Private Student Loan Rate Match FAQ
Ready to Rate Match? Give us a call at (888) 601-2801.
We are happy to offer our rate match* program to our private student loan customers. In order to match a competitor rate, you’ll want to first submit an application and receive an approved loan offer from Earnest. Once approved, let our team know, and we can start the process of matching an approved offer from another lender.
If you’d like Earnest to match a competitor’s rate, here is some important information to know:
We try to match offers based on the terms we provide, but we do not always have the same terms offered by other lenders
We’re unable to match rate estimate results or preliminary rate offers
If your other offer is for a cosigned loan, we will only match the rate on a cosigned loan with Earnest
You must upload a screenshot or copy of your loan approval disclosure from the other lender prior to accepting your Earnest loan offer and electronically signing your loan agreement. The image must legibly show:
Your full name and your cosigner’s name (if applicable).
The competitor’s loan offer (loan approval disclosure). This document must have been issued within 15 days prior to the date your Earnest loan approval disclosure was issued, or up to 30 days after this date.
The competitor’s approved term, loan amount, repayment option, and interest rate, excluding any discounts.
Further information and examples of required documentation can be found here
We can only match terms offered to you by Earnest. For example, we can not match a 20-year term as that is not offered by Earnest for private student loans.
If you have any questions or would like to start the process, please feel free to give us a call during business hours (Monday-Friday, 5 am-5 pm PST, excluding holidays) at (888) 601-2801.
Earnest Private Student Loans are subject to credit approval.
Before applying for private student loans, it’s best to maximize your other sources of financial aid first. It’s recommended to use a 3-step approach to assembling the funds you need: 1) Look for funds you don’t have to pay back, like scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. 2) Next, fill out a FAFSA® form to apply for federal student loans options. 3) Finally, consider a private student loan to cover any difference between your total cost of attendance and the amount not covered in steps 1 and 2. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at studentaid.gov.
*To qualify for this Earnest Rate Match and Bonus offer: 1) you must submit a completed student loan application; 2) you must provide documentation of an eligible competitive rate offer exclusive of all discounts by calling Client Happiness at (888) 601-2801 or chat on Earnest.com and follow the instructions to send in your proof of lower rate; and 3) you must provide a valid email address during the application process. This offer cannot be combined with Earnest’s Loyalty Discount. The bonus will be paid out in the form of a gift card to the primary borrower only (regardless of who submits the rate match). You will receive instructions on how to redeem the gift card via the email address you have provided. Limit one rate match bonus per application. A bonus cannot be issued to residents in KY, MA, MI, or to applicants eligible for awards under other qualified programs. Bonuses that are not redeemed within 180 calendar days of the date they were made available to the recipient may be subject to forfeit. Bonus amounts of $600 or greater in a single calendar year may be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as miscellaneous income to the recipient on Form 1099-MISC in the year received as required by applicable law. Recipient is responsible for any applicable federal, state or local taxes associated with receiving the bonus offer; consult your tax advisor to determine applicable tax consequences. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Earnest may discontinue this program at any time.
last updated: 09/15/2026