REFINANCE STUDENT LOANS

Refinance on your terms, not theirs.

A special report from EducationData.org

Find out which of the two dozen lenders we investigated have the lowest refinancing rates and the most honest lending terms and conditions.

How to Refinance Your Student Loans

1

Make sure refinancing makes sense for YOU.

  • Know the drawbacks. Refinancing could mean losing certain federal protections, such as payment postponement options and access to federal loan forgiveness programs.
  • Understand your situation. If your finances have worsened since you originated the loan (i.e. loss of income, lower credit score, etc.), you may not qualify for better payment terms without a co-signer than you currently have.
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2

Check rates.

  • Use our rankings to create a list of lenders to apply to. The longer the list, the more options you’ll have.
  • Provide basic personal information to obtain quotes. Lenders can’t give specifics without knowing more about you.
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3

Review your options.

  • Read our in-depth reviews for each of the lenders that offer acceptable rates and terms. The devil is always in the details.
  • Decide on loan terms that work for you. Choose a fixed or variable rate, how long you want the repayment period to be and other term options provided.
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4

Choose a lender.

  • Complete the application. Provide additional documents and give permission for a hard credit check to allow the lender to provide final terms.
  • Wait for approval. If you’re denied, the lender must provide written notice explaining the reason for the rejection.
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5

Finalize the loan.

  • Sign the final documents. Once approved, sign to formally accept the loan. You’ll then have three days to back out if you get cold feet.
  • Continue existing payments until payoff. Keep making payments until your previous lender provides confirmation that their loan has been paid in full.
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Lenders & Refinance Rates

Below is a list of the lenders we researched and reviewed, sorted by lowest available fixed APR. Click on a lender’s name to learn more about our findings.

Note: the APRs below include any available discount, such as a 0.25% reduction for setting up automatic payments.

Lender Rating Fixed APR Variable APR
Lender Sparrow Rating B- Fixed APR 0.50% – 12.95% Variable APR 5.28% – 14.52%
Lender Yrefy Rating B- Fixed APR 1.0% – 6.0% Variable APR None
Lender SuperMoney Rating C+ Fixed APR 4.42%+ Variable APR 4.42%+
Lender Purefy Rating B+ Fixed APR 4.49% – 9.74% Variable APR 5.09% – 9.74%
Lender Brazos Rating A Fixed APR 4.75% – 7.24% Variable APR 5.34% – 9.39%
Lender Credible Rating A Fixed APR 4.75% – 11.83% Variable APR 5.28% – 14.52%
Lender Navy Federal Credit Union Rating C- Fixed APR
4.85% – 12.80%
Variable APR 6.48% – 14.03%
Lender Lend-Grow Rating C+ Fixed APR 4.90%+ Variable APR 5.28%+
Lender NaviRefi Rating F Fixed APR 5.19% – 9.99% Variable APR 5.84% – 10.00%
Lender Earnest Rating B- Fixed APR 5.19% – 9.99% Variable APR 5.99% – 9.99%
Lender Splash Financial Rating A- Fixed APR 5.19% – 10.49% Variable APR 5.99% – 10.49%
Lender SoFi Rating B Fixed APR 5.24% – 9.84% Variable APR 6.24% – 10.09%
Lender ELFI Rating A- Fixed APR 5.48% – 8.94% Variable APR 5.28% – 8.99%
Lender Advantage Rating A- Fixed APR 5.70% – 9.99% Variable APR None
Lender Laurel Road Rating A- Fixed APR 5.74% – 11.24% Variable APR 5.49% – 11.14%
Lender INvestEd Rating B- Fixed APR 5.85% – 9.89% Variable APR 8.40% – 12.27%
Lender iHelp (ZuntaFi) Rating D+ Fixed APR 5.94% – 11.93% Variable APR 8.55% – 9.78%
Lender EDvestinU Rating B- Fixed APR 6.00% – 9.62% Variable APR 8.06% – 10.06%
Lender SELF Refi Rating C+ Fixed APR 6.00% – 7.00% Variable APR 7.90% – 9.15%
Lender MEFA Rating B- Fixed APR 6.20% – 8.99% Variable APR None
Lender RISLA Rating A+ Fixed APR 6.34% – 9.24% Variable APR None
Lender UW Credit Union Rating B+ Fixed APR 6.39%+ Variable APR 7.00%+
Lender ISL Rating C+ Fixed APR 6.93% – 11.83% Variable APR None
Lender Citizens Bank Rating C+ Fixed APR 6.99% – 10.99% Variable APR 7.29% – 12.44%
Lender BECU Rating C- Fixed APR 6.99% – 11.74% Variable APR None
Lender College Ave Rating B Fixed APR 6.99% – 14.24% Variable APR 6.99% – 14.24%
Lender PNC Bank Rating D- Fixed APR 6.99% – 14.44% Variable APR 7.89% – 15.49%
Lender Nelnet Bank Rating D Fixed APR 7.12% – 11.19% Variable APR 7.62% – 14.52%
Lender PenFed Credit Union Rating B Fixed APR 7.74% – 9.93% Variable APR None
Lender LendKey Rating A- Fixed APR 8.11% – 12.18% Variable APR None
Lender First Tech Federal Rating C Fixed APR 8.60%+ Variable APR None
Lender Mpower Financial Rating A- Fixed APR 12.23% – 12.48% Variable APR None

