Student loans are a common financial concern, and their impact goes beyond just paying them off. They can influence your credit health, and understanding this connection is crucial. In addition, the Fresh Start program introduced in April 2022 by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has potential implications for your credit. Let’s delve into these topics.

Student Loans and Your Credit Score

1. Payment History: Timely payments are vital for a healthy credit score. Even one missed student loan payment can harm your credit, and late payments can linger on your credit report for up to seven years.
2. Inquiries: When you apply for credit, lenders perform a credit check (hard inquiry). This can temporarily lower your credit score. Most federal student loans don’t require hard inquiries, except for Direct PLUS loans available to graduate students and parents of undergraduates. Private student loans, however, do impact your credit score. To minimize the effect of multiple inquiries, shop for student loans within a short timeframe, ideally within two weeks.
3. Length of Credit: Your credit score considers the average age of your accounts, favoring older credit accounts. After obtaining a student loan, the lender reports it to credit bureaus, which helps build your credit history. Since student loans often have long repayment terms, they contribute to maintaining a higher average credit age. However, when a student loan account is paid and closed, there may be a temporary drop in your credit score, as credit scoring models favor active accounts.

The Fresh Start Program and Your Credit

The Fresh Start initiative, launched by ED in April 2022, offers several benefits for eligible borrowers, affecting your credit in particular:

• Defaulted Loans: Eligible loans in default are reported as “current” under the Fresh Start program. This change can positively impact your credit score and how lenders view your credit health.
• Eligible Loans: The Fresh Start program covers loans such as William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans, and Perkins Loans held by ED.
• Benefits: Beyond improving credit reporting, Fresh Start benefits include regaining access to federal student aid, eligibility for government-backed loans like mortgages, and access to student loan forgiveness programs.

Preparing for Loan Repayments

Student loans can feel unique as they don’t require immediate repayment, unlike auto loans or mortgages. However, payments for student loans that were paused during emergencies are set to restart in October 2023. This change can significantly impact your financial situation, with some consumers facing monthly payments exceeding $500.

To prepare:

• Explore all potential repayment programs for eligible ED loans.
• Track all your loans, repayment dates, and monthly payment amounts.
• Create a budget and adjust it accordingly to accommodate student loan repayments.
• Monitor your credit reports regularly to understand how student loans may affect your credit score.

In summary, student loans have a significant impact on your credit, and the Fresh Start program can provide valuable credit benefits for eligible borrowers. It’s essential to stay informed and manage your finances wisely, especially as student loan repayments resume.

If you ever need expert assistance or guidance on your credit journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Nerds! Additionally, stay updated with the latest tips and information by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok!