How long is a cosigner on a loan?

Asked by: Lorenz Stark DVM  |  Last update: April 1, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (13 votes)

Co-signers are responsible for the life of the loan, or until you're able to release them. You can apply to release a co-signer after making 24 months of consecutive on-time, full payments for private student loans—only 12 months required for refinance loans.

How soon can a cosigner be removed from the loan?

You can often remove a cosigner at any point during the loan period. Your loan paperwork might dictate specific terms, though. For example, some lenders require 24 months of on-time payments from the primary borrower before they'll consider releasing the cosigner.

Will cosigning ruin my credit?

Having a cosigner does not impact your FICO score. A loan where you brought on a cosigner, is treated no differently than a loan where no co signer was present.

What happens to a cosigner on a loan?

When you cosign a loan, you become legally obligated to repay the loan if the borrower doesn't pay it. Most cosigners believe when they sign the papers that the borrower will be able to repay the loan on his or her own.

Can a cosigner take themselves off?

You can remove yourself as a co-signer, but it's not always easy. When you ask for a co-signer release, it's common to get turned down. When you co-sign a loan, you're taking on full responsibility for that financial obligation, along with the primary borrower.

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How can I legally get out of a cosigned loan?

Request release from a co-signed loan

Co-signers can make a written request to the lender to be released from a loan. In certain cases, like some student loans, there may be a provision that allows a co-signer to take their name off a loan.

How do I protect myself as a cosigner?

5 ways to protect yourself as a co-signer
  1. Serve as a co-signer only for close friends or relatives. One of loan co-signing's biggest risks is potential damage to your credit score. ...
  2. Keep copies of all the loan documents. ...
  3. Create a contract. ...
  4. Track monthly payments. ...
  5. Ensure you can afford payments.

How long does a co-signer stay on a loan?

Co-signers are responsible for the life of the loan, or until you're able to release them. You can apply to release a co-signer after making 24 months of consecutive on-time, full payments for private student loans—only 12 months required for refinance loans.

Can I sue someone for not paying a loan I cosigned?

Yes, you can sue the person you co-signed for if they don't make the payments they promised to make. You may be able to get a judgment against them in court, but it could be hard to collect that money since they didn't pay the debt in the first place.

Is cosigning a loan a good idea?

If a borrower has limited income, low credit scores or little to no credit history, adding a co-signer may help a lender feel more confident in approving their application. Additionally, a co-signer may help a borrower qualify for a larger principal, reduced interest rate or other improved loan terms.

What fees do you pay as a cosigner?

What fees do you pay as a co-signer? As a co-signer, you may have to pay late fees or collection costs if the primary borrower doesn't pay their debt.

Is it illegal to pay off a loan with another loan?

While you can often use one loan to pay off another, be sure to read the fine print of your contract first and be wise about your spending habits.

What are your responsibilities if you cosign a loan?

When you cosign a loan, you agree to be responsible for someone else's debt. If the main borrower misses payments, you must make the payments. If the main borrower misses payments or stops making payments (also called defaulting), you must repay the loan.

Can I take my name off a loan as a cosigner?

Some lenders have a release option for co-signers, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A release can be obtained after a certain number of on-time payments and a credit check of the original borrower to determine whether they are now creditworthy.

How do I get out of a loan?

  1. Make bi-weekly payments. Instead of making monthly payments toward your loan, submit half-payments every two weeks. ...
  2. Round up your monthly payments. ...
  3. Make one extra payment each year. ...
  4. Refinance. ...
  5. Boost your income and put all extra money toward the loan.

Who gets the credit on a cosigned loan?

Both the primary borrower and cosigner are impacted by the cosigned loan. A cosigned loan typically appears on both credit reports, and the cosigner is responsible for paying back the loan if the primary borrower fails to do so.

Can a cosigner go to jail?

However, in certain legal circumstances, the cosigner may face jail time. For example, in a case where the co-signer helped to facilitate the defendant's flight, provided false contact information, or in any way assisted the defendant in evading prosecution.

Can a cosigner be kicked out?

Removing a co-borrower or cosigner from a mortgage is possible but difficult, and your lender may insist that you pay off the mortgage in full or refinance the house by taking out a new loan solely in your name.

Is a co-signer legally obligated to pay a loan?

When it comes to responsibilities, the co-signer is legally obligated to repay the loan — but only socially expected to if the primary signer falls behind. Even so, the responsibility comes with consequences. Failing to pay will affect a co-signer's credit as well as the credit of the primary borrower.

Can I remove myself as a cosigner?

Fortunately, you can have your name removed, but you will have to take the appropriate steps depending on the cosigned loan type. Basically, you have two options: You can enable the main borrower to assume total control of the debt or you can get rid of the debt entirely.

What are the rights of a cosigner?

You need to be aware that a co-signer's rights are limited. Co-signing means promising to pay back a borrower's loan if the borrower fails to pay. You have the responsibility of repaying the debt, but you don't have any right to use the loan proceeds.

Can a cosigner be removed after 6 months?

When your credit score improves, you have the option to remove the co-signer from your loan. You can remove the co-signer by refinancing your auto loan, receiving a co-signer release or paying off the loan.

What power does a cosigner have?

The cosigner is legally responsible for the debt if the primary borrower can't make payments. Any late or missed payments can negatively impact both parties' credit scores. Furthermore, the cosigner doesn't have any ownership of the vehicle.

What happens to cosigner if I don't pay rent?

You would be sued if the rent is not paid. You are jointly and severally liable for the lease when you are a co-signer. This means that if the rent is not paid, the Landlord can pursue all persons on the lease or just one person.

Does being a cosigner show up on your credit report?

Once you cosign a loan or credit card, it's likely to show up on your credit report. In fact, the only way the new credit wouldn't show up on your credit report is if the lender fails to report it. It's important to note that most lenders report loans and credit accounts to the credit bureaus.