Is it possible to remove a cosigner from a personal loan?

Asked by: Melody Bernhard Jr.  |  Last update: June 26, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (53 votes)

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.

How do I remove a cosigner from a personal loan?

lenders do not remove co signers from loans. The debt has to be retired. This can be done by paying it off directly or refinancing the loan.

How can I legally get out of a cosigned loan?

lenders do not remove co signers from loans. The debt has to be retired. This can be done by paying it off directly or refinancing the loan.

Will removing myself as a cosigner hurt my credit?

No, it doesn't hurt your credit, but having one can get credit history in your name because most times without a cosigner, you're not approved for an apartment or loan.

Can you take a cosigner off a loan without refinancing?

In most instances, the only way to remove a cosigner from liability is with the creditor's approval or a refinance.

Co-signing For A Loan Is STUPID - Dave Ramsey Rant

33 related questions found

How do I get a cosigner release?

To get a co-signer release you will first need to contact your lender. After contacting them, you can request the release — if the lender offers it. This is just paperwork that removes the co-signer from the loan and places you, the primary borrower, as the sole borrower on the loan.

Can you kick out a cosigner?

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.

How long does it take to remove a cosigner?

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.

How do I get removed as an authorized user?

If you want to be removed from the account, you'll have to call the credit card provider and be prepared to negotiate. If the other account holder would qualify for the card on their own, the credit card company may approve your request. If not, your only option is to pay off any outstanding debt and close the account.

Can being a co-signer ruin your credit?

It can affect your credit scores.

Because a co-signed loan is recorded on your credit reports, any late or missed payments can have a negative impact on your credit scores. If the borrower defaults on the loan and ceases payment, the debt may be referred to a collection agency.

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.

How can I get my name off a cosigned loan?

Your best option to get your name off a large cosigned loan is to have the person who's using the money refinance the loan without your name on the new loan. Another option is to help the borrower improve their credit history. You can ask the person using the money to make extra payments to pay off the loan faster.

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.

Can you remove yourself as a cosigner on a 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.

What happens if you cosign a loan and the other person defaults?

If the borrower does not repay the loan, you may be forced to repay the whole amount of the loan, plus interest and any late fees that have accrued. With most cosigned loans, the lender is not required to pursue the main borrower first, but can request payment from the cosigner any time there is a missed payment.

Can you remove someone from a loan?

Yes, removing someone from a mortgage is possible, but the most common method is refinancing the loan solely in the name of the person who will retain ownership of the property. This involves obtaining a new mortgage that pays off the existing one, releasing the other party from their obligation.

Will removing an authorized user hurt their credit score?

Your score may drop a bit when you are removed as an authorized user, but you can improve it over time by using your own credit accounts responsibly.

Does removing an authorized user remove the history?

Schulz also notes that when primary cardholders remove an authorized user on their card, the primary cardholder's credit history will no longer influence the authorized user's credit history.

Is an authorized user responsible for debt?

No, being an authorized user generally does not obligate you to pay the debt.

Can I release my cosigner?

If a borrower can prove to the lender they're financially stable on their own, they might qualify for cosigner release. If you're considering cosigner release, keep in mind that there are benefits for you as the borrower, too. This includes: Showing you can financially handle the loan on your own.

Does being a co-signer affect your ability to get a loan?

Co-signing for someone else can impact your ability to get approved for a mortgage because it expands your financial obligation. The co-signed loan becomes part of your overall debt load, increasing your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

Whose credit score is used when buying a car with a co-signer?

Lenders may look at the credit score of both you and your co-signer. So, a co-signer with good credit — a score above 660 — may result in lower rates. The average auto loan rate for subprime borrowers on a new car is 12.28 percent.

How do I legally remove a cosigner?

Get a loan release

Check with your lender to figure out the requirements for qualifying for a co-signer release. The CFPB offers some sample letters a co-signer can send to request a release. Some lenders, however, only allow the original borrower to apply for a co-signer release.

What is a cosigner release form?

Releasing your co-signer means they are no longer responsible for the repayment of your loans. Some private loans allow you to remove the co-signer from your student loan after you've made a certain number of on-time payments.

Can you remove yourself as a guarantor?

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.