Debt consolidation loans combine multiple and often high-interest rate loans into one loan. A major advantage of debt consolidation loans is that the repayment term is longer, which lowers the monthly payment amount. On the downside, borrowers pay more in interest charges. Some borrowers save money in interest, but this is provided that the interest rate on the consolidation loan is much lower than that on the original loans. Borrowers who have multiple high-interest loans, e.g. high-interest credit cards, benefit from a low-interest debt consolidation loan which saves them money. Borrowers who have a good credit rating benefit from consolidation even more because they are likely to get a lower rate of interest.
Borrowers who opt for debt consolidation loans make only one monthly payment, which simplifies their finances. They have one interest rate and one lender to deal with.
Having only one creditor is an obvious advantage because it is less stressful than dealing with many financial institutions. It is easier to keep track of payments and avoid late payments when borrowers deal with one creditor only.
Apart from paying more in the long run, there are other disadvantages of consolidation. It takes more time to become debt-free if a borrower chooses a longer repayment period. Persons who go for credit card debt consolidation are not allowed to make the minimum payment only. They will be required to make the same payment on a monthly basis. This is not convenient for persons who have seasonable or erratic earnings. A sudden loss of income (for example, unexpected job loss) may make debt consolidation a burden.
In many cases, consolidation requires offering some valuable asset (vehicle, house) as collateral. Creditors offer a lower rate of interest, but borrowers risk losing the asset offered as collateral. This is one of the major risks associated with consolidation loans. If some hardship occurs borrowers who are unable to keep up with payments may lose their homes. A home equity loan is a form of secured loan and credit cards are not. Borrowers who are unable to make payments will not have their home confiscated although their credit score is likely to suffer. It may be a good idea to apply for an unsecured loan because collateral is not required. Borrowers take less risk because they will not have their home confiscated on default. Lenders, on the other hand, offer higher interest rates because they take more risk.
There is always a risk that one’s application for a consolidation loan is rejected. This will reflect on their credit file, making it more difficult to apply for financing later on.
There are alternatives to debt consolidation, depending on the borrowers’ circumstances. Among them are debt settlement, declaring bankruptcy, and credit counseling.
This cashback credit cards guide is user-friendly resource, which can help you understand the credit consolidation in Toronto.
February 20th, 2012
Steven Barnes 


