The Basics Of Refinancing Student Loans

By Charles Gloson

On the surface, refinancing student loans seems easy enough. But you have to focus on the details so that the whole process doesn't end up too complicated for you to understand. If you want to refinance your student loans, you should get to know some tips before you actually refinance.

There are two kinds of student loans, namely private and federal. If you want to refinance your loans, you have to know the nature of your outstanding loans. Usually, federal loans have lower interest rates than private loans. Before you decide on consolidating your loans, be sure to know how much money you save in doing so as compared to paying your loans separately.

Refinancing your student loans means borrowing money from a lender. Similar to all other types of loan, the lender will look into your credit history to know if you pose a risk to them in case they grant you your loan. Therefore, it is very necessary that you improve your credit standing months before you apply for refinancing. Aside from eligibility, some of the things you can get with a great credit history are competitive interest rates and reduction of fees.

Interest rates on federal loans change once a year, usually on the first of July. If you are wary of getting a higher interest rate for your loan once the change occurs, avail of one before this period. Different lenders have different requirements and criteria to be met before becoming eligible for refinancing. It is to your advantage that you know these requirements before applying so that you don't waste your time applying only to be ineligible in the end.

Just as you had taken student loans in the past, refinancing them holds the same kind of responsibility for you as the borrower. You need to understand every word of the agreement with your lender so that you are protected against any unpleasant surprises with regards to fees and other dues. If you can lower the payment of your student loans through other means, think really hard before signing a refinancing agreement with your lender.

Most lenders also have discounts and incentive programs for well-paying borrowers. You can take advantage of this if you are an early payer, have enrolled your account in a direct debit plan, or make on time payments. Combined, the rate discount that these incentives provide you can total to a full 1 percent or even more.

Yes, refinancing student loans can be complicated but it doesn't have to be. By simply remembering these things, you can go through the entire process in a very easy way. Don't hesitate to ask your lender for any other question you may still have.

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