With its comparably lower APRs and flexible loan amounts, LendKey allows you to get your undergraduate or graduate degree by helping you with your financial needs. You can also refinance your loans through this lender, and parents can apply for student loans as well.
2024 LendKey Student Loans Review
Updated: October 16, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
At a Glance: LendKey Student Loans
- LendKey
- 4.03%–9.01%Fixed APR Range
- 1.49%–8.09%Variable APR Range
- $2,000 up to the cost of attendanceLoan Amounts
- Six monthsGrace Period
- OptionalCo-signer
With LendKey, students can borrow at least $2,000. The maximum amount is dependent on the cost of attendance as well as the aids or grants that the student has received. As a result, the maximum amount is dependent on each student’s needs.
The APRs are low, ranging from 4.03% to 9.01% for fixed rates and 1.49% to 8.09% for variable rates. However, these rates can be reduced if the student uses autopay because a 0.25% discount is offered to borrowers who use this feature. As a result, students can save a lot of money in the long run.
LendKey does not have prepayment penalties or origination fees, but they do charge a late fee of 5% of the overdue amount if you are more than 15 days behind on your payment.
Furthermore, if a student incurs a financial problem, LendKey offers forbearance. This means that a student can receive leeway in terms of their payments.
Pros
- Autopay discount
- No origination or prepayment penalty
- Allows a 15-day period before a late fee is charged
- Offers hardship forbearance
- Low APR
Cons
- No prequalification
- Only conducts hard inquiry
- Getting better terms is heavily reliant on having a co-signer
- Insufficient fund fees
- Fixed APR Range: 4.03% to 9.01%
- Variable APR Range: 1.49% to 8.09%
- Loan Amounts: $2,000 up to the cost of attendance (minus any additional aid)
- Grace Period: Six months
- Co-signer: Optional
MoneyGeek Breakdown: LendKey Student Loan Details and Requirements
LendKey Details
Fixed APR | 4.03%–9.01% |
Variable APR | 1.49%–8.09% (won’t exceed 18%) |
Loan Types | Undergraduate and graduate |
Loan Amounts | $2,000–the difference between any financial aid you have received and the cost of attendance |
Repayment Terms | 10 years |
Grace Period | Six months |
Co-signer Required | Optional |
Time to Receive Funds | Within weeks |
Late Fees | 5% of the unpaid installment amount |
Prepayment Penalty Fees | None |
Perks | 0.25% autopay discount |
Mobile Application | No |
LendKey Student Loan Application Requirements
- 1
Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree program.
- 2
Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
- 3
Must be at least 18 years of age.
- 4
Must have a good credit score, an established credit history and a source of income.
- 5
Must provide the name of your school, academic period, loan amount, social security number and your co-signer’s contact details (if you have a co-signer).
- 6
The co-signer must provide their permanent address, social security number and income information.
Is LendKey Right for You?
Student loan lenders can vary in terms, rates and conditions. The right student loan lender for you depends on your needs and financial situation. Here is who LendKey student loans are great for and the types of borrowers who might want to consider a different lender.
Type of Student LendKey Is Perfect For
Students who are looking to save money can benefit from LendKey’s offers. LendKey has low APR rates. You can get a starting variable rate of as low as 1.49% and a fixed rate of 4.03%. Your rates can even be lower if you use autopay. These loans also don’t have prepayment penalties or origination fees.
This lender is also great for students who have co-signers. LendKey considers the higher credit score between you and your co-signer. This increases the student’s chance of being approved for the loan and receiving the lowest rates possible.
Overall, students can receive better terms and save more money if they have a co-signer with a good credit profile.
Who Should Not Choose LendKey
LendKey may not be the best option for students with new or no credit history who don’t have a co-signer. A co-signer can help you since their credit profile will be considered instead of yours. If you don’t have one, your student loan may not have the best terms.
These student loans determine your rates based on your credit profile. If you don’t have a long history or a good credit score, your application is more likely to be denied or you’ll get a higher APR. As a result, you’ll spend more money over time.
