Taking on new debt typically causes your credit score to dip, but because refinancing replaces an existing loan with another of roughly the same amount, its impact on your credit score is minimal.

Does doing a refinance hurt your credit?

Refinancing can lower your credit score in a couple different ways: Credit check: When you apply to refinance a loan, lenders will check your credit score and credit history. This is what's known as a hard inquiry on your credit report—and it can temporarily cause your credit score to drop slightly.

Is there anything bad about refinancing?

Many consumers who refinance to consolidate debt end up growing new credit card balances that may be hard to repay. Homeowners who refinance can wind up paying more over time because of fees and closing costs, a longer loan term, or a higher interest rate that is tied to a "no-cost" mortgage.