Citizens Bank student loan consolidation can be a game-changer for borrowers overwhelmed by multiple loans.
By consolidating your loans with Citizens Bank, you can simplify your payments and potentially lower your interest rates.
Citizens Bank offers fixed and variable interest rates, with rates as low as 4.74% APR for a 10-year fixed rate loan.
This can lead to significant savings over the life of the loan, especially for borrowers with high-interest rates.
Why You Should
Consolidating your student loans with Citizens Bank can be a game-changer. You'll have one payment to one lender, once a month, which simplifies repayment and can save you money.
Lowering your interest rate and monthly payments is a major benefit. Interest rates do drop, and a good credit score can get you an attractive interest rate. For example, refinancing medical school debt can save you thousands of dollars, especially if you carry more than $100,000 in loans.
Having fewer loans to keep track of is a huge relief. The average borrower has seven loans and three loan servicer companies when they graduate. Consolidation means one check to one lender, once a month.
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Variable or fixed interest rates are another consideration. All federal loans are fixed rate, but private lenders can offer tempting variable rates of less than 3%. Just hope the economy doesn't go in the dump and your variable rates go through the roof.
Having a co-signer is a common scenario, but it can be a burden. By consolidating your loans, you can remove a co-signer and take full responsibility for your debt.
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Eligibility and Application
To be eligible for Citizens Bank student loan consolidation, you'll need to meet certain basic criteria. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a creditworthy citizen or permanent resident cosigner. International students can also apply with a cosigner.
You'll also need to be enrolled at least half-time in your program and have no previous student loan defaults. It's a good idea to check your credit score and income before applying to ensure you meet the requirements. If you're unsure, you can always reach out to Citizens Bank for more information.
To refinance with Citizens Bank, you'll need to meet their specific requirements. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a student loan, you'll need to meet some basic eligibility criteria. U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible, but international students can apply with a creditworthy citizen or permanent resident cosigner.
You'll also need to be enrolled at least half-time in your program. This is a requirement for most student loans.
No previous student loan defaults are allowed. This means you can't have any outstanding loans that you haven't been paying back.
Here's a quick rundown of the eligibility requirements:
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- International students with a creditworthy cosigner
- Enrolled at least half-time in a program
- No previous student loan defaults
Application Process
To apply for the program, you'll need to submit your application online through the official website. Make sure to have all required documents ready beforehand.
The application period typically starts in January and ends in March of each year. It's essential to check the website for specific dates and deadlines.
You'll need to provide a detailed resume, a personal statement, and at least two letters of recommendation. These documents should be uploaded to the online application portal.
The program accepts applications from international students who meet the eligibility criteria. Ensure you meet the language proficiency requirements, as stated in the eligibility section.
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the admissions committee. You can expect to receive a decision within 6-8 weeks after the application deadline.
Types of Loans and Plans
You're one of 44 million borrowers with outstanding student loan debt, and Citizens Bank can help with its federal student loan repayment plans. These plans give you up to 25 years to pay off the debt.
There are several repayment plans to choose from, tailored to your income and family size. You can even switch programs if your financial or family situation changes.
Citizens Bank also offers student loan refinancing, which can be a good option if you have a substantial amount of debt. The maximum amount you can refinance is up to $750,000, but you'll need at least $10,000 in debt to qualify.
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Types of
There are two primary types of educational loans that can be consolidated.
Federal and private loans are the two main types of educational loans, and they can be considered separately when thinking about consolidation.
Both federal and private loans may be eligible for consolidation, but it's essential to think of them independently.
Citizens Bank offers student loan refinance options, which can be a good choice for those looking to consolidate their loans.
You'll have the option to choose between two different APR structures when refinancing with Citizens Bank.
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Types of Offered
Citizens Bank offers a very high maximum amount of up to $750,000 for refinancing student loans.
If you have a substantial amount of student loan debt, you may be able to refinance here more easily than with other lenders, but keep in mind that the minimum refinance amount is $10,000.
You'll have the option to choose between two different types of APR structures when you enroll in Citizens Bank's student loan refinancing.
Citizens Bank student loan refinance offerings provide a flexible option for borrowers, allowing them to select the APR structure that best fits their needs.
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Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae offers five-, 10-, and 15-year repayment term lengths.
You can get four months of free study service from Chegg, which allows you to submit up to 20 questions monthly.
Sallie Mae allows multi-year approval, providing flexibility in their loan process.
Cosigned Credit-Based Undergraduate Ascent
Ascent offers seven, 12, and 20-year repayment lengths.
You may qualify for a 1% cash-back reward from Ascent that will be paid to you after graduation.
Citizens Bank is the only lender among Ascent that offers student loan refinancing.
International students can't take advantage of the multi-year approval feature offered by Citizens Bank.