Advantage

Our Rating: A-
Rating: A-
Loan Limits: $7,500 – $200,000+*
Fixed Rates: 5.70% – 9.99%
Variable Rates: None
Terms: 10, 15 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Misc. Restrictions: Service availability may vary by location
Apply Link

*Borrowers need special approval to refinance more than $200,000 in student loans.

Advantage has very user-friendly policies but did not merit our top score due in part to a lengthy minimum loan term and an uptick in negative user feedback for its parent company, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has logged a steady increase in complaints from KHEAA customers over the last few years.

Advantage may be a good lender for borrowers who struggle financially. Relief options include graduated repayment, loan rehabilitation services, and discretionary financial hardship forbearance. Advantage is also one of the only lenders to truly charge zero fees, with no fees hidden in contract disclosures.

For more information on Advantage, read our full review.

BECU

Our Rating: C-
Rating: C-
Loan Limits: $10,000 – $125,000
Fixed Rates: 6.99% – 11.74%
Variable Rates: None
Terms: 5, 10 or 15 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Misc. Restrictions: Borrowers must be(come) BECU members
Apply Link

BECU is an established credit union, but fixed rates are among the industry’s highest. Refinancing requires a relatively high debt minimum. BECU’s website is sparse with details, offering little incentive for interest rates. Elsewhere online, few consumer reviews are available. Finally, consumer complaints have risen steadily in the past five years, with a sudden 63% jump in 2020 (and subsequent 9.7% increase in 2021).

For more information on BECU, read our full review.

Brazos

Our Rating: A
Rating: A
Loan Limits: $10,000 – $400,000
Fixed Rates: 4.75% – 7.24%
Variable Rates: 5.34% – 9.39% (9.90% Cap)
Terms: 5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: 720 (690 with co-signer)
Misc. Restrictions: For Texas residents only
Apply Link

Brazos is a nonprofit direct lender with some of the lowest rates available. Refinancing with Brazos includes repayment options for borrowers who experience financial hardship. Brazos is one of the few refinance lenders to accept applications from nonresidents (with co-signer; only certain visas qualify).

Specializing in education loans, Brazos garners consistent positive feedback from industry professionals, consumers, and former employees. Unfortunately, co-signer release is unavailable.

For more information on Brazos, read our full review.

Citizens Bank

Our Rating: C+
Rating: C+
Loan Limits: $10,000 – $750,000
Fixed Rates: 6.99% – 10.99%
Variable Rates: 7.29% – 12.44% (21.00% Cap*)
Terms: 5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Apply Link

*The variable rate cap is the greater of 21.00% or Prime Rate plus 9.00%.

