Best Debt Consolidation Loans in the Philippines

Last Updated – Apr 14, 2023 @ 9:41 am

It may be easy to deal with one loan payment, but what if you’re dealing with numerous loans with different creditors?

Trying to catch up with it would be a nightmare. Memorizing due dates or setting reminders on your phone only adds more stress to your life. And when you fall behind on these payments, your debt will become even larger. 

But there is a way out.

Debt consolidation loans can help you combine all of your debts into one manageable loan. 

Fortunately, there are many reputable lenders in the Philippines that offer debt consolidation loans to help you get back on track financially. If you want to know more about it, keep on reading.  

What is Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation is the process of taking out a new loan to pay off multiple existing debts. By consolidating your debts, you can simplify your finances and potentially save money on interest payments.

With a debt consolidation loan, you only have to make one payment each month to your debt consolidation lender instead of taking care of multiple payments. This can make it easier to keep track of your finances and reduce the stress of dealing with multiple creditors.

Related: Debt Management: How to Get out of Debt

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How Debt Consolidation Works

When you apply for a debt consolidation loan, the lender will review your credit history, income, and debt to determine your eligibility and interest rate (interest may also be fixed depending on the lender).

If you’re approved, the lender will pay off your existing debts and consolidate them into one loan with a single monthly payment.

The interest rate on a debt consolidation loan may be lower than the rates on your current debts, which can save you money over time.

Additionally, a debt consolidation loan may have a longer repayment term, which can lower your monthly payment and make it easier to budget your finances.

However, it’s important to note that debt consolidation loans aren’t a magic solution to your financial problems. You’ll still need to make consistent payments on time in order to pay off your debt and improve your credit score.

It’s also important to avoid taking out new loans or accumulating more debt while you’re paying off your consolidation loan.

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Pros & Cons of Debt Consolidation

Still not sure if debt consolidation is for you? Take a look at its pros and cons below.

Pros

Faster to pay off debt

When you apply for a debt consolidation loan, you’re essentially combining all your debts into one loan with a single monthly payment.

This can help you pay off your debt faster, as you can focus on making one payment each month instead of multiple payments to different lenders.

Simplified payments

Managing multiple payments to different lenders can be stressful and confusing. With a debt consolidation loan, you only have to make one payment each month to your lender.

This can simplify your finances and make it easier to keep track of your payments.

Low-interest rates

Debt consolidation loans may offer lower interest rates than your current debts. This can save you money over time compared to your existing loans.

Boosts your credit score in the long run

Consolidating your debts can also have a positive impact on your credit score. By paying off your existing debts with a debt consolidation loan, you’re showing creditors that you’re responsible with your finances.

As you make consistent payments on your consolidation loan, your credit score will gradually improve. Keep in mind that taking out a debt consolidation loan may affect your credit score negatively at first.

Cons

Potential fees

Some debt consolidation loans may come with fees, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties. It’s important to read the fine print and understand all fees associated with the loan before signing up.

Longer repayment term

While a longer repayment term can make your monthly payments more manageable, it may also mean that you’ll be paying more in interest over time.

It’s not a magic solution to debt

Although debt consolidation can simplify your finances and potentially save you money on interest payments, it’s important to remember that it’s not a magic solution to all of your financial problems.

If you have a history of overspending or poor financial management, debt consolidation may not be the best option for you.

Missing payments may drown you in debt

If you miss payments on your debt consolidation loan, you may find yourself drowning in even more debt.

Just like with any loan or debt, missing payments can result in late fees, penalties, and an increased interest rate. This can make it even harder to pay off your debt and may severely damage your credit score.

You may not be able to qualify for a lower rate

Despite the potential for lower interest rates with a debt consolidation loan, not everyone may qualify for this. Lenders will review your credit history and financial situation to determine your eligibility and interest rate.

If you have a poor credit history or a high debt-to-income ratio, you may not qualify for a lower rate and your consolidation loan may end up costing you more in the long run.

