Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial
research influence how products appear on a page.

Reduce Debt: Trusted Companies and Resources

How would you like to reduce your debt?

Student loan refinancing allows borrowers to replace existing student loans with a new loan, potentially simplifying repayment or adjusting terms.

Mortgage refinancing replaces an existing home loan with a new one, often to adjust the interest rate, loan term, or monthly payment. Available options depend on factors such as home equity, credit profile, and market conditions.

Auto loan refinancing replaces an existing vehicle loan with a new one, potentially changing the interest rate or repayment terms. Eligibility depends on factors such as credit score, vehicle value, and remaining loan balance.

Personal loans provide a lump sum that’s repaid in fixed monthly payments, often used for debt consolidation or large expenses. Rates, fees, and approval requirements vary by lender, so comparing options helps you find a loan you can trust.

Home equity loans let homeowners borrow against their home’s value with predictable monthly payments. Lenders differ on rates, closing costs, and borrowing limits, so comparing options helps you choose a reputable provider.

Tax relief services assist individuals and businesses in resolving unpaid tax debt with federal or state authorities. Programs and outcomes vary based on tax situation, income, and compliance history.

Debt relief programs are designed to help individuals manage or resolve unsecured debt such as credit cards or personal loans. Approaches vary by provider and may include negotiation or structured repayment strategies.


How reducing debt works

Reducing debt focuses on lowering your monthly obligations, decreasing the total amount you repay, or simplifying multiple balances into a single strategy. Depending on your situation, this may involve refinancing existing loans, consolidating balances, or working with a debt relief provider to pursue a negotiated resolution.

Because each option affects your finances differently, costs, timelines, and risks can vary widely. Comparing debt-reduction approaches helps you choose a path that aligns with your financial goals and your ability to repay.


Refinance student loans

Great Marketplace
Rates (APR)
3.84%11.41%
Funding
Varies
Min. Credit Score
Varies
Best Online Lender
Rates (APR)
4.24%9.99%
Funding
$5K+
Min. Credit Score
Not disclosed
Best for Defaulted Private Loans
Rates (APR)
1.00%6.00%
Funding
$5K – $250K
Min. Credit Score
None

Refinance student loan resources

Refinancing student loans involves taking out a new private loan to pay off one or more existing student loans. This process can streamline repayment by combining multiple loans into a single monthly payment and may offer different interest rates or terms depending on your qualifications.

Because refinancing replaces your original loans, it’s important to understand how it may affect borrower protections, repayment flexibility, and total cost. Comparing refinance options helps you weigh potential benefits against trade-offs before committing to a new loan.


Refinance mortgage

Sponsored

Refinance mortgage resources

Mortgage refinancing allows homeowners to modify the terms of their existing loan, such as switching from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate loan or shortening the loan term. Some borrowers refinance to reduce monthly payments, while others focus on long-term interest savings.

Because refinancing involves closing costs and resets certain loan timelines, evaluating multiple lenders is essential. Comparing refinance offers helps you assess rates, fees, and breakeven points based on your financial situation.


Refinance auto loans

Best for Comparison Shopping
Average Savings
$124.67/month*
Rates (APR)
4.67% – 13.35%
Min. Credit Score
550
This value was calculated by using the average monthly payment savings for our customers from April 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025.
Best for Flexible Terms
Average Savings
$148/month*
Rates (APR)
5.49%18.79%
Min. Credit Score
560
This value was calculated by using the average monthly payment savings for all iLending Clients from January 1, 2025 through May 31, 2025.
Best for Bad Credit
Average Savings
$105/month*
Rates (APR)
4.29%17.99%
Min. Credit Score
Not disclosed
Customer average savings of $100/month or more claim is based on an average payment savings calculation of customers who refinanced their current vehicle loan with OpenRoad lending from 6-1-2021 to 9-30-2021. Average customer APR savings is as of October 2021. Customer savings to date counter is based on total combined customer savings to date. Not everyone will qualify for cash back offers.

Refinance auto loan resources

Refinancing an auto loan involves taking out a new loan to pay off your current vehicle financing. Borrowers often refinance to pursue a lower rate, adjust the loan term, or reduce monthly payments as their credit profile improves.