Citizens Bank is part of Citizens Financial Group, a $180 billion company; its large size may excuse the high rate of complaints filed with the CFPB. User experience varies significantly and seems dependent on interactions with individual customer service representatives; some borrowers report exceptional experiences with knowledgeable staff while many complaints recount frustrating interactions with agents unwilling or unable to answer fundamental questions.

Citizens Bank earned extra points for accepting refinance applications from nongraduates and nonresidents (each with certain restrictions) and for its policy offering post-active duty deferment for members of the military.

For more information on Citizens Bank, read our full review.

College Ave

Our Rating: B
Rating: B
Loan Limits: $5,000 – $300,000
Fixed Rates: 6.99% – 14.24%
Variable Rates: 6.99% – 14.24% (25.00% Cap)
Terms: 5 to 15 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Misc. Restrictions: Unavailable in Maine
Apply Link

Overall, College Ave is an average lender and loan processor with some exceptional offerings, including excellent customer service according to consumer reviews. Refinance borrowers have a wide range of term options, and applicant requirements are very reasonable.

For more information on College Ave, read our full review.

Credible

Our Rating: A
Rating: A
Loan Limits: $5,000+
Fixed Rates: 4.75% – 11.83%
Variable Rates: 5.28% – 14.52% (25.00% Cap)
Terms: 5 to 20 years
Min. Credit Score: 670 (lowest disclosed)
Apply Link

Credible Operations, Inc. or Credible Labs, Inc. may be the best-known marketplace lender. It may also be one of the most transparent. Credible operates under 21st Century Fox, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

Credible does not originate loans. Instead, it acts as a third-party aggregator that allows student borrowers to compare rates and terms from multiple private lenders with one application.

For more information on Credible, read our full review.

Earnest

Our Rating: B-
Rating: B-
Loan Limits: $5,000 – $500,000
Fixed Rates: 5.19% – 9.99%
Variable Rates: 5.99% – 9.99% (11.95% Cap)
Terms: 60 – 240 months
Min. Credit Score: 650
Misc. Restrictions: Service availability varies by state
Apply Link

Earnest would likely be an A+ lender were it not for a 2017 acquisition by Navient Corporation and the subsequent uptick in consumer complaints. Despite this, Earnest remains a merit-based, data-driven direct lender and a favorite among industry experts.

Some of Earnest’s exceptional offerings include flexible applicant requirements and options for debt relief, such as temporary hardship forbearance that includes unpaid maternity/paternity leave. Note that Earnest has not been implicated in ongoing lawsuits against parent company Navient alleging violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

For more information on Earnest, read our full review.

EDvestinU

Our Rating: B-
Rating: B-
Loan Limits: $7,500 – $200,000
Fixed Rates: 6.00% – 9.62%
Variable Rates: 9.06% – 10.06% (21.00% Cap)
Terms: 5, 10, 15 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: 700 (without co-signer)
Apply Link

EDvestinU® is reputable as a nonprofit direct lender and a subsidiary of Granite Edvance (formerly the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation).

EDvestinU has no degree requirement and caters to New Hampshire residents and students who attend(ed) New Hampshire institutions may. While it is not available in all 50 states, EDvestinU is availabile in Puerto Rico.

For more information on EDvestinU, read our full review.

ELFI

Our Rating: A-
Rating: A-
Loan Limits: $15,000+
Fixed Rates: 5.48% – 8.94%
Variable Rates: 5.28% – 8.99% (9.95% Cap)
Terms: 5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: 680
Apply Link

ELFI is an online-only student loan refinancing program through SouthEast Bank, a locally-owned financial servicer in Farragut, Tennessee. ELFI has low rates and average requirements to qualify for refinancing, such as a bachelor’s degree and a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or lower. The only conditions borrowers may take issue with are the relatively high standard fees and lack of co-signer release.

For more information on ELFI, read our full review.

First Tech Federal

Our Rating: C
Rating: C
Loan Limits: $5,000 – $500,000
Fixed Rates: 8.60% – Undisclosed
Variable Rates: None
Balloon Rates: 9.40% – Undisclosed
Interest-Only Rates: 9.40% – Undisclosed
Terms: 5, 7, 10 or 15 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Misc. Restrictions: Borrowers must be(come) First Tech credit union members
Apply Link

First Tech Federal discloses neither credit nor graduation requirements, and the website refers to additional unspecified requirements.