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Factors to Consider Before Getting Debt Consolidation

Here are some things to keep in mind before deciding if debt consolidation is right for you.

It’s a good option if you’re dealing with tons of monthly debt payments

If you’re struggling to keep up with multiple debt payments each month, debt consolidation may be a good option for you.

By combining all of your debts into one loan, you can simplify your payments and reduce the stress of dealing with multiple creditors.

You should have a steady income

Before applying for a debt consolidation loan, it’s important to assess your financial situation and make sure that you have a steady income.

You’ll need to make consistent payments on your consolidation loan, so it’s crucial to make sure that you have the funds to cover your monthly payments.

It’s a great solution if you’re burdened with high interest debts

If you’re currently dealing with high interest debts such as credit card debt, debt consolidation may be a great solution for you.

By consolidating your debts with a lower interest rate loan, you can potentially save thousands of pesos in interest payments over time.

You should have a good credit standing

Your credit history and score will play a significant role in your ability to qualify for a debt consolidation loan with favorable terms.

If you have a poor credit score or a history of missed or late payments, you may not be eligible for lower interest rates or favorable repayment terms.

Not only that, but taking a debt consolidation loan will negatively affect your credit score for a limited time.

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Debt Consolidation Options in the Philippines

Take a look at your options for debt consolidation in the Philippines. 

Banks and financial institutions 

Most banks and financial institutions in the Philippines offer debt consolidation loans as a way to help consumers manage their debts.

Among all lenders, this usually has a lower interest rate and more flexible repayment terms. 

Related: How to Get a Bank Loan in the Philippines

Non-bank financial institutions 

Apart from banks, there are also non-bank financial institutions that offer debt consolidation loans in the Philippines.

These include lending companies and credit cooperatives. Make sure to do your research and compare interest rates and fees before choosing a lender. These loans are so easy to qualify for since it usually has laxer requirements and you can simply sign up online.

Government programs 

In addition to traditional lenders, there are also government programs in the Philippines that offer debt consolidation options for those who need it.

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Eligibility and Requirements For Debt Consolidation In The Philippines

To be eligible for debt consolidation in the Philippines, you must meet certain requirements set by the lender or program.

These requirements may vary depending on the lender or program but typically include:

Age

You must be at least 21 years old and not more than 60 years old (depending on the lender).

Income

You must have a steady source of income, whether from employment or business. Some lenders may also require a minimum income threshold.

Credit score

You should have a good credit score to qualify for lower interest rates and better repayment terms.

However, some lenders may still offer debt consolidation loans to those with poor credit standing but at higher interest rates

Debt-to-income ratio

Some lenders may also consider your debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt you have compared to your income.

A high debt-to-income ratio may make it more difficult to qualify for a debt consolidation loan.

Collateral

Some lenders may require collateral such as property or a vehicle to secure the consolidation loan.

Credit card

Most lenders in the Philippines require a credit card from applicants. This can be from the bank where you’re applying for a loan, or a third party bank.  

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How to Consolidate Debt in the Philippines

Take a look at these steps to consolidate your debt in the Philippines. 

Step 1: Assess your current debt situation 

The first step in consolidating your debt in the Philippines is to assess your current debt situation.

This includes gathering all of your debt statements and calculating your total debt amount, interest rates, and monthly payments.

You should also review your credit report to ensure that all of the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Step 2: Research your debt consolidation options 

Once you have a clear picture of your debts, the next step is to research your debt consolidation options.

As mentioned earlier, you can consider traditional lenders such as banks and non-bank financial institutions, as well as government programs.

You should compare interest rates, fees, and repayment terms to find the best option for your needs.

Step 3: Application and submission of requirements 

After choosing a debt consolidation option, you can start the process of application and submission of requirements.

This typically involves filling out an application form and gathering supporting documents such as proof of income, identification cards, and debt statements.

Depending on the lender or program, you may need to submit additional documents such as collateral valuation reports.

Keep in mind that it’s recommended to only apply for one debt consolidation loan at a time.

