Users' questions 

What are the consequences of cosigning a loan?

Leia Doyle

What are the consequences of cosigning a loan?

A cosigner on a loan is legally responsible for the debt if the primary borrower defaults. Cosigning a loan will show up on your credit report and can impact your credit score if the primary borrower pays late or defaults. Cosigners may sign for student loans, personal loans, credit cards, and even mortgages.

What if the person you are cosigning for does not pay their loan?

If the borrower you cosigned for stops paying and is unwilling or unable to catch up, you’re likely on the hook for the loan. You might see if the lender will work with you to modify or suspend payment arrangements but they may not be under any obligation to do so.

Can you get out of cosigning a 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.

Does co signing affect the co signer’s credit?

Being a co-signer itself does not affect your credit score. Your score may, however, be negatively affected if the main account holder misses payments. You will owe more debt: Your debt could also increase since the consignee’s debt will appear on your credit report.

How do I remove myself as a cosigner?

How to Remove Yourself as a Co-Signer on a Loan

  1. Ask for a co-signer release.
  2. [See: 7 Signs Your Romantic Partner Is Financially Unstable.]
  3. Refinance or consolidate.
  4. [Read: 10 Easy Ways to Pay Off Debt.]
  5. Sell off the asset.
  6. Transfer the debt to a new credit card.
  7. [See: 8 Financial Steps to Take After Paying Off a Debt.]

How do I protect myself from cosigning a loan?

Here are 10 ways to protect yourself when co-signing.

  1. Act like a bank.
  2. Review the agreement together.
  3. Be the primary account holder.
  4. Collateralize the deal.
  5. Create your own contract.
  6. Set up alerts.
  7. Check in, respectfully.
  8. Insure your assets.