SoFi vs ELFI Refinancing Comparison
Confused about choosing private lenders to refinance student loans? Here is SoFi vs ELFI refinancing comparison provided to make this task easier for you.
Updated by Kanishkar P on 20th October 2020
When repaying your student loans becomes too difficult due to increased interest rates, you may think of refinancing your existing student loans through a different lender. It may be a better idea to do so in many cases. While refinancing you should make sure that you refinance your loans with maximum benefits. Different lenders offer different plans and benefits, you must choose the right one to get the best out of it. Here we help you in making decisions by giving you SoFi vs ELFI Refinancing Comparison between them know to be renowned in the student loans market.
Table of Contents
SoFi vs ELFI student loan refinancing
ELFI and SoFi being the well-known student loan refinance lenders, have most of their features in common. They differ in a few aspects as well. Take a look at the comparison made between ELFI and SoFi.
| Feature | ELFI | SoFi |
| Minimum loan | $15,000 | $5,000 |
| Maximum loan | No maximum limit |
No maximum limit
|
| Variable APR | 2.39% - 5.78% | 2.31% to 6.48% |
| Fixed APR | 3.03% - 6.69% | 3.20% to 6.48% |
| Autopay discount | No |
Available (rate not specified)
|
| Loan Term | 5 - 20 years | 5 - 20 years |
| Pay ahead penalty | None | None |
| State Residency | All states eligible | All states eligible |
| Degree Requirements | Bachelor’s or higher |
Associates or higher
|
| Income Requirements | $35,000 | None |
| Employment Requirements | Must be employed |
Must be employed or have a job offer to start within 90days
|
| Can use a cosigner? | Yes | Yes |
| Is cosigner release available? | No | No |
| Interest-only payments | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Organization fees | None | None |
| Soft Credit check | Yes | Yes |
| Unemployment Protection | Yes, up to 12 months forbearance | Yes |
The comparisons made above in the table describe most of the features that play a major role in choosing a lender to refinance your student loans.
SoFi was founded in 2011 at SanFransisco. Its founders came up with this institution to help the students who were in need. Over time SoFi has not only restricted its services to students but has widened them for other borrowers also. Sofi by far being the leading lending firm, provides personal loans, student loans, mortgage refinancing, student loan refinancing, and more. To keep up its primary motto to serve students in need, it offers students with various benefits on their loans.
Learn more about SoFi Student Loans Reviews
Education Loan Refinance is one of the newest companies to hit the loan refinance industry. As Education Loan Finance is a division of Tennessee-based Southeast Bank, the priority is designed to help the borrowers restructure the loan and save money on monthly student loan payments.
College graduates with a good credit history and a stable job can get the most out of this lender. Though the company started to lend only in 2015, the organization has over 30 years of experience in the student loan business.
Education Loan Finance has proven to be one of the best refinancing options.
Learn more about Education Loan Finance (ELFI) Reviews
Worried about college finances? Learn about the best student loans
What is student loan refinancing?
With student loan refinancing, a private lender repays all of your student loans, which may include both private and federal loans. You may be able to save money and lower your monthly payments by refinancing your student loans with an interest rate reduction. However, when you refinance federal student loans, they will become private loans and you will no longer be able to avail of the benefits that come with the federal programs, including income-driven repayment plans, protection benefits, and forgiveness programs.
Refinancing has a lot to offer, it is advised to have an in-depth understanding of what you can do with refinancing your student loans.
Check out the other Best student loan refinancing lenders
When to choose SoFi or ELFI to refinance your student loans?
Once you understand the functionalities/features of SoFi and ELFI, you can decide to choose between them. Below are a few suggestions listed to help you in the process while having to choose between SoFi and ELFI.
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If you are looking to refinance with ELFI your loan debt must be at least 15000$, if your debt is lesser than 15,000$, you can choose SoFi.
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If you require any free career guidance and coaching, SoFi is the right choice for you.
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If you are a customer, focusing on better customer service, you can choose ELFI. As they focus on providing better customer service and help you have a dedicated representative assist you.
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Since SoFi is in the Financial market for a very loan time, it also provides personal loans, home loans, and other investments.
It is important to understand your needs before you make a final decision. ELFI and SoFi exhibit a variety of features regarding student loan refinancing. Both of these companies take a few ups and downs in their offers. Choosing one among them is left to the customer. Based on your requirements and comforts with the lender you can choose your lender. When talking about lenders these are not the only companies that refinance student loans, you can check out the other best companies to refinance your student loans.
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SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Review
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