month.

What Are Some Options for Refinancing Credit Card Debt?

Your overall creditworthiness will be a determining factor in finding available refinancing options. Lenders will look at your credit report and credit score, paying attention to how you’ve handled credit in the past and how much total debt you have in relation to your income.

Balance Transfer Credit Card

If you can qualify for a low- or no-interest credit card, you could use it to transfer a balance from another credit card. You’ll typically be charged a balance transfer fee equal to a percentage of the balance you’re transferring. The promotional rate on these types of cards is temporary, sometimes lasting up to 18 months or so, but can be as short as 6 months.

If you pay the transferred balance in full within the promotional period, you may not pay any interest at all, or a minimal amount. However, if you still have an outstanding balance on the card when the promotional period is over, the APR will revert to the card’s standard rate for balance transfers.

Home Equity Loan

A potential source of refinancing funds might be your home, if you have equity in it. Funds from a home equity loan can be used for just about anything, even things unrelated to your home. You can calculate how much equity you have in your home by subtracting the amount you owe on your mortgage from the current market value of your home.

In addition to the amount of equity you have in your home, lenders will typically also look at your income and your credit history to determine how much you might qualify for. It’s common for lenders to limit a home equity loan to no more than 80% to 85% of the equity you have in your home. There are typically closing costs with a home equity loan including appraisal fee, title search, origination fee, or other fees, and can be between 2% and 5% of the loan amount.

A home equity loan is a second mortgage secured by your home. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender can foreclose on your home.

Debt Consolidation Loan

Some lenders offer loans specifically for debt consolidation. These are actually personal loans, the funds from which can be used to pay off your existing credit card debt. Then, you’ll be responsible for repaying the debt consolidation loan. There may be fees charged on this type of loan, so be sure to look over the loan agreement carefully before signing it.

For a credit card consolidation loan to be as effective as possible at reducing your debt, it will ideally have a lower APR than you’re paying on your credit cards. In this way, you would be paying less in interest over the life of the loan. If a lower monthly payment is your goal, you may opt for a longer-term loan, but may pay a higher interest rate.

The Takeaway

Have you resumed pre-pandemic spending habits? If your credit card debt is piling up and you’re finding it challenging to pay it down, you may be considering refinancing. Some credit card refinancing options include balance transfer credit cards with a promotional APR, a home equity loan, or a debt consolidation loan.

A SoFi Personal Loan for debt consolidation may be one option to consider. Personal loans offered by SoFi have competitive, low fixed rates and no fees required. You can see the rate you qualify for in just one minute without affecting your credit score.*

View your rate on a SoFi Personal Loan


*Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

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.


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