Debt Consolidation is plagued with a poor rep. many believe it is no better than filing bankruptcy. With all this scary information surrounding debt consolidation it can make people leery.

The truth is that debt consolidation is not the same thing as filing bankruptcy. Debt consolidation proves you are taking steps to pay back your debts. Debt consolidation when you pay back 100% or a portion of your debt and bankruptcy usually results in you paying none of the debt.

The different types of debt consolidation will each have a different impact on your credit score.

Debt Management programs are available to help eliminate your debt but there is a catch. The account reps will contact your creditors and negotiate with them to accept a lower amount than you owe as a payment in full. This program is the most common for people who no longer can afford their payments and are getting slammed with late fees and penalties. This type of debt consolidation is most likely where the poor reputation came from as it does affect your credit score very negatively.

A debt consolidation loan is used to pay back your debt and have only one payment. This loan will be large enough to pay your balances to your creditors in full and remain in good standing. This reflects well on your credit report and should have no negative impact on your credit score.

Credit history length is measured for part of your credit score. When trying to get a good interest rate on a loan every small point counts. When paying creditors in full and closing accounts your credit history length will be shortened. Older accounts have a more dramatic effect. Even if you pay an account off, leave it open, especially the older ones.

Before applying for a home loan or any large loan you should look at your credit report and your credit score. Monitor your score for any changes every time you pay something off. You will want to wait to apply for the loan when your score is as high as it possibly can be.

Keep in mind that if you pay a creditor a settled amount that is lower than the amount owed you will create a negative drop for your score. When you are paying the creditor the full amount owed it will result in a positive impact on your credit score.

Debt to income ratio should be considered before you apply for a new loan. Make certain you have paid all accounts on time for at least three months. Allow older accounts to remain open even after you paid them in full to not decrease your credit history length.

Debt consolidation can be a wonderful method for eliminating high interest debts if used wisely. Any time debt consolidation is used to negotiate debts it is still considered a default on the loan and your credit score will always be affected poorly. If you have to use a debt consolidation program be sure that it is your only option, you may qualify for a debt consolidation loan instead.

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