Will Consolidating my student loans affect my credit score?

Jun 232010
 

I asked this in the general credit forum but maybe it would be easier addressed here since no one seemed to have an answer there.

 

I have 2 student loans which are in good standing, always paid on time I have never been late. I recently received an offer to consolidate them which would get me a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments. My question is will this negatively impact my credit rating? I have no problem paying them as they are now but it seems to make sense to take the lower interest rate and smaller payments if it will not be detrimental to my credit. I am looking to buy a house by the end of the year and I don’t want to do anything that will lower my score.

 

Thanks