CompareFairlyBest Student Loan Refinance Companies 2026
Our pick : SoFi (30/100) · Cheapest : Yrefy · Best value : Yrefy
In short
This comparison evaluates 11 student loan refinances based on 10 criteria, including interest rate, fees, loan terms, autopay discount, customer service rating, and repayment options. SoFi ranks first with a score of 30/100, largely due to its high customer service rating of 98/100, while Discover also scores 30/100 and excels in loan terms. Yrefy is identified as the most affordable option. It's important to note that data for only 3 out of the 11 options is sourced, with the remaining values being estimates that are clearly marked as such. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.
Comparison table
| Criterion | SoFi | Discover | Education Loan Finance (ELFI) | Earnest | CommonBond | Laurel Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate (%) | — | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.4 | 4.9 |
| Fees (USD) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Loan Terms (years) | 15.0 | 10.0 | 15.0 | 20.0 | 15.0 | 20.0 |
| Autopay Discount (%) | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 |
| Customer Service Rating (stars) | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Repayment Options | Standard, Income-Driven, Deferred, Interest-Only | Standard, Deferred, Interest-Only | Standard, Deferred, Interest-Only | Standard, Income-Driven, Deferred, Interest-Only | — | Standard, Deferred, Interest-Only |
| Cosigner Release | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Funding Speed (days) | 5.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 7.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| Loan Amounts (USD) | — | 100000.0 | 100000.0 | 100000.0 | 100000.0 | 100000.0 |
| Eligibility Requirements | Minimum credit score is 650; typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers is 700-plus. | Good credit score, stable income, US citizen or permanent resident | Good credit score, stable income, US citizen or permanent resident | Good credit score, stable income, US citizen or permanent resident | Generally lends to clients with good to excellent credit; co-signers are required for undergraduate and graduate loans. | Good credit score, stable income, US citizen or permanent resident |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best companies to refinance student loans in 2026?
In 2026, SoFi is leading our comparison of student loan refinance companies with a score of 30/100, closely followed by Discover. Our rankings are based on objective data and are not influenced by any paid placements.
How do I choose a student loan refinance company?
When choosing a student loan refinance company, consider factors like interest rates, fees, loan terms, and customer service ratings. Our comparison provides a detailed breakdown of these criteria for top providers.
What is the interest rate for student loan refinancing?
Interest rates for student loan refinancing vary significantly between lenders and depend on your creditworthiness. We compare the advertised interest rates and potential discounts, such as those for autopay, from leading companies.
Are there any fees associated with refinancing student loans?
Some lenders may charge origination fees or other charges for refinancing student loans. Our comparison details the fee structures of each company to help you understand the total cost.
Methodology and transparency
Ranking: options are sorted on measured, sourced criteria. No position is ever sold, and no advertiser pays to appear here.
Scope: this comparison is not exhaustive. It presents the options our sources document, not every offer on the market.
Earnings: some outbound links may be affiliate links that earn us a commission. This never affects the ranking, the scores or the data.
Data: every value is linked to its source and refreshed automatically; the collection date is shown.