Can I remove a co-borrower from a personal loan?

Why removal is difficult: When you took the loan with a co-borrower, the lender approved the combined credit profile and income. Removing the co-borrower means the lender must re-underwrite the loan with only your profile - and they have no obligation to do so.

Lenders that allow co-borrower release: A small number of lenders include co-borrower release provisions after a set number of on-time payments (e.g., 12-24 consecutive). Check your original loan agreement for any co-borrower release language.

Refinancing as the practical solution: Apply for a new personal loan in your name only. Use the proceeds to pay off the joint loan. If you qualify independently (credit score, income, DTI sufficient), this is straightforward. The old loan closes with the co-borrower released.

If you cannot refinance independently: If you took the loan with a co-borrower because you needed their credit or income to qualify, you may not yet qualify alone. Options: work on credit improvement for 12-18 months then refinance, or find a different co-borrower if the original situation has changed.

Common scenarios: Relationship ending - need to remove an ex-partner. Parent wants to remove themselves from an adult child's loan. Business dissolution. All require refinancing or full payoff.