How to Avoid Having a Student Loan Deferment Affect My Credit Rating

Deferment of a student loan occurs when your lender allows you to temporarily postpone payment on your principal. This can affect your future credit rating because credit reports show how often you make your payments on time. Here are ways to avoid having a student loan deferment affect your credit rating.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• student loan documentation
• past credit history
• lender's contact information
• credit report

1. Get your full credit report from each agency. The three major credit reporting bureaus are Transunion, Experian and Equifax.

2. Examine your credit report. Check for mistakes or possible glitches and contact those companies immediately.

3. Contact your lender/creditor. Talk to them and see if there is any way you can remove items from your credit report that could hurt you in the future.

4. Check into any student loan deferments that are protected. Deferments can be allowed by lenders provided the borrower fits into any of these situations: unemployment, being a full-time student, being active duty in the Armed Forces, temporary disability, maternity leave, providing nursing to a disabled spouse, or a single mother making less thatn $1/hour over the minimum wage.

5. Explain this deferment in writing to your lender. Explain that this is an uncommon situation, and you will begin repayment shortly.

6. Develop a deferred payment schedule. The lender may impose a slightly higher interest rate, with the agreement to keep it off of your credit history.

7. Look into special credit programs. Some companies offer credit-building programs that help you raise your credit rating and assist with debt management.

Tips & Warnings

• If any situations mentioned in the deferment section apply, talk to your creditor or lender about special applications for credit that may apply to your situation.

• You can also have someone co-sign on a credit application for you if your credit rating isn't the greatest.

• If you find an error on your credit report, it must be addressed with each credit bureau.

• Try not to stop making payments on your other loans. This could lead to them defaulting and affecting your credit rating.

• Never ignore collection attempts from creditors. This could turn out to be a disadvantage for your credit rating.