Step 4: Approval and disbursement of debt consolidation loan

Once you have submitted all the required documents, the lender or program will review your application and creditworthiness to determine if you qualify for a debt consolidation loan.

This process may take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the lender or program.

If your application is approved, the lender or program will disburse the loan amount to your designated bank account or pay off your existing debts directly.

You can then use the loan to pay off your high-interest debts and simplify your payments to a single lender.

Step 5: Repayment of debt consolidation loan

After receiving the loan, you will need to make consistent and timely payments on your debt consolidation loan according to the agreed-upon repayment terms.

This may include a monthly or bi-weekly payment schedule, with a fixed interest rate and a predetermined term.

It is important to make these payments on time to avoid incurring late fees or penalties, as well as to improve your credit score over time.

As mentioned earlier, try to avoid taking on additional debt while repaying the debt consolidation loan. This may involve making some lifestyle changes, such as reducing unnecessary expenses or finding ways to increase your income.

By staying focused on your debt repayment goals, you can successfully consolidate your debts and achieve financial freedom.

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Best Debt Consolidation Loans in the Philippines

Take a look at some of your best options for the best debt consolidation loans in the Philippines below.

Security Bank Balance Transfer 

Maximum amount: n/a

This debt consolidation loan works by transferring your other credit card balances to one credit card that you can pay in installments. To apply for this loan, you need the following:

• Security Bank credit card
• Non-Security Bank credit card (which you’re applying for balance transfer)
• Statement of Account of your non-Security Bank credit card (attachment for application) 

For the payment terms, you can select from 3 months to 24 months. Apply for this loan here. 

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Citibank Debt Consolidation Loan

Maximum amount: P2 million

Want to get your finances in order? Thanks to the Citibank Debt Consolidation Loan, you can do just that.

With this unsecured loan, you can cash up to P2 million. This is payable for up to 5 years. To apply for this loan, you must have a minimum annual income of at least P250,000 and have a credit card with Citibank or other banks.

Check out this page if you want to apply for this loan. 

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Vidalia Debt Consolidation Loan

Maximum amount: P100,000

With this loan, you can stay on top of all your debts without worrying too much. It features an affordable fixed rate, which is great if you’re suffering from a subpar credit score.

To apply for this loan, sign up for an account at Vidalia. Then, wait for a staff member to contact you to discuss the application for your loan.

Once approved, you can send your documents and get your cash at the Vidalia office. 

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SB Finance Personal Loan

Maximum amount: P2 million

Although this is a personal loan, you can still use it to pay for your debts since it’s multi-purpose. One of the advantages of this loan is that you don’t need collateral or a credit card to apply. 

The SB Finance Personal Loan allows you to borrow P30,000 to P2 million, and choose from flexible payment terms between 12 to 36 months.

This loan has a monthly-add on rate of 2% and an estimated annual APR (36 months) of 39.43%.

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Managing Finances After Debt Consolidation 

Follow these tips below to maintain a debt-free lifestyle.

Sacrifice luxuries for a while

After consolidating your debt in the Philippines, it is important to continue managing your finances well in order to maintain a debt-free lifestyle.

One way to do this is by sacrificing luxuries for a while. This means cutting back on expenses such as eating out, vacations, or shopping until you have paid back your debt consolidation loan.

Track your finances

Another important step in managing your finances after debt consolidation is to consistently track your expenses and income.

This can help you identify areas where you can save money and prioritize your spending. You can use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to create a detailed list of your expenses and income.

Don’t forget to update it regularly to ensure that you are on track.

Reward yourself 

After all the hard work of consolidating your debt and managing your finances, it is also important to reward yourself.

This doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but rather something to remind you of your progress and motivates you to keep going.

It can be as simple as treating yourself to a nice meal or buying something that you’ve been wanting for a while.

That said, avoid overindulging and falling back into old spending habits. Reward yourself within reason and continue to prioritize your debt repayment goals.

Create a budget

As you work hard to pay off your debt consolidation loan, it is important to have a budget in place. This will help you to stay on track with your payments and ensure that you are not overspending in other areas of your life.

