GradMerge

Resources to support you at every step

Defaulted private student loans are confusing on purpose. These plain-English guides explain what's actually happening, what your options are, and how to move forward, no jargon, no sales pressure.

Guide

What happens when your private student loan defaults

Default vs. charge-off, the timeline, what collectors can and can't do, and the moves you still have.

Guide

Charge-off vs. default: what's the difference?

They aren't the same thing, and a charge-off does not erase your debt. Here's the gap that catches people off guard.

Guide

Can you refinance a defaulted private student loan?

Often yes, harder than before default, but possible. How it works and what you need to qualify.

Tool

Savings calculator

See what a lower fixed rate could do to your monthly payment and total interest, in about 15 seconds.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

Is GradMerge a lender? What does it cost? Will it hurt my credit? Straight answers.

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Check my options

See whether you qualify to move a defaulted loan into a fixed-rate loan. Free, no obligation.

Check My Options →

GradMerge is not a lender. GradMerge is a marketing company that educates borrowers and connects them with its licensed lending partner, Alt Lending LLC, which originates and services all loans subject to its approval and applicable state licensing. Nothing here is legal, tax, or financial advice. Alt Lending, LLC (NMLS #2571325).