What is the cosigner release benefit?

Asked by: Brennan Kerluke  |  Last update: February 20, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (6 votes)

This allows borrowers to have their cosigners released from their obligation to repay the loans. Only borrowers may apply for this benefit. To qualify for the cosigner release: The correct number and type of consecutive, on-time payments under the Standard (level) Repayment Plan must be submitted.

Does a cosigner release hurt your credit?

However, there is a downside to consider. Being removed as a cosigner from a loan could potentially hurt your credit scores.

How does a cosigner release form work?

By releasing your co-signer, they will no longer be responsible for your student loan debt; instead, you will be the only person responsible for repayment of the loan. For some private loans, co-signers can be released from their responsibilities on the loan after you've made a certain number of on-time payments.

What is cosigner release available?

Co-signer release requirements

You have an annual income of at least $24,000. You have at least two years of credit history with a minimum credit score. You're of majority age in your state of residence. You've requested to enroll in automatic payments.

What benefits do you receive by taking out a loan with a cosigner?

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.

😲Ex Salesman Warns About Cosigning A Car Loan - Cosigner Requirements

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Should I release my cosigner?

There are many reasons to want to release your cosigner. On your end, it'll be one step closer to being financially independent, which is a pretty big deal. For your cosigner, it'll release them from your debt. It'll also help with their credit since they will no longer have an open account on their credit report.

Will my credit score go up if I cosign?

Co-signing a loan allows you to help someone secure a loan that they may not have been able to obtain on their own. Additionally, if the borrower makes their payments on time, it can help both parties build a positive credit history.

How hard is it to get a cosigner release?

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. Check with your lender to figure out the requirements for qualifying for a co-signer release.

What does "deferred with co-release" mean?

In short, if you are a co-borrower, the loan is your loan just as much as it is the student's loan. Some loans come with an option to remove the parent co-borrower after a certain period of on-time payments. One such loan is the MEFA Deferred Loan with Co-Borrower Release.

What happens when you remove a cosigner?

Removing your cosigner leaves just you to cover any late or missed monthly payments, so some lenders might make it difficult to remove the second person. Before you can remove a cosigner, you may have to prove that your finances and/or credit score have improved since getting the loan.

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 much rights does a cosigner have?

Cosigning a loan doesn't give you any title, ownership, or other rights to the property the loan is paying for. Your only role is to repay the loan if the main borrower falls behind on the payments or defaults.

Can you remove someone from a car loan without refinancing?

But if your circumstances change over time or your credit score improves and you would like to remove the co-signer from your loan, there are three primary options. You can refinance, get a co-signer release or pay off the loan.

Can I remove myself as a cosigner?

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 long does a closed account stay on a person's credit report?

Many people are surprised to learn that a closed credit card account remains on your credit report for up to 10 years if the account was in good standing when you canceled it, but only seven years if it wasn't – if, say, it was closed for missed payments.

Is it a bad idea to cosign for someone?

Co-signing your friend's loan might seem like a nice thing to do. But it can put many things in your life at risk, including your finances, your credit score and even your friendship. While it's possible to co-sign a friend's loan and never face any negative consequences, it might not be worth it.

What is the benefit of a cosigner release?

This allows borrowers to have their cosigners released from their obligation to repay the loans. Only borrowers may apply for this benefit. To qualify for the cosigner release: The correct number and type of consecutive, on-time payments under the Standard (level) Repayment Plan must be submitted.

How long does a deferred sentence stay on your record?

If the charge was a misdemeanor, then, one year from the date that the deferred sentence ends, you are eligible for a full expungement. If charged with a felony, you are eligible for a full expungement five years from the end of a deferred sentence.

Can I make payments while in forbearance?

Yes. While your federal student loans are in forbearance or stopped collections, you are not required to pay your loans. However, you are allowed to make payments on any of your loans that are in forbearance or stopped collections, including payments for accrued interest.

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.

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 I take my name off a car loan if I cosigned?

The short answer is yes! Removing a cosigner from a car loan is absolutely possible, but there are a few different routes you can take to achieve it. The finance team at Marietta Toyota has outlined the purpose of a cosigner along with common ways to release them from a car loan below, so read on!

Can I pay someone to cosign for me?

There's nothing illegal about paying someone to cosign on student loans, but there are risks for both the initial borrower and the cosigner to consider. There are also alternatives when it comes to borrowing money for school that don't require a third party to cosign.

What credit score is needed to buy a car with a co-signer?

You only qualify for high interest rates

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. It gets higher for used cars.

Does being a co-signer affect buying a house?

The lender looks at both your credit and the co-signer's credit to determine if you can get a loan. When they look at your application, lenders will also consider you and your co-signer's debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Every lender has its own standards when it comes to what they consider an acceptable DTI.