How to Apply for a LendKey Student Loan
If you think LendKey can meet your financial needs, their application process is simple and straightforward. You can follow these steps to apply for a LendKey student loan.
- 1
Prequalify
Unfortunately, there is no prequalification available. Students need to submit their applications and undergo a hard inquiry that will affect their credit score.
- 2
Fill Out Application Form
You can apply for a student loan online via the LendKey website. You’ll need to provide your personal details as well as the name of your school, the academic period you’re taking out a loan for, the loan amount, your Social Security number and the contact details of your co-signer (if you have one).
- 3
Wait for Approval
LendKey suggests that students should send in their application at least one month before they need the funds. While conditional approval can be granted quickly, the certification process from your school can take a few weeks.
- 4
Review Loan Agreement
Once you receive the loan agreement, read it thoroughly. This part of the process protects you from agreeing to hidden charges or facing unexpected fees in the future.
- 5
Sign Loan Agreement
If you’re sure about taking out the loan after reading the fine print, you can sign the loan agreement.
- 6
Receive or Direct Funds
LendKey sends the funds directly to your school. Any excess from your tuition will be refunded or charged to your outstanding balance.
- 7
Make Payments
When making payments, make sure not to go past the due date to avoid late fees. You can also opt for autopay so you don’t forget your monthly payments and get a 0.25% discount.
What to Do if You Are Rejected From LendKey
Rejections from lenders can happen, and it’s nothing to worry about. Usually, applications are rejected because of a low credit score, insufficient income, new credit history or problems with your application details.
If your student loan application was rejected, call your lender to ask why. This will allow you to know what you will need to work on before reapplying or applying with another lender. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the amount you are requesting or fixing an error on your application.
You can also talk to your school’s financial aid advisor or office. They may have information and resources that can help you find other ways to finance your education.
Since LendKey allows co-signers, you can also try applying with a co-signer. Ideally, your co-signer will be someone with a good credit score and a long credit history. This will give you a better chance of getting approved for a student loan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Loans
MoneyGeek’s LendKey student loan review aims to help you decide which student loan is best for you. We have answered frequently asked questions about student loans from LendKey so you can evaluate the lender and if it offers the loan terms you need.
What can I use a LendKey student loan for?
You can use a LendKey student loan to pay for your tuition as well as other education-related expenses. These can include books, laptops, housing and transportation.
What credit score do I need for a LendKey student loan?
You will need a minimum credit score of 660 to qualify for a LendKey student loan.
How long does LendKey take to approve a student loan?
LendKey recommends applying for a loan at least 30 days before you need the funds. The conditional approval doesn’t take long, but certification from your school can take weeks.
Does LendKey have a mobile app?
No, LendKey doesn’t have a mobile app.
What is the maximum amount I can borrow from LendKey?
The maximum amount you can borrow from LendKey is the difference between your cost of attendance and the amount of aid you have received.
Will applying for a LendKey student loan affect my credit score?
Yes, LendKey conducts a hard inquiry that will affect your credit score.
Does LendKey accept co-signers on student loans?
Yes, LendKey accepts co-signers on student loans. Having a co-signer with a good credit profile can give you access to lower rates and a higher chance of being approved for a student loan.
Can I use LendKey student loans at my college?
It’s best to check with your college to see if they accept LendKey student loans. Additionally, you can also ask LendKey if your college is eligible for their student loans.
About Christopher Boston
Christopher (Croix) Boston was the Head of Loans content at MoneyGeek, with over five years of experience researching higher education, mortgage and personal loans.
Boston has a bachelor's degree from the Seattle Pacific University. They pride themselves in using their skills and experience to create quality content that helps people save and spend efficiently.
sources
- LendKey. "Disclaimers." Accessed September 18, 2024.
- LendKey. "Financial Aid Office Resources." Accessed September 18, 2024.
- LendKey. "Frequently asked questions." Accessed September 18, 2024.
- LendKey. "Private Student Loans." Accessed September 18, 2024.
- LendKey. "Student Loans (in school)." Accessed September 18, 2024.
- LendKey. "What We Do." Accessed September 18, 2024.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.