If you’ve already refinanced your student debt once, you know just how much it can save you. For example, borrowers that use Sparrow to refinance save, on average, $17,000 over the life of their loan.
With that in mind, you may be curious if you can refinance more than once. And if so, how many times can you do it? Here’s what you need to know.
Can You Refinance Student Loans Twice?
You can refinance your student loan debt as many times as you’d like. While common to do it once, you may be able to save even more by refinancing again.
For example, let’s say you started with a $30,000 student loan balance at a 6.8% interest rate with a 10-year repayment term. You refinance when you’re fresh out of college to a loan with the same balance and repayment term, but a 4.25% interest rate instead. Your new loan will save you $38 per month, or around $4,551 over the life of the loan.
Now, let’s say you opted to refinance again one year into paying off that loan. Your balance is now $26,029.05, and there are 9 years left in your repayment term. You refinance to a new loan with a 3.5% interest rate and a 5-year repayment term. While your monthly payment would increase, you would save another $2,958 over the life of your loan.
Initial Loan
1st Refinance, immediately after college
2nd Refinance, 1 year after making payments on the first refinance loan
Starting Balance
$30,000
$30,000
$26,029.05
Interest Rate
6.8%
4.25%
3.5%
Repayment Term
10 years
10 years
5 years
Monthly Payment
$345
$307
$474
Total Paid Over the Life of the Loan
$41,429
$36,878
$28,411
By the time you refinance a second time, you will have already paid $3,684 toward your loan ($307 monthly payment x 12 months). However, including that amount, you will only pay $32,095 total after refinancing twice. Compared with your initial loan terms, you will save $9,334 over the life of the loan.
When to Consider Refinancing Multiple Times
While refinancing more than once can make for considerable savings, it’s important to consider a variety of factors before doing so. Here are a few instances in which it does make sense to refinance multiple times:
- If the savings will be significant. Refinancing is intended to make repaying your debt more manageable or less expensive. If you can save a decent chunk of cash by refinancing again, it likely makes sense to do so. However, consider whether the savings is worth going through the refinancing process again.
- If your credit score has increased. If your credit score has improved since the last time you refinanced, you will likely qualify for better terms or a more attractive interest rate. If it has not, however, it may be challenging to qualify for a better offer than what you currently have.
- If the origination fees are either low or nonexistent. While the majority of student loan lenders don’t have origination fees, some do. If the origination fee is so high that it equals, or outweighs, what you will save by refinancing, it may not make sense to do so. However, if the origination fees are low, or if there is no origination fee at all, refinancing again will likely save you money.
- If you want to release a cosigner. If your current loan has a cosigner, and does not allow for cosigner release, you may want to refinance again to release them from their cosigner obligations.
Is It a Bad Idea to Refinance Multiple Times?
Refinancing your student loans multiple times isn’t a bad idea if you are in fact receiving a better interest rate or terms.
Submitting a formal loan application will result in a hard credit check, however, which will temporarily hurt your credit score. If your credit score isn’t in a good place, refinancing again may not be in your best interest.
The latest rates from Sparrow’s partners
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How Long Do You Have to Wait to Refinance Again?
Legally, there is no limit to the number of times you can refinance within a certain period of time. So, theoretically, you could refinance a million times if you wanted to.
However, most refinance lenders cap the number of times you can refinance with them. For example, some may limit you to one refinance per month or per quarter.
What to Consider Before Refinancing Your Student Loans
Before refinancing your student loans, consider the following:
- The type of loan you have. If you have federal student loans, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of refinancing them prior to doing so. If you do, you will lose access to all federal loan benefits such as income-driven repayment plans and federal loan forgiveness.
- Your interest rate. While you can score a lower interest rate by refinancing, you may have already hit the lowest possible rate you can get. To see if it’s even possible to qualify for a lower rate, complete the Sparrow application. This will allow you to compare prequalified rates side-by-side, giving you insight into what you may qualify for.
- Think about your current financial situation. Refinancing to a shorter repayment term will likely cause your monthly payment to increase. Make sure you’re able to afford that payment prior to refinancing again.
