Is debt consolidation actually worth it for your situation? This calculator answers that with real numbers — not guesses. Enter up to 5 debts, then enter a consolidation loan offer. See your exact monthly savings, total interest saved, and how many months sooner you'll be debt-free.
Enter up to 5 debts simultaneously for full consolidation analysis
See precise dollar savings — monthly and lifetime
Calculate exactly how much sooner you'll be debt-free
Current debt path vs consolidation — visual comparison
| Debt Name | Balance ($) | APR (%) | Min Payment ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
Most people who consolidate credit card debt and then run those cards back up within 18 months end up in worse shape than before — they now have the consolidation loan payment AND new credit card balances. The calculator shows you the financial math of consolidation, but the behavioral math is equally important.
When consolidation reduces your monthly payment from $600 to $350, that "freed up" $250 must be kept out of lifestyle spending. The best strategy: automatically transfer the $250 to either an emergency fund or additional principal payment on the consolidation loan. Never let freed-up consolidation savings disappear into daily spending.
Debt consolidation saves money when you replace high-rate debts (like credit cards at 20%–30%) with a single lower-rate loan. Every percentage point you reduce your rate saves significant interest over the payoff period. The calculator above shows your exact savings based on your specific debts.
Personal loan consolidation typically requires 580+ credit score for most online lenders, 640+ for better rates. Credit union consolidation loans may accept lower scores. Debt management plans through nonprofit credit counselors (NFCC) require no minimum credit score. See our debt consolidation bad credit guide for all options.
The application causes a temporary hard inquiry (−5 to −10 points). Long term, consolidation typically helps credit by reducing credit utilization (paying off cards) and adding an installment loan to your mix. The key: don't run up the credit cards you consolidated, or your utilization — and score — will suffer.
Use the calculator above: enter all your current debts and your consolidation offer. If the total interest paid under the consolidation loan is less than the total interest on your current path, and the monthly payment fits your budget, consolidation is worth considering. Also factor in origination fees — they add to the financed amount.
Debt consolidation combines debts into one new loan — you pay the full balance. Debt settlement negotiates to pay less than the full balance (typically 40%–60%) but severely damages your credit score. Consolidation is better for people who can afford payments; settlement is a last resort before bankruptcy.
Our guide covers every debt consolidation lender for bad credit — CDFIs, credit unions, and online lenders.
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⚠ Disclaimer: Calculator results are estimates. Current debt payoff projections are simplified. Actual savings depend on your lender's exact terms and your payment behavior. Not financial advice. See our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.