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Your debt-to-income ratio is a measure of how much you owe tracks against how much you take in. This figure is frequently used by lenders to evaluate how creditworthy an applicant is, or how likely they are to be able to pay their debt back on time. It also helps lenders determine what interest rate to charge borrowers.

A low DTI ratio demonstrates that there is probably sufficient income to pay debts and take on more. Typically, a DTI should be no more than 36% to obtain favorable credit. Here, learn more about what DTI is and how to calculate yours.

First, a Debt-to-Income Ratio Refresher

In case you don’t know how to calculate the percentage or have forgotten, here’s how it works.

DTI = monthly debts / gross monthly income

Say your monthly debt payments are as follows:

•   Auto loan: $400

•   Student loans: $300

•   Credit cards: $300

•   Mortgage payment: $1,300

That’s $2,300 in monthly obligations. Now, say gross monthly income is $7,000.

$2,300 / $7,000 = 0.328

Multiply the result by 100 for a DTI ratio of nearly 33%, meaning 33% of this person’s gross monthly income goes toward debt repayment.

What Is Considered a Good DTI?

The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises homeowners to consider maintaining a DTI ratio of 36% or less and for renters to consider keeping a DTI ratio of 15% to 20% or less (rent is not included in this ratio).

In general, mortgage lenders like to see a DTI ratio of no more than 36%, though that is not necessarily the maximum.

For instance, DTI limits can change based on whether or not you are considering a qualified or nonqualified mortgage. A qualified mortgage is a home loan with more stable features and without risky features like interest-only payments. Qualified mortgages limit how high your DTI ratio can be.

A nonqualified mortgage loan is not inherently high-risk or subprime. It is simply a loan that doesn’t fit into the complex rules associated with a qualified mortgage.

Nonqualified mortgages can be helpful for borrowers in unusual circumstances, such as having been self-employed for less than two years. A lender may make an exception if you have a high DTI ratio as long as, for example, you have a lot of cash reserves.

In general, borrowers looking for a qualified mortgage can expect lenders to require a DTI of 43% or less.

Under certain criteria, a maximum allowable DTI ratio can be as high as 50%. Fannie Mae’s maximum DTI ratio is 36% for manually underwritten loans, but the affordable-lending promoter will allow a 45% DTI ratio if a borrower meets credit score and reserve requirements, and up to 50% for loans issued through automated underwriting.

In the market for a personal loan? Some lenders may allow a high DTI ratio because a common use of personal loans is credit card debt consolidation. But most lenders will want to be sure that you are gainfully employed and have sufficient income to repay the loan.

Front End vs Back End

Some mortgage lenders like to break a number into front-end and back-end DTI (28/36, for instance). The top number represents the front-end ratio, and the bottom number is the back-end ratio.

A front-end ratio, also known as the housing ratio, takes into account housing costs or potential housing costs.

A back-end ratio is more comprehensive. It includes all current recurring debt payments and housing expenses.

Lenders typically look for a front-end ratio of 28% tops, and a back-end ratio no higher than 36%, though they may accept higher ratios if an applicant’s credit score, savings, and down payment are robust.

How Can I Lower My Debt-to-Income Ratio?

So what do you do if the number you’ve calculated isn’t your ideal? There are two ways to lower your DTI ratio: Increase your income, or decrease your debt.

Working overtime, starting a side hustle, getting a new job, or asking for a raise are all good options to boost income.

Strangely enough, if you choose to tackle your debt by only increasing your payments each month, it can have a negative effect on your DTI ratio. Instead, it can be a good idea to consider ways to reduce your outstanding debt altogether.

The best-known debt reduction plans (or payoff plans) are likely the snowball and avalanche methods, but there’s also the fireball method, which combines both strategies.

If credit card debt is an issue, here’s a tip: Instead of canceling a credit card, it might be better to cut it up or hide it. In the world of credit, established credit in good standing is looked upon more favorably than new. Eliminating a long-standing line of credit can lower your score.

