Common DTI benchmarks
| Total DTI | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Under 36% | Generally considered healthy. Best loan rates are within reach. |
| 36–43% | Manageable, but some lenders get cautious. 43% is a common cutoff for many mortgages. |
| 43–50% | Stretched. Consolidation loans get harder; a nonprofit DMP is often worth a look. |
| Over 50% | Heavy. Talk to a nonprofit counselor; settlement or a bankruptcy consultation may fit. |
Benchmarks are general rules of thumb used by lenders and counselors, not hard limits.