While First Tech offers refinancing options most lenders do not – including loan options with balloon payments or 1- to 10-year interest-only periods – this credit union charges some hidden fees.

For more information on First Tech, read our full review.

iHelp

Our Rating: D+
Rating: D+
Loan Limits: $10,000 – $250,000
Fixed Rates: 5.94% – 11.93%
Variable Rates: 8.55% – 9.78%
Terms: 5, 8, 12 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Apply Link

iHelp offers a fixed-hybrid rate and income-based repayment plan (via ZuntaFi). Aside from these options, this lender is underwhelming. iHelp charges excessive fees, including a collection fee of up to 25% of the principal balance.

With uncapped variable rates that are only available on 20-year loans, iHelp appears to benefit financial institutions to the detriment of the borrower.

For more information on iHelp, read our full review.

INvestEd

Our Rating: B-
Rating: B-
Loan Limits: $5,000 – $250,000
Fixed Rates: 5.85% – 9.89%
Variable Rates: 8.40% – 12.27% (18.00% Cap)
Terms: 5, 10, 15 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: 670 (without co-signer)
Misc. Restrictions: Exclusive to residents of Indiana and Indiana alumni.
Apply Link

While lender marketplaces are typically founded as private companies, INvestEd is the commercial name for Indiana Secondary Market for Education Loans, Inc., a public, nonprofit organization. All INvestEd loans are serviced by American Education Services (AES)* and backed by First Merchant Bank.

INvestEd services are available only to residents of Indiana and student borrowers who have attended an Indiana University.

For more information on INvestEd, read our full review.

ISL

Our Rating: C+
Rating: C+
Loan Limits: $5,000 – $300,000
Fixed Rates: 6.93% – 11.83%
Variable Rates: None
Terms: 5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: 670
Apply Link

The Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation (ISLLC) does business as ISL Education Lending, a nonprofit direct lender. ISL offers special student loan refinance options, including in-school refinancing and 0% interest for a limited time to certain military members.

ISL’s loan servicer, Aspire, is the lender’s for-profit subsidiary.

For more information on ISL, read our full review.

Laurel Road

Our Rating: A-
Rating: A-
Loan Limits: $5,000+
Fixed Rates: 5.74% – 11.24%
Variable Rates: 5.49% – 11.14% (15.00% Cap)
Terms: 5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: 660
Apply Link

Laurel Road specializes in student loan refinancing and financial services for healthcare professionals, offering special rates and benefits to practicing medical professionals. Borrowers have the option to transfer debt from parent to child and apply for generous debt relief options, including reduced payments, deferment, or partial deferment.

Keycorp acquired Laurel Road in 2019. KeyBank services all refinance loans; refinancing is available in 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

For more information on Laurel Road, read our full review.

Lend-Grow

Our Rating: C+
Rating: C+
Loan Limits: $5,000 – $500,000
Fixed Rates: 4.90%+
Variable Rates: 5.38%+ (Undisclosed Cap)
Terms: 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years
Min. Credit Score: 680
Apply Link

Founded in February of 2019, Lend-Grow, Inc. is a private, Virginia-based company that bills its marketplace the best resource for borrowers to find small, local financial institutions. Lend-Grow partners with over 500 lenders, including “hyperlocal” and national lenders.

For more information on Lend-Grow, read our full review.

LendKey

Our Rating: A-
Rating: A-
Loan Limits: $5,000 – $300,000
Fixed Rates: 8.11% – 12.18%
Variable Rates: NA
Terms: 5 to 20 years
Min. Credit Score: 680
Apply Link

LendKey Technologies, Inc. matches borrowers with banks and credit unions from the local level to national financial institutions. Recently acquired by KeyBank, LendKey offers student loans, refinancing, and home improvement loans.

For more information on LendKey, read our full review.

