What is a Debt Consolidation Loan?
This guide can help those looking for debt consolidation solutions to fully grasp what it is, find out what its benefits are, and discover what companies offer this type of loan. Consider the options on this list for the best consolidation loans and balance transfer credit cards.
The concept behind debt consolidation is taking out one loan to pay off other loans. This could reduce borrowers’ monthly payments, helping individuals feel less stressed about managing numerous loans.
Debt consolidation loans can typically be used for credit cards, medical bills, or other personal loans. Instead of having to pay several high credit card or loan payments each month, consolidation can make the month-to-month repayments more affordable.
Debt Consolidation Loan vs. Balance Transfer Credit Card
A loan versus balance transfer is important to understand before deciding which route to take. With a consolidation loan, borrowers take out one loan that they will then disperse to pay off their other loans. A balance transfer credit card is a way to consolidate credit card debts. With this, all credit card balances that are part of the consolidation plan are transferred to the new credit card.
Keep in mind the fact that balance transfer credit cards typically come with a period of time in which borrowers are not required to pay interest. While this does help alleviate some of the financial burden for a short period of time, it will eventually come to an end, and there will be interest applied at a later date.
When Consolidating Debt Would Be Beneficial
Weighing the pros and cons of debt consolidation will give a clearer idea on whether it is the right choice. Getting this type of loan is beneficial:
- If it makes the monthly payments fit into an existing budget. Making debt repayments fit into a monthly budget is the No. 1 rationale for this type of loan.
- If it reduces the number of monthly payments. Having one payment is easier to manage.
- If the goal is to make a change in spending habits. Having existing debt is the reason many consider this option. Staying out of debt will help make this option worth it.
When Consolidating Debt Doesn’t Make Sense
Debt consolidation might not always be the answer. This type of loan won’t be helpful:
- If it costs more in interest in the long run. The goal is to save money in the long term, not spend more on interest.
- For those who have only a small amount of debt. Consolidation loans might not be worth it if a small amount of debt can be paid in a short amount of time.
- For those who are not committed to staying out of debt. Spending more after paying off debt can land borrowers right back in the same situation later on.
- For those who are almost finished paying off debt. Consolidating loans that are nearly paid off may not be worth the additional fees and hassle.
Top 5 Debt Consolidation Loans in New Zealand
Many financial companies offer debt consolidation in their loan options. Consider these businesses available in New Zealand to take back control of your finances.
1. Harmoney
Harmoney offers unsecured personal loans that can be used for debt consolidation. Loans are created with a fixed rate, so there is no change over the life of the loan. This company also doesn’t penalize borrowers for making early payments.
Interest rates and fees: Interest rates range from 9.99% to 24.99%. An establishment charge of $150.
Requirements: To get approved in New Zealand, applicants must be at least 18 years old, earning a stable income, and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
How to apply: Select the ‘Apply Now’ button on Harmoney’s homepage and fill in the prompt to proceed with an email address, Facebook, or Google account.
2. MTF Finance
MTF Finance puts the personal touch back in personal loans with more than 50 branches spread throughout New Zealand. They encourage potential borrowers to come to a branch and apply for personal loan, however you can apply over the phone or online if you want.
Interest rates and fees: Rates range from 14.20% to 24.20%. An establishment charge of $389 is applied.
Requirements: Applicants must be 18 or older to apply. In addition, they must have a valid passport or NZ driver licence, provide proof of address and bank statements for the last 90 days.
How to apply: Visit a branch if you prefer to discuss in person, go online or give them a call.
3. Nectar
Nectar is a New Zealand-based company offering unsecured debt consolidation loans with fixed interest rates. It also offers flexible repayment terms and does not charge a fee for early payments.
Interest rates and fees: Interest rates range from 11.95% to 29.95%, plus a $240 establishment fee.
Requirements: NZ permanent residents or citizens who are 18 or older with an income of at least $400 per week may apply for a loan.
How to apply: Apply for a loan by filling out the loan application on Nectar’s website.
4. LoanOptions.ai
Loanoptions.ai is a personal loan broker who uses leading edge AI to match you to the personal loan that best fits your current financial situation. Their application process is 100% online and takes about 8 minutes to complete.
Interest rates and fees: Interest rates range from 11.95% to 29.95%, plus a $240 establishment fee.
Requirements: NZ permanent residents or citizens who are 18 or older with appropriate documentation – the online process will walk you through everything you need.
How to apply: Step through the loan application wizard and let LoanOptions do the work for you.
5. Quick Loans
Quick Loans offers small debt consolidation loans to people living in New Zealand. Loans can be used toward current debt accounts. This company funds new accounts within 24 hours, and does not charge borrowers for early account settlement.
