Important disclosure

Compare Debt Consolidation Loans in the UK

Do you currently have too many loans on your plate? Maybe you’re still paying off that new sedan from two years ago. Then you suddenly realise the minimum amount on your Paris holiday loan is due. And on top of all that, you’re also expecting the bill on your new kitchen showcase. Keeping up with loan payments left and right like that could leave you cross-eyed.

There’s a better way to manage all of those existing payments: debt consolidation loans. Simply put, you start a new loan for funds that’ll pay off all the other ones. From there, you only have to monitor payments of the one new loan. In fact, the monthly cost of the new loan might even come out cheaper. To see this for yourself, try our debt consolidation loan calculator below.

Terms from 1 to 10 years. Representative example: 5 year £10,000 loan with comparison rates from 2.8% to 49.9% APR would cost between £10,728 and £27,321, including fees. The interest can vary between £728 and £17,321.

How debt consolidation works

Loans for debt consolidation streamline all your ongoing payments into one loan. If you’re considering this option, start by calculating the total figure of all your existing loans. Feel free to include any:

  • Credit card debt – most credit cards run with exceedingly high APR’s
  • Store credit debt – many stores in the UK offer in-house financing through store cards
  • Car loans – covering all types of vehicle purchases, from sedans and vans to SUV’s
  • Personal loans – used across a wide range of purposes, such as home improvements and holiday trips
  • Bank overdrafts – borrowings against your bank account

The total estimate becomes the loan amount you apply for your debt consolidation loan. Once the lender approves your application, you can use the funds you receive to pay off the other individual loans.

As for the debt consolidation loan itself, this can be either secured or unsecured. A secured loan means you have to offer collateral, usually your home. Meanwhile, an unsecured loan doesn’t have security, so the lender relies only on your credit profile. If you’re not sure which type will work for you, you can consult your lender directly. You can also look through our comparison table here to compare debt consolidation loans.

Debt consolidation loan features

When shopping for loans to consolidate debt, keep in mind what the loan terms are. Not all lenders offer the same terms, so take your time in finding the best deal.

Below are what you should look out for in your loan search:

  • Loan amount – Try to minimise this only to the total amount of your ongoing debt. Any extra borrowings for other purposes may strain your budget.
  • Loan term – Consider shortening the time you need to pay off the loan. The longer you take, the higher the potential interest cost will be. In turn, you’ll lose out on savings from any lower interest rates.
  • APR – The annual percentage rate, which factors in the interest rate and any applicable setup fees of the lender. Check whether the APR on the debt consolidation loan will be lower than those of your other loans. Make sure as well to browse possible offers on introductory rates, and even 0% interest.
  • Monthly repayment – This is how much you need to set aside monthly for the loan repayments. Our debt consolidation loan calculator here can tell you how much this might be.
  • Security – This is an absolute requirement if you’re looking at secured loans.
  • Penalties – You may want to check how much the lender will charge on early full repayments and missed payments. It pays to be diligent in reading the fine print.

We recommend planning with the lender for a package that fits your personal and financial circumstances. This is how you can assure yourself that you’re getting the best debt consolidation loan. If you need help finding the right lender, visit our comparison table here.


 

Debt Consolidation loan calculator

Loan Amount

£20,000

Term

3 months

FCMB Bank

FCMB Bank personal loans

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
N/A
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£5,000
to £50,000
n/a
Hoares Bank

Hoares Bank personal loans

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
N/A
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£7,500
to £25,000
We offer mortgages, loans, arranged overdrafts, guarantees and indemnities in a wide range of currencies. The rate of interest payable depends on the individual circumstances of each customer and may be subject to change in the future.
Shawbrook Bank

Shawbrook Bank personal loans

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
N/A
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 84 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£1,000
to £30,000
As well as offering guaranteed rates, we give you the flexibility you need. We offer loans from £1,000 to £30,000 with loan terms from one to seven years.
thinkmoney

thinkmoney personal loans

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
N/A
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£100
to £25,000
We work with lenders to help you find a loan to suit your needs, whether you’re looking to buy a car, go on the holiday of a lifetime or get a gift for someone special.
Cahoot

Cahoot personal loans (7,500 - 20,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
2.80%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£7,500
to £20,000
You can apply online for a personal loan provided by Santander UK plc to help turn your plans into reality. Credit subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
MBNA

MBNA personal loans (7,500 - 25,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
2.80%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£7,500
to £25,000
You can choose how much money you want to borrow at a fixed rate, then choose over how long you want to pay it back. This will allow you to pay back your loan each month with an amount to suit your budget.
Sainsbury's Bank

