SoFi vs Earnest: Which Student Loan Refinance Lender Is Better?
Last updated 02/11/2026 by
Ante MazalinEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
SoFi and Earnest are two leading student loan refinance lenders offering competitive fixed and variable APR options. SoFi combines refinancing with member benefits and flexible protections, while Earnest emphasizes customizable repayment terms and precision rate pricing based on detailed financial profiles.
Borrowers comparing SoFi and Earnest typically want to evaluate interest rates, repayment flexibility, credit requirements, and borrower protections before refinancing federal or private student loans.
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Quick Comparison: SoFi vs Earnest Student Loan Refinancing
| Feature | SoFi | Earnest |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amounts | $5,000 - $1,000,000 | $5,000 - $500,000 |
| Fixed APR | 5.24% - 9.99% | 5.19% - 9.99% |
| Variable APR | 6.24% - 9.99% | 5.72% - 9.99% |
| Loan Term (Years) | 5 years - 20 years | 5 years - 20 years |
| Funding Time Range (Days) | 1 days - 7 days | 7 days - 14 days |
| Minimum Credit Score | 650 - 850 | 650 - 850 |
| Co-signing Allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Unemployment Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Origination Fees | 0% | 0% |
| No Prepayment Fee | Yes | Yes |
| SuperMoney User Score | strongly recommended | mostly not recommended |
About SoFi Student Loan Refinancing
SoFi offers student loan refinancing with fixed and variable APR options, flexible repayment terms, and member benefits such as career support and financial planning resources. It is known for combining refinancing with broader financial tools.
Main Features
- Loan amounts: $5,000 - $1,000,000
- Fixed APR: 5.24% - 9.99%
- Variable APR: 6.24% - 9.99%
- Loan terms: 5 years - 20 years
- Funding speed: 1 days - 7 days
- Unemployment protection: Yes
User Rating:strongly recommended
About Earnest Student Loan Refinancing
Earnest provides student loan refinancing with highly customizable repayment terms. Earnest evaluates a borrower’s full financial profile, including income and savings habits, rather than relying solely on traditional credit metrics.
Main Features
- Loan amounts: $5,000 - $500,000
- Fixed APR: 5.19% - 9.99%
- Variable APR: 5.72% - 9.99%
- Loan terms: 5 years - 20 years
- Funding speed: 7 days - 14 days
- Unemployment protection: Yes
User Rating:mostly not recommended
How SoFi and Earnest Compare
- Repayment flexibility: Earnest allows borrowers to choose highly customized term lengths, while SoFi offers structured but flexible term options.
- Member benefits: SoFi includes additional financial perks and career services, whereas Earnest focuses primarily on refinancing efficiency and personalization.
- Underwriting approach: Earnest evaluates broader financial behaviors, while SoFi emphasizes strong credit and income qualifications.
Which Student Loan Refinance Lender Is Best for You?
- Choose SoFi if:
- You want bundled financial perks and tools
- You value unemployment protections and member benefits
- You prefer a structured refinancing experience
- Choose Earnest if:
- You want highly customizable repayment terms
- You have strong financial habits and stable income
- You prefer a lender focused strictly on refinancing
Pro Tip
The lowest advertised APR may not reflect your actual rate. Compare total repayment cost, repayment flexibility, and borrower protections before refinancing federal loans.
Bottom line: SoFi may appeal to borrowers who value financial perks and built-in protections, while Earnest may suit borrowers seeking maximum term customization and precision pricing.
What’s Next?
SoFi: Review refinancing tools and member benefits.
Read the full SoFi review — strongly recommended
Read the full SoFi review — strongly recommended
Earnest: Explore customizable repayment structures and refinancing options.
Read the full Earnest review — mostly not recommended
Read the full Earnest review — mostly not recommended
Key Takeaways
- Both SoFi and Earnest offer fixed and variable APR refinancing options.
- Earnest emphasizes repayment customization.
- SoFi includes member benefits and broader financial tools.
- Refinancing federal loans removes federal protections.
FAQs
Is SoFi better than Earnest?
SoFi may be better for borrowers seeking added financial perks, while Earnest may suit those who prioritize repayment customization.
Do both lenders offer variable APRs?
Yes. Both SoFi and Earnest provide variable rate refinancing options.
Does refinancing remove federal loan protections?
Yes. Refinancing federal student loans with a private lender removes access to income-driven repayment plans and forgiveness programs.
Which lender is easier to qualify for?
Both lenders typically require strong credit and stable income for competitive rates.
Compare More Student Loan Refinance Lenders
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- College Ave vs SoFi — See how flexibility compares with fintech member benefits.
- LendKey vs Earnest — Compare marketplace lending with precision underwriting.
- ELFI vs SoFi — Compare personalized advisor support with fintech tools.
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