Another way to decrease your debt could be to get a debt consolidation loan or credit card consolidation loan. This is a kind of personal loan, hopefully at a lower interest rate than your credit card offers. If so, it can save you on interest and give you just one simple loan to pay every month.

These personal loans are typically offered with a fixed interest rate and a term of one to seven years.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

The Takeaway

Your debt-to-income ratio matters because it affects your ability to borrow money and the interest rate for doing so. In general, lenders look at a lower DTI ratio (say, 28% to 36% maximum in some situations) as favorable, but sometimes there’s wiggle room. If you are struggling with high-interest debt, such as credit card debt, paying it off can positively impact your DTI. There are methods such as the debt snowball method, the debt avalanche technique, or taking out a personal loan.

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.

FAQ

How do you calculate DTI?

To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income, then multiply that figure by 100 to get the percentage.

What is a good DTI?

What is considered a good DTI can vary along with the type of credit you are trying to secure. In some cases, a figure between 28% and 36% is considered on target, but in others, a ratio of 50% could be acceptable. Talk to your potential lenders to learn more.

What is the 28-36 rule?

The 28/36 rule is a guideline used regarding mortgages to determine how much a borrower can afford to spend on housing and overall debt. The rule says that a borrower should spend no more than 28% of their gross monthly income on housing (mortgage, property taxes, insurance) and a maximum of 36% on all debts (including housing). This is one way lenders may evaluate a prospective borrower’s creditworthiness.

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.

SOPL-Q225-104

When you’re in a crisis and economic circumstances feel anything but normal, you may wonder if you should rethink the way you’re using your credit cards. Here are some ins and outs of using — and rethinking how to use — credit cards during an emergency.

Is It Smart to Use Credit Cards During a Crisis?

Even during a crisis, credit cards aren’t magical “buy anything and worry about it much, much later” tickets. Many of the basics for using a credit card are in effect no matter what’s happening around you: Don’t make purchases just to get reward points, report missing or stolen cards immediately, be in the habit of checking your statements every month, etc.

That said, sometimes certain accommodations are made during a crisis. During the Covid-19 pandemic, for instance, many banks and lenders offered relief in the form of new policies to ease the burden for card holders who were struggling with their payments. Some waived fees, offered payment deferral or forbearance, or increased credit lines. Some banks even offered these three forms of support, and more.

Of course, it’s unwise to assume a bank or credit card company is focused on looking out for you during an emergency situation. The better option might be to contact your card issuer for information and any fine print. And keep in mind that while the ability to increase your credit line might sound good, it could also cause more headaches down the road.

Making minimum payments on credit cards can cost you substantially more money over time. The interest — especially compounding interest, which is essentially interest on interest already due — can often be a big challenge with credit cards. But there are ways to potentially avoid interest on credit cards, such as paying off a balance in full each month.

During a crisis, it’s a good idea to continue using your credit cards responsibly. Of course, sometimes financial situations change, and you may need to use a credit card to pay for your daily essentials. While carrying some debt from one month to the next isn’t necessarily something to be thrilled about, it might be worth it if it means getting the things you need to live.

Planning for the Future — Starting Now

Conversations about using credit cards are often about responsible saving and spending. There is no blanket yes or no answer to whether it’s a good idea to use credit cards during a crisis, although it’s certainly possible to be a little wiser about using a credit card.

If you’re feeling spread thin financially during a crisis, however, it might be worthwhile to hunt for credit cards that can offer more reasonable rates than your current cards. A good place to start might be with your current card issuers and see if they can lower the interest rate.

Another alternative might be to consider a cash-back credit card that offers cash rewards in a small percentage back on each transaction. Depending on the issuer, the card might offer higher rates for certain categories of purchases, so it might be worth doing some research and strategizing if there is a big purchase you had already planned on making.