Start by listing all of your monthly expenses, including your debt repayment, rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, and any other recurring bills. Then, subtract this total from your monthly income to determine your disposable income.

With your disposable income, you can allocate funds towards savings, investments, and recreational activities. Be sure to prioritize your debt repayment first, and then allocate the rest of your funds accordingly.

Make extra debt payments if possible

One of the most effective ways to speed up the debt repayment process is by making extra debt payments whenever possible.

This means paying more than the minimum amount due each month, which can help reduce the interest charges and the overall repayment term.

If you receive a windfall such as a bonus, tax refund, or any other unexpected income, consider using it to make an extra debt payment.

This can help you pay off your debt consolidation loan faster and achieve financial freedom sooner. This tip is only applicable to debt consolidation loans without prepayment penalties.

Always have an emergency fund

Another important step in managing your finances after consolidating your debt is to always have an emergency fund.

This fund should be separate from your savings and should be solely dedicated to covering unexpected expenses such as car repairs, medical bills, or sudden job loss.

Experts recommend having at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved in your emergency fund.

This ensures that you are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances and can avoid taking on additional debt in the event of an emergency.

Negotiate for a lower interest rate

As you continue to make regular payments towards your debt consolidation loan, one strategy you can use is to negotiate for a lower interest rate.

By doing this, you can reduce the overall amount of money you pay over the lifetime of the loan.

Start by researching current interest rates for similar types of loans and gathering documentation of your recent financial progress, such as improved credit scores or increased income.

Then, schedule a meeting with your lender to discuss your options.

During the meeting, be prepared to negotiate and make a case for why you deserve a lower interest rate.

Highlight your positive financial progress and explain how a lower interest rate would help you pay off this loan. 

Make more money

Another way to manage your finances after consolidating your debt is to increase your income.

This can be achieved through various methods such as asking for a raise at work, finding a higher-paying job, or starting a side hustle.

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Debt Consolidation FAQs

Still got questions about debt consolidation? We’ll answer them below.

Does Debt Consolidation affect your Credit Score?

Yes, debt consolidation loans result in a temporary dip in your credit score.

However, if you successfully consolidate your debts and make regular payments on the new loan, your credit score will improve over time. This is because you will be demonstrating responsible credit behavior.

Things to Look for in a Debt Consolidation Loan Provider

When looking for a debt consolidation loan provider, there are several things to consider:

• Interest rates
  • Look for a provider that offers competitive interest rates, which can help you save money over the lifetime of the loan.
• Fees
  • Some providers may charge fees for processing the loan or for early repayment. Be sure to understand all the fees involved before signing the loan.
• Loan terms
  • Consider the length of the loan term and whether it fits within your budget and financial goals.
• Customer service
  • Look for a provider with good customer service, as you may need to reach out for support or assistance throughout the loan repayment process.
• Reputation
  • Research the reputation of the provider before committing to a loan. Check online reviews and ratings to gauge the experiences of past customers. You may also ask your friends for recommendations.
• Features offered by the lender 
  • A lender that offers online account management can make it easier to stay on top of your payments and track your progress.
• Automatic payment options
  • Automatic payment options can ensure that you never miss a payment and can help you avoid late fees and penalties.
• Educational resources
  • Some lenders offer educational resources to help you improve your financial literacy and make informed decisions about your money. Look for a lender that offers helpful tools and resources such as budgeting calculators, debt payoff calculators, and financial planning guides.

Who can benefit from Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation can benefit anyone who is struggling to manage multiple debts and wants to simplify their finances.

It can be especially helpful for those with high-interest credit card debt, as consolidating into a single loan with a lower interest rate can save money on interest charges and potentially reduce the overall repayment term.

Debt consolidation can also benefit individuals with a high debt-to-income ratio, as it can help them better manage their monthly payments and improve their credit scores over time.

However, it is important to note that debt consolidation is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be the best option for everyone. It’s always best to consider your individual financial situation and goals.