What's your recommended strategy for best *fixed* long term rate?

[UsedToRuleTheWorld]

What is your recommended strategy to refinance student loans with the best-fixed rate?

Is there a certain company that tends to have better-fixed rates for longer durations (10, 15, 20 years)?

Do you recommend paying off a certain amount in order to secure a lower amount (ie get debt to income close to 1?)

Have spouse with high-income act as a co-signer?

Any other tips?

PS - I've read through WCI posts regarding variable vs fixed. At this point, I'm interested in fixed. Thx

[Andrew StudentLoanAdvice]

If you're looking to private refinance to a term longer than 5 years, fixed is usually the best way to go.

Commonbond and SoFi are currently offering 0% promos for the first few months.

I've also seen lots of clients going with Laurel Road as they offer extremely competitive & low rates for 10,15, & 20. I would pick 3-4 private lenders on WCI's page and get rates from each of them (takes like 2-5 minutes per application). Then go with the lender who gives you the best terms.

If you have a high earning spouse or your spouse has great credit this will certainly help you get a better rate.

I see lots of clients private refinancing all their loans at once (if PSLF or loan forgiveness is not an option) to 2-3% interest rates and starting to pay them down. Rather than leaving them federal at interest rates of 6-8%

[UsedToRuleTheWorld]

Andrew StudentLoanAdvice Great tips, thanks!

Right now for me it seems like Earnest has the best 10/15/20 year fixed rates. I'm hoping some other companies can beat their rates.

I'm surprised First Republic doesn't offer a more competitive rate. I'm not trying to throw shade on them. However, since they are so boutique and only target certain zip codes I thought they'd be able to take more risk by offering a lower rate especially since one has to put 20% down to get the best rate.