Debt Consolidation Options for 2026

Struggling with multiple debts? Compare your consolidation and relief options to find the path that saves you the most money and gets you debt-free faster.

$6,501
Avg. Credit Card Debt
22.8%
Avg. Credit Card APR
30-50%
Potential Savings
24-48 Mo
To Become Debt-Free

If you're struggling with multiple debts, debt consolidation could be your path to financial freedom. By combining multiple debts into a single payment, you can potentially lower your interest rate, reduce your monthly payment, and pay off debt faster. But depending on your situation, there may be an even more effective approach.

See How Much You Could Save

Get matched with debt relief options tailored to your situation. Most people with $10,000+ in debt could save significantly — often reducing what they owe by 30-50%. No commitment required.

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Compare Your Debt Consolidation Options

Most Popular

Debt Relief / Settlement

Negotiate with creditors to reduce the total amount you owe — often by 30-50%. Works well for people with $10K+ in unsecured debt.

No credit score minimum
Reduce total debt 30-50%
Confidential consultation
One monthly payment
Ideal for: $10K+ in unsecured debt, any credit score
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Takes 2 min

Debt Consolidation Loan

Combine multiple debts into one fixed-rate loan. You still pay the full amount, but at a potentially lower interest rate with one monthly payment.

Fixed monthly payments
Lower interest rate possible
Requires 680+ credit
Pay full amount owed
Ideal for: Good credit, wanting lower interest rate
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Confidential consultation

Debt Management Plan

Work with a nonprofit credit counseling agency to negotiate lower interest rates with creditors. You make one monthly payment to the agency.

Nonprofit counseling
Reduced interest rates
Takes 3-5 years
Must close credit cards
Ideal for: Moderate debt, wanting structured plan
Learn More

Confidential consultation

Balance Transfer Card

Transfer high-interest credit card balances to a new card with a 0% introductory APR period, typically 12-21 months.

0% intro APR period
Pay no interest for months
Requires good credit (700+)
3-5% transfer fee
Ideal for: Small balances you can pay off in 12-21 months
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Confidential consultation

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Which Option Is Right for You?

1

I have $10,000+ in credit card or unsecured debt

Debt relief could reduce what you owe by 30-50%

2

I'm struggling to make minimum payments

Get a consultation — you may have more options than you think

3

My credit score is below 680

→ Personal loans will have high rates. Debt relief doesn't require strong credit

4

I have good credit and want a lower interest rate

→ A consolidation loan or balance transfer may work — check your options

What Is Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation is the process of combining multiple debts into a single loan or payment. This can simplify your finances and potentially save you money if you qualify for a lower interest rate than what you're currently paying.

How It Works

  1. Assess your debt: Add up all your current debts, interest rates, and monthly payments.
  2. Compare your options: Look at consolidation loans, debt relief, balance transfers, and management plans.
  3. Apply or enroll: Once you've chosen the right path, complete the application process.
  4. Make one payment: Instead of juggling multiple payments, you'll make a single monthly payment.

Consolidation vs. Debt Relief: What's the Difference?

Debt consolidation combines your debts into one loan — you still pay the full amount owed, but ideally at a lower interest rate with one convenient payment.

Debt relief (settlement) negotiates with creditors to reduce the total amount you owe. This can result in significant savings (30-50%), but may impact your credit score during the process. It's typically suited for people with $10,000+ in unsecured debt who are experiencing financial hardship.

Not sure which is right? Get a consultation to explore your options with no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will debt consolidation hurt my credit score?

A personal loan or balance transfer typically causes a small, temporary dip due to the hard inquiry. However, if you make on-time payments and reduce your credit utilization, your score should improve over time. Debt settlement may have a larger temporary impact but leads to debt freedom faster.

How much can I save with debt consolidation?

Savings depend on your current interest rates and the option you choose. If you're paying 20%+ APR on credit cards and consolidate to a 10% loan, you could save thousands. Debt relief programs can potentially reduce what you owe by 30-50%.

How long does debt consolidation take?

Personal loan funding can happen in 1-7 days. Paying off consolidated debt typically takes 2-5 years. Debt settlement programs usually take 24-48 months.

What is the difference between debt consolidation and debt relief?

Consolidation combines debts into one loan at a lower rate — you pay 100% of what you owe. Relief (settlement) negotiates to reduce the total amount owed, often by 30-50%. Relief programs typically don't require strong credit to qualify.

Calculate Your Potential Savings

See how much you could save by consolidating your debt at a lower rate.

  • Most people save thousands in interest
  • Pay off debt years faster
  • One simple monthly payment

Debt Payoff Calculator

See how much you could save with debt consolidation

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Your Potential Savings

Time to Pay Off (Current)
78 months
Time to Pay Off (Consolidated)
48 months
Total Interest (Current)
$14,000
Total Interest (Consolidated)
$5,200
Your Potential Savings
$8,800
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