Nelnet Bank Reviews: Student Loan Refinancing and Private Student Loans
Nelnet Bank refinancing is an option for borrowers who need a co-signer or who might need flexibility on payments in the future. It also offers private student loans.
Student loan ratings
Student loan refinancing
Private student loan
The bottom line: Nelnet Bank offers student loan refinancing and private student loans. Its student loan refinancing is best for borrowers who may need wiggle room on payments, or those who didn’t graduate. Its private student loan is best for borrowers who want lengthy forbearance options.
Student loan refinancing review
on Nelnet Bank's website
Nelnet Bank Student Loan Refinance
5.0
NerdWallet ratingon Nelnet Bank's website
Fixed APR
2.99 - 5.90%
Variable APR
2.00 - 5.70%
Min. Credit Score
680
Pros
- Offers longer-than-average forbearance length of 24 months.
- You can see if you'll qualify and what rate you'll get without a hard credit check.
Cons
- Below-average customer support compared with other lenders.
- Loans aren’t available in Vermont.
Best for borrowers who may need wiggle room on payments, or those who didn't graduate.
Full Review
Refinancing student loans through Nelnet Bank is a good option for borrowers who don't have strong enough credit to qualify independently but have a creditworthy co-signer. It's also a good fit for borrowers who might need flexibility on payments in the future.
Applicants with credit scores as low as 640 can be accepted if they apply with a co-signer who has a score of at least 680. It also offers longer-than-average forbearance periods, allowing borrowers to postpone payments for up to 24 months throughout their loan term.
Nelnet Bank at a glance
Generous forbearance policy.
Co-signer release option.
Longer-than-average forbearance periods.
How Nelnet Bank could improve
Nelnet Bank could improve by:
Assigning customers a dedicated student loan advisor.
Allowing biweekly payments via autopay.
Nelnet Bank student loan refinancing details
Before refinancing with Nelnet Bank
You can apply for a Nelnet Bank refinanced student loan on its website. Before deciding on a student loan refinance lender, compare multiple student loan refinance options to make sure you’re getting the best rate you qualify for. In addition to interest rates, compare lenders’ repayment options and the flexibility they offer borrowers who are struggling to make payments.
If you aren’t eligible to refinance with Nelnet Bank
If Nelnet Bank denies your refinance application, the lender will let you know why. Depending on the reason, you may want to consider other lenders or using a co-signer.
NerdWallet recommends prequalifying with multiple refinance lenders before you apply. This will let you know which lenders you may be eligible with, without affecting your credit.
How does this loan compare?
Check Rate | Check Rate | Check Rate |
Fixed APR2.99 - 5.90% | Fixed APR2.97 - 9.15% | Fixed APR2.80 - 6.00% |
Variable APR2.00 - 5.70% | Variable APR1.99 - 8.90% | Variable APR1.89 - 5.90% |
Min. Credit Score680 | Min. Credit ScoreDoes not disclose | Min. Credit Score700 |
Private student loan review
on Nelnet Bank's website
Nelnet Bank Private Student Loan
4.5
NerdWallet ratingon Nelnet Bank's website
Fixed APR
3.59 - 12.21%
Variable APR
1.20 - 11.92%
Min. Credit Score
680
Pros
- Borrowers can make interest-only payments while in school.
- Offers 24 months of hardship forbearance.
Cons
- Loans aren’t available in Vermont.
- Loans not available to borrowers with student visas.
- You can’t make bi-weekly payments via autopay.
Best for borrowers who want lengthy forbearance options.
Full Review
Nelnet Bank offers private student loans for undergraduate and graduate students. Nelnet is also one of the largest federal student loan servicers.
Compared with the largest private student loan companies in the industry, Nelnet Bank stands out by offering personalized rate estimates without affecting your credit. This allows you to shop for the best rate without penalty.
Nelnet Bank borrowers can opt to save money by making interest-only payments during school.
Nelnet Bank private student loans at a glance
You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Offers interest-only repayment options while in school.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
How Nelnet Bank could improve
Lending to international students.
Offering biweekly payments via autopay.
Nelnet Bank private student loan details
Before applying for a Nelnet Bank student loan
Before taking out a Nelnet Bank student loan or any other private student loan, exhaust your federal student loan options first. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, to apply.
» MORE: NerdWallet’s FAFSA Guide
Compare your private student loan options to make sure you’re getting the best rate you qualify for. In addition to interest rates, look at lenders’ repayment alternatives and the flexibility they offer to borrowers who struggle to make payments.
If you aren’t eligible for a Nelnet Bank student loan
If Nelnet Bank denies your student loan application, the lender will let you know why. Depending on the reason, you may want to consider other lenders or, if you haven’t already, try applying with a co-signer.
If you don’t have access to a co-signer — or still aren’t eligible with one — consider lenders that don’t require co-signers or specialize in bad or no credit student loans.
STUDENT LOANS RATINGS METHODOLOGY
NerdWallet believes the best student loan is one you can repay at the lowest interest rate you can get. That’s why NerdWallet’s student loan ratings reward lenders that offer a variety of loan terms, limit their fees and penalties, and extend borrowers multiple options to avoid default. Points are also awarded for soft credit checks, underwriting transparency and other consumer-friendly features. Use these ratings as a guide, but we encourage you to shop around for the lowest interest rate you can qualify for. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for its reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
Find the Right Student Loan
Frequently asked questions
U-fi From Nelnet is a private refinancing student loan offered by Nelnet, a private company that also services federal student loans.
Borrowers must have at least an associate's degree or above to refinance with U-fi from Nelnet.
Vermont residents cannot refinance student loans with U-Fi from Nelnet.