A consumer loan is an installment loan so debt on that loan won't hurt your credit score as much as debt on a credit card that's almost to its limit, thereby making available credit more accessible. A consumer loan can also help by creating a more varied mix of credit types.

Getting a debt consolidation loan when you have bad credit can be tough, especially if you seek help from the wrong source. While your bank or credit union may offer various consumer loans for debt consolidation, it's possible you won't qualify if you have blemished credit.

If you're hopelessly drowning in debt, know that you can't negotiate any lower interest rates with your credit card companies or creditors, or if the math works out, a debt consolidation loan may be a good decision for you. If it may be a good time to strike, pay it all off, and walk away.