MEFA

Our Rating: B-
Rating: B-
Loan Limits: $10,000+
Fixed Rates: 6.20% – 8.99%
Variable Rates: None
Terms: 7, 10 or 15 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Misc. Restrictions: Only refinances loans used to attend not-for-profit schools
Apply Link

Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority or MEFA is an established nonprofit creditor with some unique requirements. For example, MEFA only refinances loans that have been repaid on time for the previous 12 consecutive months. Furthermore, loans must have been used to attend a not-for-profit degree-granting institution.

MEFA deals solely in education loans. Eligibility requirements are reasonable, and a degree is not necessary.

For more information on MEFA, read our full review.

Mpower Financing

Our Rating: A-
Rating: A-
Loan Limits: $2,001 – $100,000
Fixed Rates: 12.23% – 12.48%
Variable Rates: None
Terms: 10 years
Min. Credit Score: None
Misc. Restrictions: Only refinances loans for international students and noncitizens
Apply Link

Mpower Financing (sometimes stylized as MPOWER) works with graduates who do not have citizenship but currently live in the United States. Mpower refinances international loans and accepts payments from foreign banks.

Applicants do not need a credit score; Mpower works with borrowers to build U.S. credit history.

For more information on Mpower, read our full review.

Our Rating: F
Rating: F
Loan Limits: $5,001 – $500,000
Fixed Rates: 5.19% – 9.99%
Variable Rates: 5.84% – 10.0% (Undisclosed Cap)
Terms: 5 to 20 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Misc. Restrictions: Unavailable in Nevada; variable rates are unavailable in some states.
Apply Link

NaviRefi is an invite-only refinancer for borrowers who either have student loans (parent loans are ineligible) from Navient Corporation or other current business with Navient. Refinancing includes undisclosed fees. Navient also fails to disclose a variable rate cap and certain eligibility requirements.

NaviRefi has not been implicated in ongoing lawsuits against parent company Navient Corporation and its subsidiaries Navient Solutions LLC and Pioneer Credit Recovery alleging violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

For more information on NaviRefi, read our full review.

Our Rating: C-
Rating: C-
Loan Limits: $7,500 – $175,000
Fixed Rates: 4.85% – 12.80%
Variable Rates: 6.48% – 14.03% (20.25% Cap)
Terms: 5, 10 or 15 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Misc. Restrictions: Borrowers must be(come) Navy Federal Credit Union members
Apply Link

Navy Federal Credit Union was recently charged and fined $28.5 million by the CFPB for violation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. In 2020, Navy Federal paid $25 million after a class-action lawsuit found that the institution improperly collected excess overdraft fees; checks went out in February 2021.

Navy Federal’s most redeeming quality is its range of options for parent borrowers. Parent borrowers may consolidate loans for multiple children or refinance before their student has graduated. Services are available in all 50 states, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

For more information on Navy Federal, read our full review.

Nelnet Bank

Our Rating: D
Rating: D
Loan Limits $5,000 – $500,000
Fixed Rates: 7.12% – 11.19%
Variable Rates: 7.62% – 14.52% (16.00% Cap)
Terms: 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years
Min. Credit Score: 680
Apply Link

Previously U-fi, Nelnet Bank is an online-only subsidiary of Nelnet, Inc. Nelnet Bank has not been explicitly implicated in any lawsuits involving Nelnet, Inc., although most ongoing litigation predates the bank’s November 2020 founding.

Few consumer reviews about Nelnet Bank are available, but Nelnet, Inc. is the subject of 10% of CFPB consumer complaints about student loan servicers. Nelnet Bank’s low interest rates and option to transfer debt from parent to child saved this refinance lender from a failing score.

For more information on Nelnet Bank, read our full review.

PenFed

Our Rating: B
Rating: B
Loan Limits: $7,500 – $500,000
Fixed Rates: 7.74% – 9.93%
Variable Rates: None
Terms: 5, 8, 12 or 15 years
Min. Credit Score: 676 (670 with co-signer)
Misc. Restrictions: Only available to U.S. citizens; borrowers must be(come) Pentagon Federal Credit Union members
Apply Link

Pentagon Federal Credit Union stands out due to its unique benefits. For example, spouses may transfer a debt balance or refinance jointly. PenFed offered variable rates until 7/1/2021; it is unclear if variable rates will become available again. Refinancing is only available to U.S. citizens.

