Best Types Of Loans to Pay Off Your Debt

Do you need to pay off your debt? Maybe you have outstanding student loans or a lot of credit card debt. It can feel very overwhelming and you want to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Find out the best ways types of loans to help you pay off your debt to help you get some piece of mind.

There are ways that you can pay off your debt from promissory notes to complex loans from institutions that have an interest rate, loan term, and default conditions attached. We break down some options to find out which type of loan would work best for your situation and to help you get out of debt.

Pay Off Debt on the calendar

If you need money to make life easier by paying off debt, it is good to be familiar with the kinds of loans that are available and the terms that can be expected. This article will address:

  • Secured loans
  • Unsecured loans
  • Borrowing from family or friends

Loan types vary by the specific intended use. They differ in the term of the loan, how the interest rate is calculated, when payments are due and some other key factors.


Consolidated Loans

Debt consolidation is one financial option. Debt consolidation combines unsecured debts, such as payday loans, personal loans, medical bills, and credit card debt into one bill. Instead of paying multiple creditors every month, the bills are consolidated into one payment paid each month. Debt consolidation eliminates mistakes that cause penalties due to incorrect amounts or late payments.

Consolidation loans are meant to simplify finances. Consolidation loans pay off all or several outstanding debts, especially credit card debt. There are fewer monthly payments, and interest rates are lower.

Consolidated loans are usually in the form of personal loans and second mortgages. A debt consolidation loan is not a quick fix. It is a long-term financial strategy to get out of debt. Properly executed, a debt consolidation loan can:

  • Lower interest rates
  • Lower monthly payments
  • Protect credit scores
  • Help get out of debt sooner

A debt consolidation loan allows the borrower to make one payment to a lender instead of several payments to several creditors. The loan carries a fixed interest rate, lower than what was being paid. The monthly payment is reduced, making debt easier to repay.

A debt consolidation loan is a favorite way to bundle various bills into a single payment that is financially easier to track. The drawbacks include a more extended repayment period and debt is not paid off as quickly. For those struggling to make payments, it is worth investigating.

The three wisest choices in debt consolidation loans are secured loans, unsecured loans, and loans from family or friends. Credit unions and banks are excellent places to inquire about debt consolidation loans. Online lending sites are also valuable resources.

How to consolidate bills

It is vital to know how to consolidate bills. List the debts to be combined and the monthly payments and interest rates. Knowing your credit score is helpful. Before making a decision, compare interest rates, fees, and terms of the loan.

A debt consolidation loan should reduce the interest rate, lower the monthly payment and be a practical means of eliminating debt.

Credit Card Debt Consolidation

How to consolidate credit cards debt.

The best strategy to consolidate credit card debt is applying for 0% interest balance transfer credit cards. This credit card is a form of an unsecured loan. 0% introductory rates are usually offered for six to 18 months.

All payments made during that time reduce the balance. Be watchful. The interest rate jumps from 13% to 27% on the balance that remains. There is typically a 3% transfer fee and some cards have an annual fee. Another strategy is to stop using credit cards and pay cash instead.

Personal Loans

As the term suggests, personal loans are personal. They can be used for any purpose. Often, there is no collateral required. That makes the loan an unsecured loan. They can be used to consolidate expenses such as credit card debt. Personal loans, especially those without collateral, require filing an application and verifying financial status.

Benefits of personal loans include:

  • Getting money faster
  • Does not require a bank
  • There are fixed monthly payments, length of repayment, and interest rates
  • Loans from $1,000 to $100,000 are available
  • Interest rates are lower than credit cards
  • Bank loans have possible interest rate discounts

Common types of personal loans used to pay off debt include:

  • Home equity loans
  • No credit/bad credit loans
  • Second chance loans
  • Loans from family and friends

Loans from Family and Friends

Young couple getting a loan from their parents

Friends and family can be a money source. It is recommended to draft a formal loan agreement to ensure the relationship does not sour. Borrowing from friends and family is the most personal borrowing strategy.

The decision needs to be thought through by both parties. The terms should be in written form. The contract should include the amount of the loan, the interest rate, and repayment terms. The lender’s recourse in the event of default should be spelled out.

A loan is not a gift. It comes with a promissory note and has to be reported on tax returns. The loan agreement should include an amortization schedule that spells out the interest and principal of each scheduled payment.

Secured vs. Unsecured Loans

There are drawbacks and benefits to secured and unsecured loans. Two questions must be answered. Do you have valuable collateral such as a vehicle or home? Are you willing to take the risk of losing the asset if payments are not made?

Answering yes to both questions makes taking advantage of secured loans feasible. A secured loan is easier to qualify for because of the collateral. A better interest rate is typically offered. Having a job is preferred but not always necessary when collateral backs the loan.

The benefit of unsecured loans is that assets are not at risk in case of default. Unsecured loans can be more easily dismissed if the borrower files bankruptcy. Collateral does not back most personal loans.

Lenders scrutinize credit history, income, and debt level before financing is approved. Credit history and rating determines the interest rate. Higher interest rates are charged on lower credit scores. Personal loans help pay off debt and rebuild credit without the assistance of a debt consolidation firm.


Finding the best loan to help you pay off your debt is not only a monetary decision, it is also a personal decision. Getting loans from family and friends can work if you treat it just as a loan from a bank. When you secure a loan from a bank you must take it very seriously as well. If you are late on your loan, your interest rate can change and your credit score could be negatively affected. Either way, compare the loan options to see which one has the best terms, so you can pay down your debt the fastest.