There are also balance-transfer credit cards, or a card you would transfer existing card debt to, usually at a lower annual percentage rate (APR). The rationale and incentive for these cards is to hopefully lock your credit card debt in at a lower rate than it would be currently, to therefore make it less burdensome to work on paying it down.

There can be wrinkles to employing this strategy, however, so be sure to read the fine print to avoid balance transfer fees or other charges. The idea is you can pay off that balance with no interest on a more compressed timeline. However, that lower rate might change after the introductory period, and you may be saddled with an APR that could be even higher than the one you had to begin with.

Putting the Cards Down — For Now

If the idea of getting more plastic feels more like a problem than a solution, you may want to consider taking out an unsecured personal loan. This type of loan is not backed by collateral and is likely to have higher interest rates and lower loan amounts than secure loans. They also typically require a higher level of creditworthiness than a secured personal loan does.

There are common uses for unsecured loans, including:

•   Paying off credit cards

•   Consolidating debt

•   Paying bills

•   Covering home renovation projects

The Takeaway

Dealing with a crisis can be unsettling, especially if your finances are less than stable. You may wonder if it makes sense to use your credit card to pay for everyday essentials. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it’s important to continue using your card responsibly, whether you’re in an emergency or not.

If you’re stretched thin financially, there are strategies you can consider. One idea is to try to negotiate a lower interest rate with your current card issuer. Another option is to explore a cash-back credit card or a balance-transfer credit card, both of which could help increase your purchasing power during a crisis. Or you may also want to consider taking out an unsecured personal loan, which could help you get the funds you need to pay bills or consolidate debt.

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.

FAQ

Is a credit card good for emergency situations?

In an ideal world, you’d use cash during an emergency situation. If that’s not an option, a credit card can help you pay for any unexpected expenses. However, you’ll want to be sure you can pay off the balance in full so you don’t incur interest.

Can I use a personal loan to pay off debt?

Personal loans can be used for nearly any purpose, including paying off debt. Debt consolidation loans can help you streamline multiple debts into a single payment, potentially at a lower interest rate.

Where should I keep an emergency fund?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends a few different places to keep your emergency fund. You can put the money in a dedicated account with a bank or credit union. You can keep cash on hand, either in your home or with a trusted family member or friend. Or you may decide to load money onto a prepaid card.

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.

SOPL-Q225-021

If you’re considering borrowing student loans, you may be wondering if it’s possible to get a student loan without a credit history.

Yes, you can borrow a student loan with no credit history, and it’s possible to get student loans with no credit check. Federal student loans (except PLUS loans) don’t require a credit check.

Private lenders do, however, review an applicant’s credit history during the application process. Potential borrowers who don’t have a strong credit history may be able to add a cosigner to strengthen their application, but there are no guarantees.

Keep reading to learn more on getting a student loan with no credit history, including how it differs between federal and private student loans, and tips on building your credit score.

Federal vs Private Student Loans

Student loans fall into two general categories: federal (offered by the government) and private (offered by banks and other lenders). There are options under each category that range from different eligibility requirements to fixed vs. variable interest rates. Here’s a look at the differences between the two types of loans.

Types of Federal Student Loans

If you’re searching for “student loans, no credit check,” federal student loans (aside from PLUS loans) fit that description. Federal student loans are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and are based on education costs and your current financial situation, not your credit history.

The most desirable type of federal loan, the Direct Subsidized Loan, has relatively low fixed interest rates that are set each year by the government.

Subsidization means that the government will pay for any interest that accrues on the loan while you’re in school at least half-time, as well as during your grace period and some deferral periods. Direct Subsidized Loans are awarded based on financial need and are only available to undergraduate students.

The other type of no-credit-required federal loan is the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. It also typically has low interest rates, but no subsidy means the interest starts to accrue as soon as the money is loaned, and borrowers are required to pay the interest that accrues. Unsubsidized loans are available to students at all levels of higher education and are therefore one of the most accessible types of student loans.

