Last updated: September 2026. Data note: Interest rate averages and market figures in this article reflect data as of September 2026. Rates change frequently — verify current figures at the sources cited in the References section before making financial decisions. Quick answer A debt consolidation loan replaces several debts, most often credit cards, with one fixed-rate loan and one monthly payment. It’s worth pursuing only when the APR, fees, and payment fit your budget and you have a realistic plan