How do I get out of a bad personal loan?

Asked by: Mr. Fletcher Kessler  |  Last update: February 26, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (40 votes)

Options if You Can't Pay Back Your Personal Loan
  1. Contact Your Lender. If you anticipate being unable to make payments due to financial hardship, contact your lender right away. ...
  2. Look for Extra Money. Do whatever you can to make payments and avoid default. ...
  3. Try Credit Counseling. ...
  4. Consider Debt Consolidation.

What happens if you can't pay off personal loan?

After a prolonged period of non-payment, your account may be sent to collections and the lender might pursue legal action to recover the debt. The best course of action is to contact your lender immediately to discuss your options and avoid serious consequences.

What happens if you're unable to pay a personal loan?

Legal action: If you continue to default on your personal loan, the lender may initiate legal proceedings to recover the outstanding amount. This may include filing a civil lawsuit, which can result in a court order directing you to repay the loan.

What's the best excuse for a personal loan?

10 Common Reasons to Get a Personal Loan
  • Debt Consolidation. ...
  • Home Improvements. ...
  • Medical Bills. ...
  • School Tuition. ...
  • Special Events. ...
  • Holidays. ...
  • Emergency Fund for Unforeseen Expenses. ...
  • Alternative to a Payday Loan.

How do you get out of a loan you can't afford?

Another option is to renegotiate the terms of the loan itself. You could pay a lower payment for several months while you seek employment or adjust your financial situation in other ways. A lender is more likely to work with you if you can explain the reason for your financial hardship.

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25 related questions found

What is a hardship personal loan?

A hardship loan is a personal loan you use to cover unexpected expenses. Whether you need a bridge between paychecks or thousands of dollars for that leaky roof, a hardship loan could help. Hardship loans come as lump sums of money, often by direct deposit. You'll pay back what you borrowed in equal monthly payments.

What can I do if I can't afford to pay my loan?

What should I do if I can't afford my loan payments?
  1. Contact your lender. Contact your provider as soon as possible, even if you have already missed a payment. ...
  2. Seek free debt advice. ...
  3. Arrange a payment holiday. ...
  4. Freeze interest on payments. ...
  5. Arrange a debt management plan.

What not to say when getting a loan?

10 Things Not To Say To Your Mortgage Broker | Loan Approval
  1. 1) Anything untruthful.
  2. 2) What's the most I can borrow?
  3. 3) I forgot to pay that bill again.
  4. 4) Check out my new credit cards.
  5. 5) Which credit card ISN'T maxed out?
  6. 6) Changing jobs annually is my specialty.

Can I negotiate my personal loan?

Try to negotiate or shop around if you're not happy with the interest that you get. Shorter terms usually mean less overall interest, but be sure that you can afford the repayment amount (even if something unexpected happens to your finances).

What are the three most common mistakes people make when using a personal loan?

The following points narrate the top nine personal loan mistakes to avoid while applying for loan:
  • Neglecting to Check the Eligibility Criteria Before Applying. ...
  • Borrowing More than the Required Amount. ...
  • Choosing a Longer Tenure. ...
  • Not Considering Your Credit Score. ...
  • Not Checking the Fine Print, Including Loan Term.

How do I get out of a personal loan?

Can't pay back your personal loan? 5 options to consider
  1. Contact your lender right away.
  2. Try to refinance your loan.
  3. Consolidate your debt.
  4. Enroll in a debt management plan.
  5. Negotiate a settlement.

What should I do if I cannot pay the loan?

Contact Your Lender

If you anticipate being unable to make payments due to financial hardship, contact your lender right away. Be honest and let them know you're having trouble making payments. They may be willing to work with you to adjust the terms of your loan or set up a new payment plan.

Is it a crime to not pay back a personal loan?

Collection of a Personal Loan

Some borrowers will not be able to pay back the loan, regardless of how politely your request. And you cannot throw a person in jail for not paying their debts. You can act against the debtor; however, this is not something you should take on by yourself.

Can a personal loan be written off as bad debt?

Only nonbusiness loans count (a nonbusiness loan = a personal loan). The IRS says, “Nonbusiness bad debts must be totally worthless to be deductible.” A worthless debt means one that was not paid back at all. The loan cannot be a gift you provided with the understanding you may not get the money back.

Can I pause personal loan payments?

Deferment can temporarily pause your loan payments while keeping your accounts current. Lenders usually ask for proof of financial hardship to approve you for loan deferment. While payments aren't required, interest may continue to accrue. This can result in higher payments when deferment ends.

Can I settle a personal loan?

The good news is that it is. Personal loan debt settlement is a potential solution for individuals who are struggling to make payments and need to resolve their financial obligations without paying the full balance. By negotiating with your lender, you can often reduce your debt to a manageable lump sum.

What if I can't pay my personal loan?

After you fail to make a few payments, your loan will be considered in default, which essentially means that you've failed to follow through on the terms of your loan agreement. Once you're in default, you can be contacted by debt collectors and even be asked to appear in court.

How to ask for debt forgiveness?

The borrower can apply for debt forgiveness on compassionate grounds by writing about the financial difficulties and requesting the creditor to cancel the debt amount.

What is the right to cancel a personal loan?

The three-day cancellation rule, also known as the “right of rescission,” is a consumer protection law from the Truth in Lending Act. It gives you three business days, including Saturdays, to change your mind about a loan.

What is considered a bad loan?

High-interest loans -- which could include payday loans or unsecured personal loans -- can be considered bad debt, as the high interest payments can be difficult for the borrower to pay back, often putting them in a worse financial situation.

What's the best thing to say to get a loan?

What reason should I give when applying for a personal loan?
  • Home improvements.
  • Wedding costs.
  • Car purchase.
  • Special holidays.
  • Emergency expenses, such as unexpected damage to your home.
  • Consolidating other loans or debts.

How to avoid a personal loan?

This article elucidates 7 ways to avoid taking such loans and keep you on the right track to financial wellbeing.
  1. Prepare a budget and stick to it: ...
  2. Make a financial plan for your big purchases: ...
  3. Make a contingency fund: ...
  4. Use cash wherever possible: ...
  5. Do not overspend on your credit card: ...
  6. Pay your credit card bills in full:

What to do if you owe money and can't pay?

If you can't pay the full amount that you owe, even over time, you can talk about that with a debt recovery analyst. Call 888-826-3127. You may be eligible for a compromise agreement or other relief. With a compromise agreement, you satisfy your debt by paying less than the full amount of the debt.

How to get out of a loan you can't afford?

If you're going through a period of temporary financial hardship, such as a job loss or medical situation, your first step should be to contact your lender. Many lenders offer debt restructuring options that can help you change your loan terms to make them more affordable while you get back on your feet.

Can I freeze my loan payments?

Steps such as freezing or reducing your loan repayments may be possible, depending on your situation and lender. To consider any of these options, you'll first need to contact your loan provider and let it know that you're struggling to make your repayments.