Interest rates and fees: Rates are 9.95% to 23.95%. Establishment fees of $95 to $595 (depending on the loan amount) and an administrative account fee of $12 per month are also included, in addition to a $3 fee per month if direct debit is set up.
Requirements: Borrowers must be 18 or older to apply, able to afford the repayment amount, and a NZ resident or citizen.
How to apply: Take five minutes to fill out the online application and have an answer in as few as 60 minutes.
5 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards in New Zealand
Credit card debt can easily get out of control. A credit card balance transfer is another way to consolidate debt.
1. Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa
The Kiwibank Air New Zealand Airpoints Platinum Visa is a balance transfer credit card that provides some great rewards. Built-in overseas travel insurance if you pay for your travel and/or accommodation before you leave New Zealand, and one Airpoints Dollar for every $115 of eligible spend.
Interest rates and fees: Balances can be transferred at 1.99% interest for six months. A $90 account fee is applied every six months.
Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and NZ citizens or permanent residents wiht a good credit history.
How to apply: Hit Apply Now on this page.
2. Kiwibank Low Rate Visa
Kiwibank offers balance transfer credit cards from non-Kiwi credit cards or store cards. The low rate visa is similar to low interest debt consolidation loans. The minimum amount required for a balance transfer is $200. This company offers very low rates for six months to pay off the debt.
Interest rates and fees: Interest rates begin at 1.99% for six months and go up to 9.95% after that. A $15 account maintenance fee is applied every six months, as well.
Requirements: To apply, applicants must be at least 18 years old, New Zealand permanent residents or citizens, and have a good credit history.
How to apply: Apply online for the Low Rate Visa and have an approval within one-to-three business days.
3. ASB Visa Light
ASB offers a credit card specific to balance transfers and debt consolidation. It allows borrowers to transfer their balance with no interest for six months and no fee to make the transfer.
Interest rates and fees: These are 0% for the first six months, and then the remaining balance will be charged at a rate of 13.50%. There is no account maintenance fee.
Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
How to apply: Select the ‘Apply Now’ option on the Visa Light page to begin the application process.
4. The Cooperative Bank Fair Rate Credit Card
The Cooperative Bank offers a fair rate credit card that can be used for balance transfers, minimum $100. It offers six months interest free on balance transfers, plus floating rates, meaning the interest rate can change at any time.
Interest rates and fees: Rates begin at 12.95% and can change at any time. A $10 account maintenance fee is applied every six months.
Requirements: Applicants must be 18 or older, living in New Zealand, and hold permanent New Zealand residency or citizenship.
How to apply: An application can be quickly completed online.
5. Westpac Airpoints Mastercard
Westpac Airpoints Mastercard is a credit card that earns rewards. It offers balance transfers for borrowers to pay off debt with other bank credit cards. Additionally, it offers no interest for 12 months, or a low rate for the life of the loan.
Interest rates and fees: Balance transfer rates are as low as 5.95%. An annual $55 account fee is also applied.
Requirements: NZ permanent residents or citizens who are 18 or older with an income of at least $15,000 per year can apply.
How to apply: Apply online in as little as 5-10 minutes on the TSB website.
What To Know Before Consolidating Debt
Consolidating debt can be a great idea, but there are some things to consider first.
Should I consolidate all of my debt?
Consolidating debt can help borrowers afford monthly repayments, but if the consolidation loan has a high interest rate, then a large loan amount could possibly cost a borrower more in the long run. Do the math before making a decision on consolidation.
What are the average debt consolidation loan rates?
The rates will vary depending on each lender. Rates can be as low as 1.99% for balance transfer credit cards, or up to 29.00% for bad credit debt consolidation loans.
Is it better to get a personal or debt consolidation loan?
These are essentially the same thing, advertised for different needs – and many lenders offer loans for both personal and consolidation purposes. So it’s always best to compare the rates, fees, and uses of a loan before choosing one.
Is it better to get a debt consolidation loan or a balance transfer credit card?
If a borrower can pay off the debt within the no-interest period, then a balance transfer credit card will save the most money in the long run. Do the calculations on a consolidation loan versus a balance transfer credit card to decide which option is the most affordable.
How to Decide if The Pros Outweigh The Cons of Debt Consolidation
Start by calculating how much debt would be ultimately consolidated to have a better understanding if debt consolidation is the right choice. If the current debt is small and can be paid off quickly, then it might not be worth it to take out a consolidation loan.
But there are instances in which the loan is worth it. For example, if a borrower is offered an 8% loan to consolidate existing loans at 5% to 7%, it may still be worth it if he/she is struggling to meet the current monthly payments. The new loan structure may provide relief in terms of an interest holiday or smaller fees for default.
Choosing the right lender will make all the difference. Compare the available rates and fees to ensure there are no surprises. In the end, if the monthly repayment plan fits within the budget, then it may be worth pursuing some of these best debt consolidation loans.