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Rates & Fees
Citizens Bank's rates and fees are something to consider when consolidating your student loans. The rates on undergraduate student loans from Citizens Bank vary based on your loan amount, type, term, and repayment plan, with APR ranges of 5.50% - 16.12% variable and 3.99% - 15.61% fixed.
Variable rates are subject to change during repayment, while fixed-rate student loans will remain fixed during the life of the loan. Checking your rate with Citizens Bank will not affect your credit score, as they conduct a soft, not hard, credit inquiry.
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Citizens Bank won't charge origination fees, application fees, or prepayment penalties, but you may have to pay a late fee. The late payment fee is 5% of the overdue amount, and a returned payment fee is $15.00.
Here are the rates and fees for Citizens Bank refinance loans:
You can also get a discount for setting up auto-pay: 0.25% interest rate reduction. And, if you use a Citizens Bank account to auto-pay, you'll get an additional 0.25% interest rate reduction (for a total reduction of 0.50%).
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Repayment Options
If you're considering Citizens Bank for student loan consolidation, it's essential to understand your repayment options. You can choose from three repayment options: immediate, interest-only, and deferred.
The immediate repayment option requires you to pay your loan balance plus interest each month while in school and during a six-month grace period, resulting in the lowest overall cost. This option comes with the highest in-school payments.
For another approach, see: Does Interest Accrue While in School
The interest-only repayment option involves paying the loan's interest monthly while in school and during a six-month grace period, with moderate in-school payments. This option will still save you money in the long run, but it's not as cost-effective as the immediate repayment option.
Here are the key differences between the three repayment options:
Repayment Options
If you're paying off federal student loans, you're one of 44 million borrowers with outstanding student loan debt. You have up to 25 years to pay off the debt through the Direct Consolidation Loan Program, which offers several repayment plans tailored to your income and family size.
You can even switch programs if your financial or family situation changes. This flexibility is a huge relief for many borrowers.
Citizens Bank offers three repayment options on your student loans: immediate, interest-only, and deferred. Depending on your financial situation, you may prefer one option over the other.
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Immediate payments will have you paying your loan balance plus interest each month while in school and during a six-month grace period. This will result in the highest in-school payments but the lowest overall cost.
Interest-only payments will have you paying the loan's interest monthly while in school and during a six-month grace period. This will result in moderate in-school payments.
If you're having trouble making payments, Citizens Bank offers some relief options, including deferment and forbearance. To apply for these, you'll typically need to appeal to Firstmark Services, a division of Nelnet that services Citizens refinance loans.
Here are some conditions under which deferment or forbearance may be available:
Autopay Discounts
Autopay Discounts can save you money on your refinancing plan. If you have a savings or checking account with Citizens Bank, you can get a discount on your refinancing plan. You can also increase this discount when you enroll in autopay.
The discount comes in the form of a reduction in your monthly annual percentage rate (APR). Citizens Bank offers a 0.50% interest rate reduction for enrollment in automatic payments from a Citizens Bank account. This is in addition to the 0.25% interest rate reduction for setting up auto-pay.
Here are the details on autopay discounts:
By taking advantage of autopay discounts, you can save money on your refinancing plan and make your payments more manageable.
Features and Benefits
Citizens Bank student loan consolidation offers several benefits to borrowers. You can see if you'll qualify and what rate you'll get without a hard credit check, which is a huge advantage. This feature allows you to gauge your eligibility without affecting your credit score.
Citizens Bank also allows you to refinance parent PLUS loans in your name, which can be a game-changer for students who have taken out loans to support their parents' education expenses. This option can help you take control of your finances and make payments more manageable.
If you're a loyal customer of Citizens Bank, you can even get an additional 0.25% interest rate discount by enrolling in autopay. This discount can add up over time and save you money on your loan payments.
Borrowers who didn't complete their degrees can still take advantage of Citizens Bank's student loan refinance options. This is a great opportunity for students who had to drop out of college due to financial constraints or other reasons.
Here are some of the key features and benefits of Citizens Bank student loan consolidation:
Alternatives and Options
If you're considering Citizens Bank student loan consolidation, it's essential to understand the repayment options available to you. Citizens Bank offers three repayment options: immediate, interest-only, and deferred payments.
Immediate payments are the best option for those who can afford to pay their loan balance plus interest each month, which will result in the lowest overall cost.
Interest-only payments are a good alternative, as they allow you to pay only the interest on your loan while in school and during a six-month grace period, with moderate in-school payments.
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Deferred payments can lead to higher overall costs due to interest accrual and capitalization, making it the most expensive option.
Here are the key differences between the repayment options:
Consolidation vs
Consolidation vs refinancing is a crucial distinction to understand when it comes to managing your student loans. Consolidation combines multiple lenders into one loan, which can simplify repayment, but may not lower your payments.
There are nine student loan servicers, and many borrowers deal with several of them, making consolidation a practical solution. However, the interest rate on Direct Consolidation Loans is the weighted average of all loans rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of 1%.
