Advice on loan taking

Based on your situation, here's my tailored advice:

  1. Loan Consolidation: Consolidating your high-interest debts into a single 12% APR loan is generally a good strategy. It will simplify your payments and reduce the overall interest you're paying, especially on the 29% and 25% APR cards.

  2. Interest Savings: By consolidating $17,500 of your high-interest debt (9k + 2k + 5k + 1.5k) into a 12% loan, you'll save significantly on interest. For example, on the 29% APR card alone, you're saving 17 percentage points in interest.

  3. Focus on Repayment: Having a single $800 monthly payment can indeed help you focus better on debt repayment. It's psychologically easier to manage one payment than multiple ones.

  4. 0% APR Cards: Your strategy to leave the 0% APR cards as they are is sound. Continue to make minimum payments on these while they remain at 0%.

  5. Application Consideration: Applying for the consolidation loan is not a waste of time given your current interest rates. Even if you don't get the exact terms you mentioned, any rate below your current high rates will be beneficial.

  6. Long-term Plan: While consolidating, also focus on addressing the root causes of the debt. Create a budget, build an emergency fund, and avoid accumulating new credit card debt.

Given the high interest rates on most of your cards, a consolidation loan at 12% APR would be a smart financial move. It will likely save you money in interest and help you pay off your debt more efficiently. Just ensure you're comfortable with the $800 monthly payment and that you have a plan to avoid accumulating new debt while paying off this loan.