Do you need guidance to determine the best debt consolidation loans in the UK? From APR rates and eligibility requirements to repayment holidays & early settlement policies, we’ll compare them all so you can make an informed decision.
Debt Consolidation Loans
Are you stuck with credit card bills, loans, and other forms of debt? There are ways you can simplify your finances and make it easier to keep track of them.
How? By consolidating all your debts into one, using the best debt consolidation loans.
Debt consolidation loans offer more affordable repayment terms on your debts. Consolidation means placing all of your debts into one repayment, potentially over an extended period of time. By reducing all of your monthly repayments into one repayment it can help manage your debts and reduce interest charges.
Getting The Best Debt Consolidation Loans: A Step-by-Step Guide
Debt consolidation loans can be a great option but there are five steps you need to follow if you want the best possible results out of the consolidation process.
1. First, check your credit score and try to improve it as much as possible. This is key as better credit scores will make it easier to obtain better APR rates, eligibility and repayment holidays.
2. Then plan out how exactly you’ll use the loan with realistic goals.
Look at the debts you have across all of your creditors. You want to focus on the debts that have a high APR rate in order to save money on interest and to get rid of debt faster.
3. After that, compare different lenders’ offers by using a rate-shopping site. Some of the best loans are offered from banks such as Santander, HSBC, Natwest, Halifax, Barclays, Lloyds, RBS, and Nationwide. We cover the pros and cons of each later in the article.
4. Make sure to set up auto pay not only to protect yourself from late payments but also to build positive financial habits going forward. You do not want to begin defaulting on the repayments as this could worsen your financial situation.
Finding the Best Debt Consolidation Loan in the UK
Searching for a loan to consolidate your debt should be a manageable process. To make life easier, we’ve done the hard work of researching and comparing loans from major banks in the UK!
Knowing which banks have eligibility criteria that might pose problems is important before you start applying.
Santander, Halifax, and HSBC are open to applications from non-customers.
If you’re looking at Nationwide, NatWest, Barclays, Lloyds, or RBS, prepare yourself as these lenders tend to stick with stricter requirements.
At the time of posting this article, Santander is the only bank to require applicants to be over the age of 21. All of the other lenders allow applicants from 18 years and above.
The Best Consolidation Loan APR Rates
When taking out a loan, it pays to research and compare APR rates. Remember, a lot of the topline advertised APR rates are going to be reserved for the ‘best case scenario’. Few people will be able to get accepted onto these APR rates.
Banks across the UK offer competitive deals on loans ranging from £7,500 to £15,000. Nationwide, HSBC, Santander and Halifax are currently winning the race with interest rates.
Nationwide – 2.9%
Santander – 3.0%
HSBC – 3.3%
Halifax – 3.45%
Lloyds offers a slightly higher interest rate at 5.5%.
Most of these banks will cap their interest rate at 29.9%. Santander and Nationwide have slightly lower caps at 24.9%. HSBC offers an even better cap – its max rate is 21.9%.
The Best Consolidation Loan for Repayment Holidays
Need help to keep up with your loan repayments? Banks like RBS and NatWest offer a three-month holiday, allowing you some breathing room.
Lloyds goes one step further – they’ll give you two yearly repayment holidays. It’s the ideal solution for when money’s tight.
It’s important to note that you will need to be accepted onto a repayment holiday.
The Best Consolidation Loan for Early Settlement
Knowing what fees you will be charged is important if you can pay off your loan early. Most banks charge additional interest for early settlement. For example Lloyds will ask you to clear up to 58 days worth of interest in order to pay your loan off early
HSBC allows free early repayment making them the clear stand out bank for early repayment.
Remember, there is no “best” consolidation loan for everyone – it depends on your needs and circumstances. For personalised help finding the right loan, try partnering with a trusted service like Loans Warehouse. Start by filling out their short form to see what options are available to you.
Benefits of Debt Consolidation Loan
If the pressure of a mountain of debt is getting to you, a debt consolidation loan could be a good solution for you. A single monthly payment at a lower interest rate will help lighten your load and help with smaller repayments. Even boost your credit score if used responsibly. It’s a great tool to use if your debts pile up.
Risks of Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation seems like a great way to save money and reduce stress. However, it’s not always the best option, it depends on your personal circumstances. Taking out any debt consolidation loan could mean an initial hit to your credit score.
A debt consolidation loan might also keep you from being able to qualify for other loans in the future.
Additionally, depending on how exactly you choose to consolidate your debts, there is a potential risk of paying more interest overall. If stretching payments over a longer term leads to lower monthly repayments, then be aware this could also impact total cost in terms of extra long-term interest. Make sure you check what you’re currently due to pay vs the total cost of a debt consolidation loan.
Conclusion
Don’t let the idea of debt consolidation loans intimidate you. Using a loan from many trustworthy and reputable lenders can help guide you towards financial freedom.
If you’re ready to start your journey towards financial control consider debt consolidation a viable solution. Take action today and explore the possibilities of the best debt consolidation loans. Your finances will thank you.