- The credit impact. Submitting a formal loan application will result in a hard credit inquiry, which will temporarily hurt your credit score. While your credit score will recover from the hit over time, it’s important to make sure refinancing makes sense before clicking “submit” on a formal loan application. Minimize the number of applications you submit, or do so within the recommended FICO and VantageScore timeframes so the inquiries are recognized as rate-shopping.
- The overall economy. Interest rates are impacted by macroeconomic factors, such as the market. If the market is in good shape, you may qualify for a better interest rate. If the market is not, however, it may be better to postpone refinancing until it is.
- If your loan is within a grace period or forbearance. Refinancing while your student loan is within a grace period or a forbearance, such as the federal forbearance, will cause loan payments to begin. If your loan is within either of these periods, it’s best to hold off on refinancing.
FAQ About Student Loan Refinancing
How soon is too soon to refinance a student loan?
You can refinance your student debt as early as you’d like. There is no specific timeframe in which refinancing is considered “too early.”
How often is too often to refinance student loans?
You can refinance your student loans as often as you’d like. However, you may reach a point in which you can no longer qualify for a better interest rate or terms, simply because you’ve already landed the most advantageous option available.
Does refinancing your student loans hurt your credit?
Refinancing your student loans will cause a hard credit inquiry which will temporarily impact your credit score.
Student loan rates from our partners
Ascent
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 11/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 11/1/2024 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest rates require full
principal and interest payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the repayment examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
LendKey
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
1 – Terms and Conditions Apply
Loan products, terms, and benefits may be modified or discontinued by participating lenders at any time without notice. Rates displayed are reserved for the most creditworthy consumers who enroll to make automatic monthly payments. Your initial rate will be determined after a review of your application and credit profile. Variable rates may increase after consummation. You must be either a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident in an eligible state and from an eligible school, and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to qualify for a loan. Certain membership requirements (including the opening of a share account, a minimum share account deposit, and the payment of any applicable association fees in connection with membership) may apply in the event that an applicant wishes to apply with, and accept a loan offered from, a credit union lender. If you are not a member of the credit union lender, you may apply and become a member during the loan application process if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. Applying with a creditworthy cosigner may result in a better chance of loan approval and/or lower interest rate. Loans for exam preparation classes, including, but not limited to, loans for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, and GRE preparation, are not available via LendKey.com.
2 – Cosigner Release
Some lenders participating on LendKey.com may offer the benefit of cosigner release. Cosigner release is subject to lender approval. In order to qualify, the borrower, alone, must meet the following requirements: (1) Make the required number of consecutive, on-time full principal and interest payments as indicated in the borrower’s credit agreement during the repayment period (excluding interest-only payments) immediately prior to the request. Any period of forbearance will reset the repayment clock; (2) The account cannot be in delinquent status; (3) The borrower must provide proof of income indicating that he/she meets the income requirements and pass a credit review demonstrating that he/she has a satisfactory credit history and the ability to assume full responsibility of loan repayment; (4) No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last sixty months; and (5) No loan defaults.
3 – Autopay Rate Reduction
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments.
4 – AutoPay Discount & Lowest Interest Rate
Subject to floor rate and may require the automatic payments be made from a checking or savings account with the lender. The rate reduction will be removed and the rate will be increased by 0.25% upon any cancellation or failed collection attempt of the automatic payment and will be suspended during any period of deferment or forbearance. As a result, during the forbearance or suspension period, and/or if the automatic payment is canceled, any increase will take the form of higher payments. The lowest advertised APR is only available for loan terms of 10 years and is reserved for the highest qualified applicants, taking into consideration the applicant’s credit and other factors.
Earnest
Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
Student Loan Origination (Private Student Loan) Interest Rate Disclosure:
College Ave
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 11/1/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
College Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply.
(1) All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
(2) As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000.
(3) This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary.
Information advertised valid as of 11/1/2024. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Final Thoughts from the Nest
Refinancing your student loans more than once can save you some serious cash over time. Before deciding if it’s right for you, see what you pre-qualify for with Sparrow. Then, compare your current loan with your new loan offers to see how much you can save.