Can I still use my credit card after debt consolidation? (2024)

FAQs

Can I still use my credit card after debt consolidation? ›

The short answer is Yes, people are generally allowed to use their credit cards after debt consolidation as it does not typically involve closing credit card accounts.

If a credit card account remains open after you've paid it off through debt consolidation, you can still use it. However, running up another balance could make it difficult to pay off your debt consolidation account.

Debt consolidation itself doesn't show up on your credit reports, but any new loans or credit card accounts you open to consolidate your debt will. Most accounts will show up for 10 years after you close them, and any missed payments will show up for seven years from the date you missed the payment.

According to USA Today, the average American household carries about $7,951 in credit card debt in a year. Paying off your credit card, whether it's with a debt consolidation loan or not, does not actually cancel the card. While it does bring your balance down to zero, the card will still be open and active.

Don't be without using credit in your rebuilding period: Even if you have just had a credit card settlement, use your credit card within 30% of your credit card limit in the rebuilding period. Open a new credit card account with a low balance and pay off your dues and bills correctly.

Although you may be approved for a loan, the interest rates offered to you will likely be high and may negate the savings you hoped to achieve by consolidating your debt.

Debt consolidation will only hurt your credit if you can't afford your new payments and fall behind or miss them completely.

Nearly 70% of consumers who consolidated debt saw their credit scores improve by more than 20 points, the analysis found. Those with a VantageScore under 720 saw the biggest improvement. VantageScores range from 300 to 850. “Consumers with credit card debt often have to juggle multiple payments on several cards.

Summary: Ultimately, it's better to pay off a debt in full than settle. This will look better on your credit report and help you avoid a lawsuit. If you can't afford to pay off your debt fully, debt settlement is still a good option.

What is the minimum credit score for debt consolidation loan? ›

Every lender sets its own guidelines when it comes to minimum credit score requirements for debt consolidation loans. However, it's likely lenders will require a minimum score between 580 and 680.

Taking out a debt consolidation loan can help put you on a faster track to total payoff and may help you save money in interest by paying down the balance faster. This is especially true if you have significant credit card debt you carry from month to month.

5 As we mentioned already, getting a lower monthly payment on a personal debt consolidation loan can lower your DTI and make it easier to qualify for a mortgage. However, the opposite is also true, and a debt consolidation loan with a higher monthly payment could make qualifying more difficult.

There is a high probability that you will be affected for a couple of months or even years after settling your debts. However, a debt settlement does not mean that your life needs to stop. You can begin rebuilding your credit score little by little. Your credit score will usually take between 6-24 months to improve.

You can either initiate this negotiation on your own or work with a debt settlement company. Once you reach an agreement, you make a lump sum payment to the credit card company, and they close your account.

While settling your debt may be a huge relief, you need to be prepared to pay taxes on the amount settled. Depending on the type of debt, your creditor may send you a 1099-C cancellation of debt tax notice. This information will be reported to the IRS, and you'll need to report it as "other income" on your tax return.

Is it a good idea to consolidate credit cards? Consolidate your debt if you can get a better interest rate and/or it will help you make payments on time. Just make sure this consolidation is part of a larger plan to get out of debt and you don't run up new balances on the cards you've consolidated.

A debt management plan (DMP) isn't legally binding, so you can cancel it if you feel it isn't working for you. However, you may not get a refund of your fees and you'll need to make sure you have another way of dealing with your debts.

Although you can obtain credit, it is important to know that it will be significantly more difficult to access due to the impact a DMP has on your credit file. This may mean that the options available are high interest options, that could leave you in a challenging position once more.