5 Best Student Loan Refinance of 2025
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🥇Our #1 Pick to Pay Less Every Month
- Lowest APR - Rates from 3.88% APR - 12.37% APR1
- Compare free personalized rates from multiple lenders in 2 minutes
- Get $200 if you can find a better rate2
- No origination or prepayment fees
- Checking rates won’t impact your credit score
Citizens Bank
- Rates starting at 5.80% APR
- Refinancing is also available for borrowers without degrees
LendKey
- Rates starting at 4.68% APR
- Get pre-approved quotes from credit unions and small banks
Earnest
- Rates starting at 4.35% APR5
- Skip 1 payment per year without penalties
selected this partner
selected this partner
🥇Our #1 Pick to Pay Less Every Month
- Lowest APR - Rates from 3.88% APR - 12.37% APR1
- Compare free personalized rates from multiple lenders in 2 minutes
- Get $200 if you can find a better rate2
- No origination or prepayment fees
- Checking rates won’t impact your credit score
Credible Student Loan Refinance
Credible Student Loan Refinancing Review:
Founded in 2012, Credible is a free, multi-lender marketplace that connects student and parent borrowers with leading student loan refinancing options. It helps borrowers find lower rates, especially if their credit has improved or they previously took out loans at higher rates. Partner lenders also offer consolidation of federal and private loans, potentially lowering interest rates. Checking rates won’t affect your credit score, and the entire process—from comparison to application—can be done online with the lender.
Rates and Terms:
The platform partners with leading lenders offering both fixed and variable rates. Loan terms range from 5 to 20 years, with rates as low as 3.88% APR for qualified borrowers, including autopay discounts.
Eligibility:
Eligibility depends on the chosen lender, typically requiring good credit, stable income, and a completed degree. Some lenders accept co-signers to help improve approval odds.
Key Features:
Credible’s standout features include a user-friendly interface, personalized rate comparisons in under 2 minutes, and a rate-match guarantee. However, it’s worth noting that federal loan borrowers lose benefits like income-driven repayment plans if they refinance.
Who It’s Best For:
Credible is best for borrowers with strong credit or co-signers seeking competitive rates and a hassle-free comparison process. While it doesn’t refinance loans directly, its partnerships with reputable lenders make it a solid choice for saving time and money.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance
SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Review:
SoFi is a leading online lender offering student loan refinancing with competitive rates and exclusive member benefits. Known for its streamlined process and financial perks, SoFi caters to borrowers seeking flexibility and support beyond refinancing.
Rates and Terms:
SoFi provides fixed and variable interest rates starting as low as 4.49% APR with autopay. Loan terms range from 5 to 20 years, allowing borrowers to tailor repayment plans to their needs.
Eligibility:
Applicants need a solid credit history, stable income, and an associate degree or higher. Co-signers can improve approval chances.
Key Features:
SoFi stands out with no fees for applications, origination, or prepayment. Members gain access to financial planning and community events. However, refinancing federal loans forfeits benefits like income-driven repayment plans.
Who It’s Best For:
SoFi is ideal for borrowers with strong financial profiles looking for competitive rates and added perks. Its comprehensive benefits make it especially appealing for those seeking more than just lower interest rates. SoFi’s intuitive platform and top-notch customer support further enhance the refinancing experience, making it a great choice for borrowers prioritizing ease, value, and long-term support.
LendKey Student Loan Refinance
Best for Educational Resources
LendKey is a New York-based online student loan marketplace that helps consumers connect with over 300 lenders and compare refinancing options.
For those new to refinancing, LendKey has a plethora of educational resources on the subject. From a refinance guide to a walk-through informational video, prospective customers can easily navigate to a topic they're interested in and make a better-informed decision.
Guides, loan calculators, and more on LendKey’s Resource Center
We found the blog posts in their Resource Center to be helpful and informative. Their “Ultimate Guide to Student Loan Refinancing,” for example, contains vibrant visuals with statistics, frequently asked questions, and a flowchart quiz to help readers determine whether refinancing is right for them.
Payment Flexibility
In addition to its helpful resources, LendKey offers borrowers a unique repayment option for their loan term: interest-only payments.
Unlike most lenders who only offer term flexibility, LendKey allows borrowers to pay off loan interest for the first four years. This makes repayment over the remaining loan term easier, as interest no longer accumulates.
LendKey recently added COVID-19 forebearance information on its website. Borrowers may be able to take advantage of up to 18 months forbearance on their loans. Forbearance will vary by lender.
Room for Improvement
While looking through hundreds of consumer reviews, we noticed that the majority of customer complaints against the company involved billing issues and difficulty making payments.
We advise consumers to speak with a Lendkey representative for more information about their repayment options and payment methods.
Earnest Student Loan Refinance
Earnest Student Loan Refinancing Review:
Earnest offers student loan refinancing with customizable repayment options and competitive rates, making it a top choice for borrowers seeking flexibility. Earnest is known for its user-friendly platform and innovative tools to help borrowers manage their loans effectively.
Rates and Terms:
Earnest provides fixed and variable interest rates starting as low as 4.35% APR with autopay. Borrowers can choose loan terms ranging from 5 to 20 years, with the option to customize monthly payments based on their budget.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have a strong credit history, stable income, and a bachelor’s degree or higher. Earnest does not allow co-signers but offers merit-based lending for financially responsible borrowers.
Key Features:
Earnest features a seamless online application process, no fees for origination or prepayment, and the ability to skip one payment per year. However, refinancing federal loans forfeits access to federal benefits and protections.
Who It’s Best For:
Earnest is ideal for borrowers with strong financial profiles who value flexible repayment options and innovative tools. It’s a great choice for those seeking a personalized refinancing experience tailored to their financial goals.