Is a co-applicant better than a guarantor?

Asked by: Miss Kira Barrows  |  Last update: January 18, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (18 votes)

Having a co-applicant can make an application more attractive since it involves additional sources of income, credit, or assets. A co-applicant has more rights and responsibilities than a co-signer or guarantor.

Is it better to be a co-applicant or a guarantor?

The primary difference between a co-signer and a guarantor is how soon each individual becomes responsible for the borrower's debt. A co-signer is responsible for every payment that a borrower misses. However, a guarantor only assumes responsibility if the borrower falls into total default.

Is it better to apply with a co-applicant?

Applying with a co-applicant who has a higher credit score than you can help you get approved for a lower interest rate and other more favorable loan terms. And because the incomes of two applicants are being taken under consideration, this could help you get approved for a larger loan.

What are the disadvantages of guarantor?

But there are ways being a guarantor could affect your report:
  • If the borrower can't make their repayments, the responsibility for paying them will fall on you – and this will form part of your credit record.
  • Becoming a guarantor may create a financial association between you and the borrower.

Can a co-applicant hurt your chances?

A co-applicant can increase your chances of getting approved for a loan, but it can also hurt your chances depending on the person you choose. Since both applicants' credit scores and income are evaluated when you apply, you need to be extremely careful with who you choose as a co-borrower.

Am I off the hook if I have a guarantor for my loan? [LBC Legal Hour]

19 related questions found

What is the risk of a co-applicant?

Key Disadvantages of Having a Co-Applicant

2. Dispute may arise in case of a fight between co-applicants. 3. In case of default, the co-applicant has to repay the remaining dues.

What rights does a co-applicant have?

Yes, in most cases, co-applicants have equal rights to occupy the rental property or ownership in the case of a loan. If they are renting, both are listed on the lease, and if they are purchasing, both will typically have ownership rights, depending on the loan and title arrangements.

What happens if a guarantor fails?

The guarantee is not registered on the guarantor's credit reference file, so their credit rating is not harmed if they fail to pay when asked. The debt is only registered if the landlord issues a court claim and gets a County Court judgment against the guarantor.

Is it a bad idea to be a guarantor?

You should only be a guarantor for someone you trust and are willing and able to cover the repayments for. Often, guarantors are parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and close friends. Both parties should consider not just the financial burden of non-payment of the loan, but the emotional impact.

How can a guarantor protect themselves?

Seek legal advice if necessary. Limit Your Liability: If possible, negotiate terms that limit your liability to a specific amount or period. Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of all communications and documents related to the guarantee. This can be useful if disputes arise.

Does a co-applicant get credit?

Yes. A lender vets a co-applicant by the same standards as the original applicant, meaning they need a positive credit history, good credit score, and stable job history to get approved.

How much does a co-applicant help?

Applying with a co-applicant can often increase the potential amount of the loan, as well as improving its interest rate. Co-applicants are similar to co-signers and guarantors. However, they typically have more rights and responsibilities when it comes to the loan itself.

Who is eligible for a co-applicant?

Generally, an immediate family member can be your co-applicant. The co-applicant can be salaried or self-employed; Non-Resident Indians or NRIs is also eligible to be co-applicants.

What credit score does a guarantor need?

If a prospective renter doesn't meet those criteria, they should consider finding a guarantor who has a credit score of 700 or higher and an annual income of at least 80 times the monthly rent. For example, if the rent is $2,000 a month, the guarantor would need to make at least $160,000 a year.

Can a guarantor withdraw his guarantee?

A guarantor cannot withdraw their guarantee at any time. Withdrawal is subject to lender approval and typically requires finding a replacement guarantor. The borrower must also have cleared any outstanding dues before the lender considers releasing the guarantor from their obligations.

Who is the best person to be a guarantor?

Guarantors can be people like your relatives or close friends, but they do not have to be. Landlords and agents often check your guarantor's credit history, income and money. They might also ask for references. They might say your guarantor must be a homeowner.

What are the disadvantages of being a guarantor?

Depending on the terms of the tenancy agreement and guarantee provisions, the guarantor could also be responsible for paying for any damage caused to the property and other costs that the tenancy agreement may make the tenant liable for, such as the landlord's legal fees to recover possession of the property.

How much does it cost to pay for a guarantor?

On average, the guaranty fee for U.S. parties will approximate 70% - 90% of a month's rent for the one year lease guaranty. Average guaranty fees for non U.S. parties without U.S. based credit history will approximate 98% - 110% of a month's rent for the one year lease guaranty.

What are the risks of signing as a guarantor?

However, as a guarantor, your financial liability is identical to that of the borrower or tenant. If they fail to meet their obligations, creditors can pursue you directly for the debt. This can lead to lawsuits, credit damage, and financial loss, all because you agreed to help someone out.

How long does a guarantor last?

If this is the case, the guarantor's liability might continue for as long as the tenancy exists and will only end if the tenancy is legally ended by: service of a valid notice to quit by the tenant, or. by mutual surrender of the tenancy between the landlord and tenant, or. a possession order from the court.

Can being a guarantor affect your credit score?

Simply becoming a guarantor for someone shouldn't have an effect on your credit rating, as long as the main borrower manages to successfully make all the required repayments on time and in full. However, if they fail to keep up with repayments and you have to step in, this can put your credit score at risk.

Can a guarantor remove themselves?

If you are a guarantor and no longer wish to be, you must obtain the consent or agreement from the landlord before you will be released from your liabilities, which, if the rent is in arrears, the landlord is unlikely to agree to.

What is the difference between a co-applicant and a guarantor?

While the degree of liability is similar for both, with lenders able to pursue either party for the debt, the key distinction lies in the guarantor's role as a last resort if the borrower defaults. In contrast, the co-borrower is expected to contribute to repayments from the outset.

Can you kick a co-applicant out?

You should be aware that you cannot “evict” your co-tenant or change the locks, since eviction is a process reserved for landlords.

Can a co-applicant be removed?

Some lenders may allow you to remove a co-applicant from the loan if you can provide a valid reason for doing so and show that you can repay the loan on your own. If you are unsure about the process, seek the advice of a financial advisor or a legal professional.