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April 2026 Guide To The Best

Student Loan Refinance Lenders

Looking for how to get your Private Student Loans out of Default?

Yrefy accepts credit scores as low as 400 and helps borrowers by offering solutions to resolve distressed private student loans, providing a path to financial recovery and improved credit standing.

Great For Defaulted Private Student Loans
  • No application or repayment fees
  • Great for borrowers with Poor or Fair credit
  • Flexible payment terms
  • Refinance without a degree
  • 7+ years assisting distressed borrowers improve their credit score
  • Checking rates will not impact your credit score
Low Credit OK

Explore More Student Loan Refinancing Lenders

Our picks offer low rates, repayment assistance, and unique benefits that can reduce your monthly payment and overall loan cost.

Two companies must be selected to compare.
Compare prequalified rates in 2 mins
Compare real lender offers in 3 mins

Specializations

Comparing multiple lenders and caters to large loan amounts

Comparing multiple lenders and caters to graduate students

Rates

Rates from 3.85% to 12.66% APR

Rates from 4.19% to 5.49% APR with autopay

Trustpilot ratings

Excellent

Excellent


Top Student Loan Refinancing Lender Details

Best Marketplace
    • Multiple lenders catering to large loan amounts
    • Rates from 3.85% to 12.66% APR
    • No fees or impact on your credit score
    • Compare prequalified rates in 2 minutes
    • Federal, private, and Parent PLUS loans are eligible
    • Excellent (Trustpilot Rating)
Great Graduate Student Options
    • Compare real offers from multiple lenders in 3 minutes
    • Rates from 4.19% to 5.49% APR with autopay
    • 100% free with no fees
    • Checking rates will not impact your credit score
    • Easy automated application process
    • Excellent (Trustpilot Rating)

How Do Private Student Loans Go Into Default?

Private student loans typically default after 90 days of missed payments.

How Do you Get Out Of Default?

Work with a lender that specializes in distressed or defaulted private student loans. Most lenders offer a quick rate check that doesn’t impact your credit score. From there you will select your rate and a monthly payment that fits your budget. Below are the typical steps:

Get In Touch With The Lender

Call or submit a website form to discuss options and eligibility with a specialist.

Gather Documentation

Submit proof of income (bank statements, pay stubs) and details regarding your current defaulted or delinquent private student loans.

Underwriting & Approval

The lender will review your financial situation and may do a soft credit check initially before a hard credit check.

Set up Escrow Payments

During the underwriting period, you may be required to make monthly payments into an escrow account to demonstrate repayment consistency and readiness.

Review & Accept Offer

If approved, you will receive an interest rate for a set number of years.

Finalize & Payoff

Upon acceptance, there may an origination fee. Then the lender will work with the original lender(s) to pay off the defaulted balance, moving it to a new, single loan.

Begin Your New Repayment

You will begin to make regular, on-time payments to the new lender, which may eventually lead to a co-borrower release.


How Does Student Loan Refinancing Work?

Student loan refinancing works by replacing an existing loan (or multiple loans) with a new one. In most cases, some combination of your interest rate, term length, and monthly payment will change from your previous loan(s).

Borrowers usually refinance student loans to take advantage of lower interest rates, which can reduce the overall cost of the loan. Other benefits include the ability to consolidate multiple loans into a single payment, customize terms for more predictable monthly payments, and release a cosigner.

What Does Refinancing Cost?

Refinancing itself usually doesn’t have a direct cost. Most lenders don’t charge application, origination, or prepayment fees. However, be mindful of potential changes in terms and interest rates, as they can affect the overall loan cost.

Can You Refinance Multiple Times?

Yes, you can refinance multiple times if it makes financial sense for you. Always compare current rates and terms with what you can qualify for to ensure refinancing aligns with your financial goals.

Can You Transfer Parent PLUS Loans?

Yes, some lenders allow Parent PLUS loans to be transferred to the child through refinancing. It’s essential to verify the lender offers this option and to understand the implications of transferring the loan responsibility and the loss of federal loan protections.

When Is the Best Time to Refinance?

The best time to refinance is when it aligns with your financial goals, such as securing a lower interest rate or consolidating loans for easier management. Stable employment is also a factor. Monitoring interest rates and your financial situation will guide this decision.

Great For Defaulted Private Student Loans
  • No application or repayment fees
  • Great for borrowers with Poor or Fair credit
  • Flexible payment terms
  • Refinance without a degree
  • 7+ years assisting distressed borrowers improve their credit score
  • Checking rates will not impact your credit score
Low Credit OK