For more information on PenFed, read our full review.

PNC Bank

Our Rating: D-
Rating: D-
Loan Limits: $10,000 – $200,000
Fixed Rates: 6.99% – 16.89%
Variable Rates: 7.89% – 17.89% (18.00% Cap)
Terms: 5, 10, 15 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Misc. Restrictions: Borrowers may not be current students at the time of refinancing
Apply Link

PNC Bank, one of the largest banks in the United States, processes and services its own Education Refinance Loan (PERL). While the PERL has no graduation requirement, degree-holders qualify for lower interest rates. Borrowers must display a steady income over the previous two (2) years. Borrowers may incur fees for late payments, and PNC Banks may sell or transfer a refinance loan to another institution at any time.

For more information on PNC Bank, read our full review.

Purefy

Our Rating: B+
Rating: B+
Loan Limits: $5,000+
Fixed Rates: 4.49% – 9.74%
Variable Rates: 5.09% – 9.74% (25.00% Cap)
Terms: 60 – 240 months
Min. Credit Score: 650 (minimum disclosed)
Misc. Restrictions: Borrowers who wish to originate a refinance loan with Purefy must be(come) members of PenFed
Apply Link

Purefy is a student loan marketplace with federal and private student and parent loan refinancing tools. Purefy originates student refinance loans in its partnership with Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed); Purefy-originated refinance loans allow borrowers to combine debt with a spouse or assume the debt of a parent.

This lender is best for borrowers who plan to refinance their student loans with PenFed but would also like to compare other rates. While Purefy has an inherent bias for PenFed as their loan servicer, it promotes multiple recommended student refinance lenders.

For more information on Purefy, read our full review.

RISLA

Our Rating: A+
Rating: A+
Loan Limits: $7,500 – $250,000
Fixed Rates: 6.34% – 9.24%
Variable Rates: None
Terms: 5, 10 or 15 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Apply Link

Rhode Island Student Loan Authority or RISLA is the non-profit financer behind the College Planning Center of Rhode Island. This lender offers low rates, unique borrower protections and comes highly recommended by financial analysts at major media outlets.

Borrowers who refinance with RISLA may apply for income-based repayment plans. Part-time students qualify for refinancing, and loans are serviced in-house. Stringent credit requirements and fees kept this lender from earning an A+.

For more information on RISLA, read our full review.

SELF Refi

Our Rating: C+
Rating: C+
Loan Limits: $10,000 – $150,000
Fixed Rates: 6.00% – 7.00%
Variable Rates: 7.90% – 9.15% (18.00% Cap)
Terms: 5, 10 or 15 years
Min. Credit Score: 700 (650 with co-signer)
Misc. Restrictions: For Minnesota residents only
Apply Link

SELF Refi is the Minnesota Office of Higher Education’s student loan refinance program. It is a decent lender with strict requirements. For example, refinance borrowers must maintain Minnesota residency. The program is only available to students; parent loans are ineligible.

SELF Refi offers the same starting rates and terms to all qualifying borrowers regardless of financial standing. They are also one of the few refinance lenders to advertise general COVID relief: from 3/13/2020 through 9/30/2020, SELF set all interest rates to 0% due to COVID-19.

For more information on SELF Refi, read our full review.

SoFi

Our Rating: B
Rating: B
Loan Limits: $5,000+
Fixed Rates: 5.24% – 9.84%
Variable Rates: 6.24% – 10.09% (13.95% Cap)
Terms: 5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Min. Credit Score: Unspecified
Apply Link

Social Finance, Inc. is an online-only finance corporation with some stand-out offerings that include transferring debt from parent to child and unemployment protection with job placement assistance.