Because vehicle value and loan age can affect eligibility, refinancing isn’t always available for every borrower. Comparing lenders helps you understand qualification requirements and evaluate potential savings before applying.


Tax relief

Best Money-Back Guarantee
4.9
    • 100% money-back guarantee if your tax situation doesn’t improve
    • Nationwide support for individuals and businesses
    • Employs enrolled agents and tax attorneys
Best Initial Investigation
4.9
    • 15-day money-back guarantee
    • Free, no-obligation eligibility analysis
    • Files outstanding taxes for you
Great Offer in Compromise Support
4.6
    • 100% money-back guarantee
    • Customized resolution plans
    • Assists with individual and business taxes

Tax relief resources

Tax relief companies work with taxpayers to address outstanding tax liabilities through structured resolution programs. These services may involve negotiating payment plans, settlements, or penalty abatements depending on eligibility.

Because tax resolution can be complex and outcomes are not guaranteed, it’s important to understand how providers operate and what services they offer. Comparing tax relief firms helps you identify transparent companies with experience handling similar cases.


Debt relief

Best Overall
Savings Potential
Up to 50%
Min. Debt
$10K
Customers Helped
1.2 million+
Call for Free Evaluation
Best for MCA Debt Relief
Savings Potential
Up to 50%
Min. Debt
$7.5K
Customers Helped
1 million+
Call for Free Evaluation
Best for Payday Loan Relief
Savings Potential
Up to 50%
Min. Debt
$10K
Customers Helped
1 million+
Call for Free Evaluation

Debt relief resources

Debt relief typically involves working with a third party to address unsecured debts through negotiated settlements or alternative repayment plans. These programs are often considered by borrowers who are struggling to keep up with multiple monthly payments.

Because debt relief can affect credit and involves fees and timelines that vary by provider, careful evaluation is essential. Comparing debt relief companies helps you understand program structures, costs, and potential long-term implications.


Personal loans

Great Marketplace
Rates (APR)
6.49%35.99%
Funding
$1K – $200K
Min. Credit Score
Varies
Great for Bad Credit
Rates (APR)
6.60% – 35.99%
Funding
$1K – $75K
Min. Credit Score
300
Great Online Lender
Rates (APR)
7.74%35.99%
Funding
$1K – $50K
Min. Credit Score
580

Personal loan resources

Personal loans are commonly used to consolidate multiple high-interest debts into a single monthly payment. By replacing credit cards or other unsecured balances with one fixed-rate loan, borrowers can simplify repayment and gain clearer visibility into their payoff timeline.

Lenders consider factors such as credit score, income, and existing obligations when setting rates and terms. Comparing personal loan options helps you identify consolidation loans with lower overall costs, manageable monthly payments, and minimal fees.


Home equity loans

Best HELOC
Rates (APR)
6.65%14.60%
Funding
$20K – $400K
Min. Credit Score
640
Best Home Equity Agreement
Rates (APR)
None
Funding
$15K – $600K
Min. Credit Score
600
Best HELOC Customer Reviews
Rates (APR)
6.99%15.49%
Funding
$5K – $250K
Min. Credit Score
640
Best Multi-Product Application
Rates (APR)
Not disclosed
Funding
Up to $400K
Min. Credit Score
640
Best Traditional HELOC
Rates (APR)
7.75%+
Funding
$10K – $1M
Min. Credit Score
670

Home equity loan resources

Home equity loans allow homeowners to consolidate debt by borrowing against the value of their property, often at lower interest rates than unsecured alternatives. The fixed rate and predictable payment structure can make large balances easier to manage over time.

Because the loan is secured by your home, consolidation through home equity carries additional risk, including potential foreclosure if payments aren’t made. Comparing lenders helps you evaluate costs, borrowing limits, and repayment terms based on your equity position and long-term financial goals.

About our contributors

  • Jeff Gitlen, CEPF®
    Written by Jeff Gitlen, CEPF®

    Jeff Gitlen, CEPF®, is the director of growth at LendEDU. He graduated from the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware.

  • Kristen Barrett, MAT
    Edited by Kristen Barrett, MAT

    Kristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their three senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.