One advantage with both these types of federal student loans is repayment flexibility, including deferment, income-driven repayment plans, and forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness. If you’re trying to build your credit score, repayment options that could help keep you out of default are key.

Private Student Loans

Students also have the option of applying for private student loans, which are available through some banks, credit unions, or private lenders. The terms can be very different depending on the type of loan, whether you choose a fixed or variable interest rate, and your financial history — which includes things like your credit score.

If you have less-than-stellar credit, or not much of a credit history and income, you’ll likely need to apply with a cosigner, typically a family member or a close friend who guarantees to repay the loan in the event that you can’t. It’s important to choose a cosigner wisely. It should be someone with a solid financial history that you trust.

Recommended: A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans

Applying for Student Loans With FAFSA®

To start the federal student loan application process, fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Filling out the FAFSA is free, and it doesn’t commit you to any particular type of loan. The FAFSA is also the tool used by many schools to determine a student’s full financial aid award, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal student loans.

Applying for Private Student Loans

To get a private student loan, potential borrowers will apply directly with the private lender of their choosing. Each loan application may vary slightly by lender as will the terms and interest rates. Private student loans don’t have the same borrower protections that federal student loans offer, such as income-driven repayment plans or deferment or forbearance options. Therefore, they’re generally considered as a last resort, after all other sources of aid have been exhausted.

Parent PLUS Loans

Students aren’t the only ones who can apply for federal financial aid. Parents of undergrad students that are enrolled at least half-time can apply to receive aid on their behalf via the Parent PLUS Loan.

This is another type of unsubsidized federal loan, but it’s more restrictive in that both parents and children need to meet the minimum eligibility requirements. This type of federal student loan requires a credit check.

Like private loans, borrowers who don’t have optimal credit history may apply with a cosigner to guarantee a PLUS loan. And students are still typically able to seek additional unsubsidized loans for themselves to cover any gaps.

Tips for Building Credit

Entering college can be a smart time to start establishing credit. A borrower’s credit score could mean the difference between getting a good deal on a loan, or not getting a loan at all. Even a few points higher or lower might impact the interest rates a borrower may qualify for.

There are a number of sites that let you check your credit score for free and offer notifications if there are changes, so it’s easy to keep track of where you are.

The number that signifies “good” credit is between 670-739 for FICO Scores®. These scores are determined by factors such as the number of credit accounts a person has and how they are managed. One way to start building credit is to open some kind of credit account, and then make regular payments.

Paying bills on time, the credit mix you have, and your credit utilization ratio may all play a role in determining a credit score. While everyone’s circumstances are unique, try to make bill payments on time. Another general rule of thumb to aim for is to keep the credit utilization ratio under 30%.

Recommended: 10 Strategies for Building Credit Over Time

The Takeaway

Most federal student loans do not require a credit check and may be considered “no credit check” student loans. They are available to borrowers with no credit history. Parent PLUS Loans are one exception as they are federal student loans that do require a credit check.

Private student loans also require a credit check. Students with a limited credit history may have the option to apply with a cosigner if they are interested in borrowing a private student loan. As noted earlier, however, adding a cosigner does not necessarily guarantee approval for a loan.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Can I get a student loan if I have no credit history?

Yes, it’s possible. Most federal student loans, such as Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, do not require a credit check, making them accessible to students without established credit. However, private lenders typically assess credit history, so having no credit may necessitate a cosigner or result in higher interest rates.

Do federal student loans require a credit check?

Generally, no. Federal student loans like Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans do not require a credit check. However, Direct PLUS Loans, which are available to graduate students and parents, do require a credit check to determine eligibility.

How can I qualify for a private student loan without a cosigner?

Qualifying for a private student loan without a cosigner typically requires a good credit score and sufficient income. Some lenders may offer loans to students with limited credit history, but these often come with higher interest rates. Building credit through responsible financial habits can improve your chances of qualifying independently.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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.

SOISL-Q225-019