Sainsbury's Bank personal loans (7,500 - 25,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
2.80%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£7,500
to £25,000
Planning a big event or purchase? Maybe you’re planning some home improvements or buying a new family car – it all adds up. You’ve come to the right place – a Sainsbury’s Bank Loan could be the answer.
TSB

TSB personal loans (7,500 - 25,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
2.80%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 84 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£7,500
to £25,000
Our 5 star rated loans help customers to borrow well. ? ? With loans from £1,000 to £25,000 (or £300* to £50,000 for TSB current account customers). Our lowest rate: 3.2% APR representative for loans between £7,500 and £25,000 for 1 - 5 years.
Nationwide

Nationwide personal loans (7,500 - 25,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
2.90%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£7,500
to £25,000
Paying off your debt using a Nationwide loan could give you the chance to take control of your finances.
Post Office Money

Post Office Money personal loans (15,000 - 25,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
2.90%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 84 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£15,000
to £25,000
Post Office Personal Loans are provided by Bank of Ireland UK. Post Office Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.
The AA

The AA personal loans (15,001 - 25,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
2.90%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 84 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£15,001
to £25,000
Personal loan with breakdown cover Loans from £1,000 to £25,000 with no arrangement or set-up fees. Provided by Bank of Ireland UK. AA Financial Services Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.
Tesco Bank

Tesco Bank personal loans (15,001 - 25,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.00%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 120 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£15,001
to £25,000
A loan from Tesco Bank could be a great way to fund a home improvement project, upgrade your car, or help to cover the cost of your wedding.
Virgin Money

Virgin Money personal loans (15,000 - 24,999)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.00%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 84 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£15,000
to £24,999
Special surprise or a serious buy we’ve got a loan you’ll love. A special occasion, a once-in-a-lifetime break, or a little more oomph in your home. Whatever you're leaning towards, you'll love our personal loan.
Yorkshire Bank

Yorkshire Bank personal loans (15,000 - 24,999)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.00%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 84 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£15,000
to £24,999
We've joined forces with Virgin Money and the team has been busy behind the scenes to bring the brands together and create one brilliant bank under the Virgin Money name
Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer personal loans (15,001 - 20,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.10%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 36 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£15,001
to £20,000
Repay your loan over a period of 12 to 84 months on loans between £1,000 and £20,000, or over a period of 12 to 60 months on loans between £20,001 and £25,000
Hitachi Finance

Hitachi Personal Finance personal loans (7,500 - 25,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.20%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
24 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£7,500
to £25,000
Award-winning Personal Loans Make it happen, Make it Hitachi Personal Finance
First Direct

First Direct personal loans (5,000 - 29,999)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.30%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 84 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£5,000
to £29,999
Make bigger purchases more manageable with a Personal Loan at 3.3% APR representative. Apply via the App or Online Banking and you could get the money in minutes.
Halifax

Halifax personal loans (7,500 - 24,999)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.50%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£7,500
to £24,999
Are you thinking of buying a new car, doing a spot of DIY or tidying up your borrowing but you are not sure how much to borrow? Use our loan calculator to help you.
Santander

Santander personal loans for £15,001-£20,000

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.50%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£15,001
to £20,000
You are eligible if you’re 21 or over and live in the UK permanently, you have a regular yearly income of £6,000+, you are able to make your repayments by Direct Debit, and you haven’t been declared bankrupt, had a CCJ or an IVA within the last 6 years. All credit is subject to status and credit checks.
Bank of Scotland

Bank of Scotland personal loans (7,500 - 24,999)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.90%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£7,500
to £24,999
Personal Loan rate of 3.9% APR representative on loans from £7,500 to £35,000 over 1 to 5 years
HSBC

HSBC personal loans (15,000 - 25,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.90%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 96 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£15,000
to £25,000
Make your plans a reality with a personal loan with fixed monthly payments, an instant credit decision, quick access to funds and no arrangement fee.
Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank personal loans

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.90%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£7,500
to £25,000
Log on to Internet Banking to see how much you could borrow and if you’re likely to be approved. This won't affect your credit score. 3.9% APR Representative on a Personal Loan between £7,500 and £25,000 over 1 to 5 years.
Metro Bank

Metro Bank personal loans

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
3.90%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
12 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£1,000
to £35,000
We’ve welcomed award-winning lender, RateSetter, into the Metro Bank family to bring our customers a personal loan that’s easy to apply for and simple to manage.
NatWest