SoFi is currently subject to a nationwide class-action lawsuit alleging lending discrimination. This is not to be confused with the 2018-19 Federal Trade Commission inquiry alleging SoFi misrepresented how much money consumers have saved or will save using its products. Because these legal issues both deal directly with SoFi’s lending programs, we advise potential borrowers to refinance with caution and keep a record of every communication with SoFi representatives.

For more information on SoFi, read our full review.

Sparrow

Our Rating: B-
Rating: B-
Loan Limits: $5,000 – $500,000
Fixed Rates: 0.50% – 12.95%
Variable Rates: 5.28% – 14.52% (25.00% Cap)
Terms: 60 – 240 months or 25 years
Min. Credit Score: 650
Apply Link

Sparrow is a student loan marketplace that allows applicants to compare rates under different conditions. For example, they may compare offers with an improved credit score, with a co-signer, and with a higher income. This service is free to borrowers, and more than one lender in Sparrow’s marketplace refinances loans for international students.

Founded in 2020, there is relatively little feedback from customers available on public forums. Sparrow’s role in refinancing is limited to the application period, however, so long-term customer experience is irrelevant.

For more information on Sparrow, read our full review.

Splash Financial

Our Rating: A-
Rating: A-
Loan Limits: $5,000+
Fixed Rates: 5.19% – 10.49%
Variable Rates: 5.99% – 10.49% (16.00% Cap)
Terms: 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20 or 25 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Apply Link

Founded in 2015, Splash Financial, Inc. is an education loan refinancing platform specializing in educational financing for medical and health professionals. Splash is an affiliate of LendULink, LLC.

For more information on Splash Financial, read our full review.

SuperMoney

Our Rating: C+
Rating: C+
Loan Limits: $5,000 – $300,000
Fixed Rates: 4.42%+
Variable Rates: 4.42%+
Terms: 3 to 20 years
Min. Credit Score: 660
Apply Link

SuperMoney LLC launched its student loan refinance lender marketplace in November of 2018. Though relatively small, early reviews are mostly positive. The company web site, however, lacks transparency; this is alarming considering the emphasis on corporate transparency both on the company’s web site and in its marketing.

For more information on SuperMoney, read our full review.

UW Credit Union

Our Rating: B+
Rating: B+
Loan Limits: $5,000+
Fixed Rates: 6.39%+
Variable Rates: 7.00%+ (15.00% cap)
Terms: 5, 7, 10 or 15 years
Min. Credit Score: Undisclosed
Misc. Restrictions: Borrowers must be(come) UW Credit Union members
Apply Link

The University of Wisconsin Credit Union offers a speedy turnaround; the refinance loan process takes 2-4 weeks from application to loan dispersal. Borrowers may apply for interest-only payments for the first two (2) years of the loan’s term. Membership is open to students, faculty, staff, and alumni (and their families) of Wisconsin’s massive public postsecondary system.

For more information on UW Credit Union, read our full review.

Yrefy

Our Rating: B-
Rating: B-
Loan Limits: $5,000 – $250,000
Fixed Rates: 1.0% – 6.0%
Variable Rates: None
Terms: 3 – 10 or 15 years
Min. Credit Score: None
Apply Link

Yrefy is one of the only lenders that will refinance defaulted loans. This lender offers income-based repayment and loan rehabilitation services, making it a good option for borrowers with distressed or delinquent loans.

For more information on Yrefy, read our full review.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently asked questions about student loan refinancing.

Refinancing a student loan means paying off that loan immediately with another loan from a separate lender. Borrowers may choose to refinance a single loan, or they may opt to pay off multiple loans at once. Refinancing student loans can be cost effective when borrowers are careful to choose the right terms and conditions for their economic needs. For reasons to refinance your student loans, read How to Choose the Right Loan Terms.

Consider refinancing any time you qualify for reduced interest rates. Successful refinancing is usually the outcome of a change in the borrower’s financial situation. For more about the best time to refinance, read Should I Refinance My Student Loans? and Why You May Not Qualify for the Best Refinance Rates.

