Student Loans and Your Credit

Learn how student loan payments, repayment options and account reporting relate to your financial picture.

Sample content — final article coming soon.

In short

Student loans are installment loans. Like other loans, their payment history and balances are generally reported to the credit bureaus and can be part of your credit report.

How student loans are reported

Your student loan servicer typically reports your balance, payment status and history. Loans in deferment or forbearance may be reported differently from loans in active repayment.

Understanding repayment options

Federal student loans may offer several repayment plans, and private loans have their own terms. Your servicer can explain which options apply to your loans.

  • Confirm who your servicer is and how to contact them
  • Keep your contact information up to date
  • Review your statements and payment due dates
  • Ask about options before a payment is missed

Student loans and bankruptcy

Student loans are treated differently from many other debts in bankruptcy. Because the rules are specific, consider speaking with a qualified professional about your situation.

Sources

This article is general educational information, not individualized legal, tax or financial advice.

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