What to expect with OSLA student loan servicing

Oklahoma Student Loan Authority (OSLA) is a federal loan servicer that’s worked with the Department of Education for more than 40 years. It has one of the lowest complaint rates among federal loan servicers. However, you might need customer service if you’re looking for more than the basic information it provides online.

How do repayments work with OSLA?

How you’ll repay your loan with OSLA depends on the type of loan you have. If you’re an FFELP loan holder, you must log in to your account to learn about repayment options beyond automatic repayments. Direct loan holders can choose among the following options for repayments:

• Enroll in automatic repayments.

  If you don’t want to worry about your student loan repayment — or want to score a 0.25% interest rate discount — enroll in automatic repayments.

  KwikPay

  Direct loan holders can sign up for KwikPay, a Nelnet service that automatically withdraws repayments from your account each month. Register for KwikPay or make changes to your payment by logging in to your online OSLA account.

  EZ Pay

  FFELP borrowers can sign up for OSLA’s EZ Pay as long as you’re current on repayments and have more than six repayments left on your loan. Sign up through your online account or by downloading, completing and mailing the EZ Pay authorization form to OSLA with a voided check or deposit slip.

• Repay your loan online.

  Borrowers can make a one-time repayment through the OSLA website, though you won’t qualify for the rate discount that comes with KwikPay.

  Online repayments offer flexibility, because you can choose when your repayment goes through each month. You can also use it to make a one-time additional repayment, even if you’re enrolled in KwikPay.

  Repay your loan online by logging in to your account and entering your bank account information.

• Mail a repayment.

  OSLA accepts repayments by mail. Make sure to include your OSLA account number on your check or money order, and mail it to:

  US Department of Education
  PO Box 530278
  Atlanta, GA 30353-0278

How can I pay off my loan early?

You can pay off your loan early using any of OSLA’s payment options. However, you’ll need to log in to your online account or contact customer service to find out how to specify the way you’d like OSLA to apply your extra repayments.

How to contact customer service

Because support depends on the type of loan you have, you’ll need to log in to your account to find the appropriate customer service line to call. OSLA representatives are available by phone Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.

FFELP borrowers must log in to find the correct mailing address for general correspondence. But direct loan borrowers can get help at:

OSLA
PO Box 18475
Oklahoma City, OK 73154-0475

How to refinance my OSLA student loans

You can refinance your OSLA student loans by taking out a new loan with a private lender to pay off your current debt. Refinancing is one of two ways you can switch loan servicers if you’re unhappy with OSLA.

However, it might not be your best option. That’s because you’ll lose several key benefits that come with federal loans, including low rates, flexible repayment options and eligibility for some forgiveness programs.

If you’re unhappy with OSLA, consider taking out a federal Direct Consolidation Loan instead. This loan allows you to switch servicers while still enjoying the perks that come with federal loans.

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How to avoid common problems with OSLA

OSLA earns relatively few complaints compared to other federal loan servicers as of January 2019. Only 27 customers have filed complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). For perspective, most servicers have hundreds or even thousands of complaints.

It also earns an A+ with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) based on factors like time in business and transparency. However, the four customers that reviewed the servicer on its BBB page gave it an average of 1 out of 5 stars.

Look out for two common problems borrowers say they experienced with OSLA.

Improperly processed repayments

A few customers complain to the CFPB that OSLA mishandled their repayments. One borrower tried to pay off one of several loans, but instead ended up with extra repayments divided between them. Details about similar complaints aren’t publicly available.

• How to avoid it: Because OSLA’s website doesn’t offer much information about how to pay off your loan or make early repayments, you might want to reach out to customer service for specific instructions. Check your account after the payment goes through to make sure it’s applied as you expected, and reach out immediately if you notice anything wrong.

Incorrect information reported to credit bureaus

A couple borrowers complain that OSLA incorrectly reported information to credit bureaus, affecting their credit scores. One borrower said OSLA reported their loans as delinquent when they were in forbearance. Information about similar complaints is also unavailable to the public.

• How to avoid it: Keep an eye on your account — even when your loans are in deferment or forbearance. And make a habit of regularly checking your credit reports to make sure none of your creditors are incorrectly reporting your repayments. Contact OSLA if you notice errors to have them fix the problem.

How do I apply for deferment or forbearance with OSLA?

Download, complete and mail a deferment or forbearance application to OSLA. The form you’ll need depends on the type of deferment or forbearance you’re interested in.

Read our guide to deferment and forbearance to learn more about programs you might qualify for. Then visit the OSLA website, click Direct Loan Resources or FFELP Loan Resources and select Get Forms. After you completed the form, send it to one of the addresses or fax numbers below.

Direct loans

OSLA Student Loan Servicing
PO Box 18475
Oklahoma City, OK 73154-0475

Fax: 855-813-2224

FFELP loans

OSLA Student Loan Servicing
PO Box 18145
Oklahoma City, OK 73154-0145

Fax: 800-261-7529

For Direct loan holders, KwikPay is suspended if your account goes into deferment or forbearance. It automatically resumes after your deferment or forbearance period is up.

If you have an FFELP loan, OSLA requires notification if you go into deferment and automatically cancels EZ Pay if you go into forbearance.

What to expect with other student loan servicers

Bottom line

OSLA’s website might not be the easiest to use, but the servicer earns few complaints. But if you’re looking for a more tech-friendly servicer, consider consolidating or refinancing your loans to switch companies.

Learn more about how to finance your education in our comprehensive guide to student loans.

Frequently asked questions

How do I change my repayment plan with OSLA?

Complete and send a form to OSLA. The type of form you need depends on the type of repayment plan you’re interested in. Some plans require additional documentation.

Read our guide to how repayment plans work, and get step-by-step instructions on how to apply for an income-driven repayment plan.

How do I know if I have Direct or FFELP loans?

Look at your account number. Direct loan account numbers begin with either an F or 8 and are followed by nine numbers. FFELP loans begin with a 0, followed by eight numbers.

_{Image source: public.osla.org}