NatWest personal loans (20,000 - 25,000)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
4.90%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
24 months
to 96 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£20,000
to £25,000
If you're thinking about changing your car, tidying up your finances or making some improvements to your home, a loan from us could be the helping hand you need.
RBS

RBS personal loans (20,000 - 2999)

EST Monthly Repayment
EST Monthly Repayment
4.90%
APR
EST Monthly Repayment
24 months
to 60 months
EST Monthly Repayment
£20,000
to £24,999
If you're thinking about changing your car, sprucing up your home or planning your dream wedding, a Royal Bank of Scotland loan could help get you there.
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Minimum and maximum loan periods vary between 1 month and 10 years. APR varies between 2.80% and 71.30% p.a. Total interest repayments vary between £435 and £1,019 over the life of the loan. *APR is based on an unsecured loan of R£15,000 for a term of 3 years. WARNING: This APR is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different APR. These rates can change without further notice. All rates quoted are per annum.

When to consider debt consolidation

Maybe you’re still on the fence about consolidating all your loans, and we understand. The truth is, there are scenarios where it’s ideal and scenarios where it isn’t. How do you know if you should go for it?

Debt consolidation is a wise choice if:

  • Keeping only one loan will help you track your payments better.
  • Your source of income is already steady, or you’re expecting additional income.
  • You can afford the monthly repayments of the new loan until the end of the term.
  • Interest on the new loan is lower than interest on all your other loans combined.
  • You’re using it as a tool to control all your spending habits.

However, debt consolidation will not work for you if:

  • You only have a few existing loans that you’re already tracking well.
  • You’re expecting a loss of income in the near future.
  • You’re struggling to maintain repayments on existing loans.
  • Interest on the new loan is higher than interest on all your other loans combined.
  • You’re using the new loan to get out of bankruptcy.

In any case, if you’re facing financial difficulty, you can seek advice from financial counselors. Even talking to your lender about your existing loans should benefit you. After all, the real goal here is financial well-being, whether or not that involves debt consolidation.

Applying for debt consolidation with bad credit

If your credit score has dropped recently, we feel you. Sometimes keeping up with loan payments can be hard if money is tied up elsewhere. This is especially true if you have many loans happening all at once.

Does this mean that borrowers with poor credit standing can never consolidate their loans? Of course not. That’s where debt consolidation loans for bad credit come in. Yes, there are lenders who provide this type of financing!

It’s important to note that you may receive stricter terms on your debt consolidation loan. These could be a smaller loan amount, a shorter loan term, or a higher APR. If you can improve your credit score, the lender can grant better terms for your loan. This is why a low credit score should not stop you from making timely loan repayments.

You should also expect the lender to require a guarantor here. Guarantors are borrowers who will pay off your loan for you in the event you can’t. They are usually close friends or family who have to sign the loan with you. The presence of a guarantor, however, does not relieve you of any financial responsibility. If the loan becomes unpaid, it’s your credit score that will still suffer.

The soft search

You might become conscious of your credit score while applying for debt consolidation loans. And rightly so, since too many loan applications at the same time can damage your score. One way you can protect your score while shopping for loans is through soft searches.

Many lenders in the UK offer a soft search option on their website. Here, you’ll need to provide basic information about yourself and your present financial circumstances. You’ll also need to fill in the terms of the loan that you want. Afterwards, based on your inputs, the lender shows you your chances of loan approval. The whole process itself doesn’t touch your credit score, and better informs your decision to apply. Furthermore, other lenders can’t see soft search results, so you can do as many as you like.

The only time your credit score may change is through the formal loan review. The lender will do a “hard search” of your profile, and the results will be visible to other lenders. Hence, you should already be sure of yourself before submitting any formal loan application.


Debt consolidation loan FAQs

Is a debt consolidation loan easy to get?

This would actually depend on your current credit score. The higher it is, the easier the loan approval will be. On the other hand, low credit scores may lengthen the application process. This is because the lender may ask additional questions, or ask for additional documents.

Does consolidating debt affect my credit score?

Yes it may, since the lender pulls up your report during the formal loan review. There will be a negative impact on your score especially if you have many ongoing applications. We recommend finishing loan applications one or a few at a time before starting any new ones.

Can I put all my debt into one payment?

Definitely! That’s the beauty of debt consolidation loans: to simplify tracking of loan payments.

How does a consolidation loan affect you?

Debt consolidation loans may have lower interest rates, which means more savings for you. Furthermore, if you’re able to make all loan payments on time, it can increase your credit score.

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