Consolidation usually refers specifically to Federal Direct Loan Consolidation. It’s similar to the refinance process, but consolidation combines existing loans instead of taking out a whole new loan. Consolidating federal loans also retains certain borrower protections included with those loans.

Because refinancing means getting a new loan, refinancing a federal loan means losing federal protections. Such benefits include student loan forgiveness or discharge and temporary federal student debt relief such as the CARES Act of 2020. For more about what special protections are exclusive to federal loans, read Federal Student Loan Protections.

Yes. Partial student loan financing is an option for borrowers who have multiple loans with varying interest rates. If just one or two loans carry a high interest rate, it may not be cost effective to refinance all of them. It is also possible to consolidate federal loans and refinance private loans separately.

Yes. As you have more time to build a solid credit history, you may eventually qualify for an even lower rate. If your income increases significantly, you may also wish to shorten the term of your loan to pay it off quicker. For more about multiple refinance loans, read How Many Times Can You Refinance? and How to Lower Your Interest Rate.

The entire process usually takes a month or two, up to 120 days. For some lenders, prequalification takes a few minutes with their online application. Final qualification may take 1 to 3 business days. Once you receive your loan offer, you’ll have 30 days before it expires. If you accept the offer, you have 3 days to rescind. Refinance lenders say to expect your original loans to be paid off in 14-30 days. Lenders generally say the first repayment comes due after 30-45 days. With some refinance lenders, the first repayment due date is relative to the time of disbursement; for others, it depends on the date of origination.

To confirm your APR and offer terms, your lender will need to perform a hard credit inquiry. A hard credit pull is the type of credit pull that has the potential to damage your FICO score. Additionally, closing a line of credit has an impact on your score. While refinancing opens a new line of credit, paying off the initial loan(s) also closes one or more lines of credit. Thus, your score quickly “evens out.” For more about the impact refinancing may have on your credit score, read Does Refinancing Affect Your Credit Score?

Most lenders won’t refinance loans for someone who has declared bankruptcy. Declaring bankruptcy after refinancing will not necessarily eliminate the debt. In early 2020, a New York federal judge discharged over $200,000 in student loans for one borrower who declared bankruptcy. This is not standard, however.

Your refinance lender should send you several legal disclosures. Read these disclosures carefully and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities. If you still have concerns or there is anything you do not understand, it may be wise to meet with a third-party advisor. A financial professional may also alert you if anything in your loan contract seems suspicious.

You have a legal right to rescind or cancel your acceptance of the new loan within three (3) days of your initial acceptance. The Right to Rescind is part of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), which protects all consumer borrowers from predatory lenders. For more about how to use your right to rescind, read Right to Rescind a Refinance Loan.

In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission facilitated the repayment of more than $230 million to student borrowers who had been scammed. Recent investigations include:

  • Student Debt Doctor
  • Student Debt Relief Group
  • Strategic Student Solutions
  • Student Aid Center
  • Alliance Document Preparation
  • A1 DocPrep, Inc.

The Federal Trade Commission posts a complete list of people and companies banned from participating in debt relief businesses.

The FTC has distributed more than $1 million to the customers of a company that did business under multiple names, including American Student Loan Consolidators, BBND Marketing, and United Processing Center. Many companies do business under more than one name or change names when their services change. Multiple concurrent business names, however, may be designed to confuse clients and pass blame. Other signs include:

  • Asking for your Federal Student Aid or FSA ID password. No legitimate student loan servicer, even those working with the U.S. Department of Education, will ever ask for your FSA password. Do not share this information with any lender.
  • Excessive upfront fees. It’s normal for servicers to charge for their services, such as initiating a line of credit or paying off loans on your behalf. Dozens of monthly fees or one-time fees over $200, however, are not standard.
  • Promises of immediate loan forgiveness. Loan forgiveness in the event of death is an industry standard. Other than that, private companies rarely forgive loan debt. At least one legitimate nonprofit company offers the potential for loan forgiveness on student debt more than 25 years old. Student loan forgiveness for federal loans is possible but rare.

If you suspect a student loan debt relief scam, submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. You can also report the fraud to the Attorney General of your state.