Private lenders, on the other hand, can offer lower interest rates by considering factors like your credit score and income. They can also consolidate federal and private loans, which is not allowed by the Direct Consolidation Loan program.
In contrast, refinancing should only be done if it lowers your interest rate.
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Alternatives
If you're looking for alternatives, consider using public transportation as a cost-effective option, with fares ranging from $2 to $6 per ride.
One alternative to car ownership is car-sharing services, which can be cheaper than owning a car outright. Many cities also offer bike-sharing programs for a monthly fee.
You can also consider walkability as a viable alternative to driving, with benefits including reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. Walking is also a great way to get some exercise.
Some cities have implemented congestion pricing, which can help reduce traffic congestion and generate revenue for public transportation. This can be a more efficient alternative to traditional traffic management methods.
Another alternative to car ownership is to use ride-hailing services, which can be more affordable than owning a car, especially for short trips.
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Current Promotions
If you're looking to save money on your loans, take a closer look at the current promotions being offered. Citizens Bank offers a 0.50% total rate reduction for enrolling in automatic payments and linking a Citizens Bank account to autopay.
You can also check if you're eligible for any special promotions. For example, employees may be able to get a $500 gift card when refinancing over $40,000 in student loans.
Not Ideal for Small Debts
If you have smaller debts, refinancing with Citizens Bank might not be the best option. They require a minimum total student loan debt of $10,000.
Other lenders may have lower minimum debt requirements, making them a better fit for those with smaller debts. Earnest, for example, can refinance student loan debts over $5,000.
Reviews and Ratings
Citizens Bank student loans have a 6-month grace period extension available, which can be a huge relief for students who need some extra time to pay off their loans after graduation.
For existing Citizens Bank customers, there's a loyalty discount that can help lower interest rates. This is a great perk for students who already have an account with the bank.
International students with a qualifying co-signer may find Citizens Bank's private student loans to be a good option. Additionally, students with a qualifying Citizens Bank account can receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount.
If you're attending a community college or taking a certificate course, Citizens Bank may not be the best choice, as they only offer loans for bachelor's degrees or higher.
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Online Reviews
Online reviews play a crucial role in shaping public opinion about products and services. A whopping 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Reviews often contain valuable information about a product's quality, durability, and performance. For instance, a review of a smartphone might mention its battery life, camera quality, and user interface.
Consumers are more likely to trust reviews from people with similar interests and demographics. This is why reviews from experts, influencers, or enthusiasts in a particular niche can be particularly persuasive.
A single negative review can deter 22% of potential customers from making a purchase. On the other hand, a single positive review can increase sales by up to 10%.
Full Review
Citizens Bank offers two refinancing options for student loans and Parent PLUS loans, making it a solid choice for students who are financially stable but didn't graduate.
Both refinancing options are good for existing Citizens customers, who can get a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount for having a qualifying account with the bank. This discount can be a significant savings over time.
Citizens' process is more complex than with other lenders, especially for students who want to take over their parents' loans. Your parent needs to refinance first with you as a co-signer, then you can apply to refinance on your own.
Citizens Bank is not a good option if you're attending a community college or taking a certificate course at a four-year school. Students must be pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher to qualify.
Here are some key benefits of refinancing with Citizens Bank:
- Six-month grace period extension is available.
- Loyalty discount for existing Citizens Bank customers.
- Multiyear loan approval is available.
Variable rates are based on the 30-Day SOFR rate, which means that as the SOFR changes, your variable rate will change correspondingly. The variable rate cap is the greater of 21.00% or Prime Rate plus 9.00%.
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Ratings Methodology
We survey over 29 banks, credit unions, and online lenders to determine our ratings. This includes top lenders by market share and online search volume, as well as those serving specialty or nontraditional markets.
Our methodology considers 40 features and data points for each financial institution. This includes factors like minimum credit score and income requirement disclosures, availability of biweekly payments through autopay, and in-house customer service.
We evaluate lenders based on their availability to borrowers in all states, extended grace periods, and more. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of each lender's offerings.
Ratings are represented by stars, with one star indicating poor performance and five stars indicating excellent performance. Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star for simplicity.
Our ratings are the result of a thorough survey and evaluation process. We strive to provide accurate and reliable information to help borrowers make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does student loan consolidation hurt your credit?
Consolidating federal loans may temporarily lower your credit score due to a change in credit account age, but it can also improve your credit by securing a lower payment and unlocking benefits. The impact on your credit is generally minimal and may be worth it for the long-term benefits.
Sources
- https://www.debt.org/students/loan-consolidation/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/student-loans/citizens-bank-student-loans-review
- https://educationdata.org/citizens-bank-student-loan-refinance-review
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/loans/student-loans/citizens-bank-student-loans
- https://money.com/citizens-bank-student-loan-refinance-review/
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