Best Student Loan Refinancing Lenders of 2026
If you're earning a steady income and have good credit, refinancing your student loans could save thousands. These lenders offer the best rates and terms for refinancing both federal and private student loans.
Quick answer
Best overall: SoFi Student Loans (4.8/5). Leading fintech lender offering competitive fixed and variable rates with extensive borrower benefits and member perks.
- Best Flexibility: Earnest
- Best for Credit Union Rates: LendKey Student Loans
Our Top Pick
SoFi Student Loans
Best OverallSoFi sets the standard for private student loan refinancing with industry-leading rates, outstanding member benefits, and a commitment to borrower success. Best choice for borrowers seeking comprehensive financial wellness support beyond just loans.
Rankings
SoFi Student Loans
by Social Finance Inc.
Leading fintech lender offering competitive fixed and variable rates with extensive borrower benefits and member perks.
Why we picked it
SoFi sets the standard for private student loan refinancing with industry-leading rates, outstanding member benefits, and a commitment to borrower success. Best choice for borrowers seeking comprehensive financial wellness support beyond just loans.
Key Features
Pros
- • Highly competitive fixed and variable rates
- • Extensive borrower benefits (unemployment protection, career coaching)
- • No origination, application, or prepayment fees
- • SoFi membership includes investment and banking services
Watch-outs
- • Requires good credit (generally 680+ for best rates)
- • Doesn't offer federal loan consolidation directly
- • Interest rates variable and can change monthly
Earnest
by Earnest Operations LLC
Flexible student loan lender offering customizable payment plans and transparent underwriting focused on borrower success.
Why we picked it
Earnest prioritizes flexibility and transparency. Their customizable payment plans and willingness to work with diverse financial situations make them excellent for borrowers seeking options beyond standard loan terms.
Key Features
Pros
- • Customizable payment plans (choose any term between 5-30 years)
- • Flexible underwriting (considers alternative income sources)
- • Competitive rates starting around 5.75% fixed
- • No origination, application, or prepayment fees
Watch-outs
- • Minimum loan amount typically $10,000
- • Rates require good credit (generally 700+)
- • No unemployment protection or borrower benefits
LendKey Student Loans
by LendKey Technologies Inc.
LendKey connects borrowers with community lenders and credit unions for competitive student loan refinancing and private student loan rates.
Why we picked it
LendKey stands out by connecting borrowers with community banks and credit unions that often offer lower rates than national lenders. Best for borrowers who want credit union-level rates without joining one directly. The platform is particularly strong for student loan refinancing with competitive fixed rates and no origination fees.
Key Features
Pros
- • Access to credit union and community bank rates
- • No origination fees or prepayment penalties
- • Competitive fixed and variable rates
- • Flexible repayment terms (5-20 years)
Watch-outs
- • Less brand recognition than SoFi or Earnest
- • Rates depend on which lender you match with
- • Fewer borrower perks than major fintech lenders
KeyBank (formerly Laurel Road) Student Loan Refinancing
by KeyBank
Student loan refinancing now offered through KeyBank after Laurel Road fully merged into KeyBank in March 2026. Existing Laurel Road borrowers continue under the same loan terms; new borrowers should apply through KeyBank Student Loan Refinancing.
Why we picked it
Laurel Road, previously a standalone refinancing brand, fully merged into KeyBank in March 2026. The student loan refinancing product continues under the KeyBank brand with similar competitive rates. Existing Laurel Road customers retain their loan terms; new borrowers should apply via KeyBank. (Verified April 2026.)
Key Features
Pros
- • Highly competitive refinancing rates (among lowest available)
- • Specialized refinancing expertise and knowledge
- • Fast approval and funding (5-10 days typical)
- • No origination, application, or prepayment fees
Watch-outs
- • Refinancing only (not new student loans)
- • Requires good credit (typically 700+)
- • Rates available only for existing loan refinancing
Splash Financial
by Splash Financial
Student loan refinancing platform aggregating quotes from multiple lenders, enabling borrower comparison shopping.
Why we picked it
Splash Financial simplifies refinancing by comparing multiple lenders in one place. Excellent tool for borrowers seeking best rates without shopping lenders individually.
Key Features
Pros
- • Compare multiple lenders' rates in one place
- • No hard credit pull upfront (soft inquiry)
- • Access exclusive lender partnerships
- • Quick process (apply once, receive multiple offers)
Watch-outs
- • Not a lender (intermediary platform)
- • Rates ultimately depend on actual lenders
- • May receive multiple inquiries from lenders
Education Loan Finance (ELFI)
by Education Loan Finance Inc.
Digital-focused student loan refinancing platform with streamlined underwriting and competitive rates.
Why we picked it
ELFI brings fintech efficiency to student loan refinancing. Good option for borrowers seeking fast digital experience alongside competitive rates.
Key Features
Pros
- • Fully digital application and process
- • Fast pre-approval and funding (3-5 days)
- • Competitive rates for refinancing
- • No origination or prepayment fees
Watch-outs
- • Rates not always lowest (Laurel Road sometimes better)
- • Limited borrower benefit programs
- • Smaller company than major competitors
Citizens Bank Student Loans
by Citizens Bank
Major bank offering student loans with established relationships, competitive rates, and in-school borrowing options.
Why we picked it
Citizens Bank brings banking institution stability to student lending. Good for borrowers who value bank relationships or need integrated banking and lending services.
Key Features
Pros
- • Major bank institution with 1,000+ branches across the Northeast and Midwest
- • Competitive rates for undergraduate and graduate borrowing
- • In-school deferment available for current students
- • No origination fees
Watch-outs
- • Rates not always most competitive vs. fintech lenders
- • Limited borrower benefit programs
- • Traditional underwriting may be stricter
Full Comparison
| Feature | SoFi Student Loans | Earnest | LendKey Student Loans | KeyBank (formerly Laurel Road) Student Loan Refinancing | Splash Financial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed APR | 4.24% - 9.99% (with autopay + SoFi Plus discount, refinance) | 3.49% - 9.99% (with 0.25% autopay discount, refinance) | 4.94% - 11.49% | 4.62% - 11.98% | 5.00% - 14.50% |
| Variable APR | 5.99% - 9.99% (with autopay + SoFi Plus discount, refinance) | 5.88% - 9.99% (with 0.25% autopay discount, refinance) | 5.08% - 11.09% | 3.99% - 10.98% | 3.99% - 13.99% |
| Loan Amounts | Up to $500,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to $300,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to $500,000 |
| Cosigner Release | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-School Deferment | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Our Rating | 4.8/5Best | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
Which should you choose?
You want the highest-rated option in this roundup
Start with SoFi Student Loans, which scored 4.8 out of 5 in our evaluation.
Best Flexibility
Earnest is our pick here. Flexible student loan lender offering customizable payment plans and transparent underwriting focused on borrower success.
Best for Credit Union Rates
LendKey Student Loans is our pick here. LendKey connects borrowers with community lenders and credit unions for competitive student loan refinancing and private student loan rates.
Still deciding?
Scan the full comparison table above, or browse everything in our Student Loans hub.