Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
What to expect with Trellis Company student loan servicing
Where to go with questions and more with this Texas-based federal loan servicer.
Formerly Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation, Trellis Company is a nonprofit servicer of federal student loans. Its website is comprehensive, but can be difficult to navigate — especially without login credentials. And it’s not always obvious how to contact customer service.
How repayments work with Trellis Company
Trellis Company provides little information on how repayments work to the general public — you’ll have to log in to learn about your options. However, it does allow borrowers to make repayments online, by mail or through Autopay.
How can I pay off my loans early?
You can find out how to pay off your loans early by reaching out to Trellis’s customer service team. They don’t provide this information to the general public.
How to contact customer service
Like most student loan servicers, Trellis has several ways to get in touch with customer service and different departments that handle specific needs.
How to refinance your Trellis student loans
You can refinance your Trellis student loans by applying for another loan from a private company to pay off your student debt. Refinancing is one way to change up your student loan servicer, but it might not be the best choice for federal loans.
That’s because federal loans come with benefits refinancing companies can’t offer, such as income-driven repayment plans and multiple deferment and forbearance options. If you’re unhappy with Trellis, consider getting a Direct Consolidation Loan, which allows you to keep your loans federal while also switching up your servicer.
What lenders does Trellis Company service?
Trellis Company only services federal student loans, so you don’t need to worry about having Trellis as a servicer again if you refinance with a private student loan servicer.Compare student loan refinancing options
How to avoid common problems with Trellis
Trellis has a relatively low volume of complaints compared to other student loan servicers. As of February 2019, it has just over 100 complaints filed against it with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and 34 with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
But that doesn’t mean all customers are happy. Here’s how to avoid two common complaints against the lender:
Inflexible repayments
A handful of borrowers reported having trouble with the way Trellis handled repayments, especially when they were facing financial hardship. Some complained they couldn’t qualify for deferment or forbearance even though they were unable to afford loan repayments.
- How to avoid this: Contact customer service before you apply for a new repayment plan, deferment or forbearance to make sure you’re following the right procedure. And after you apply, check your account and credit report to make sure the correct changes have gone through.
Incorrect information on credit report
A few borrowers also said their credit report wasn’t reflecting repayments. Some said the account was still listed as open after they’d fully paid off the loan. And one said their credit report showed their loans were in charge-off after they’d consolidated them.
- How to avoid this: Keep tabs on your credit report — especially if you make any changes to your loan like applying for deferment or closing your account. If you notice anything wrong, contact Trellis customer service or file a complaint with the Trellis Ombudsman.
Resolve issues with the Trellis Ombudsman
The Trellis Ombudsman is a neutral third party that handles complaints against the student loan provider. You can submit a complaint by calling 800-252-9743 or sending a letter to the following address:
Trellis Ombudsman
PO Box 83100
Round Rock, TX 78683-3100
If the Trellis Ombudsman is unable to resolve your issue, you might want to consider filing a complaint with the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group or the CFPB.
What to expect with other student loan servicers
K
M
O
R
U
Bottom line
If Trellis handles your federal student loan repayments, you need to set up an online account to get the most out of it. Its customers appear to be relatively happy — at least compared to the competition. But if you’d rather work with another servicer, consider consolidating or refinancing your student loans.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
I got an email saying to sign up for IDR on my student loans. Is it really a good idea?
We break down why it might not be a good idea for all borrowers.
-
Make $75,000+ and have income-driven student loan repayments? You could be paying too much, study says
Refinancing with another lender or even switching repayment plans can free up room in your budget and even save on the total cost.
-
How to prepare your student loan ahead of big changes to federal servicers
Protect yourself from potential errors before you make the switch to your new student loan servicer over the coming year.
-
California passes bill of rights to protect students against predatory loan servicers
The bill requires servicers to act in the borrower’s best financial interest — or risk being sued.
-
What Trump’s executive order means for student loans
Repayments won’t be due until 2021 but other assistance is still set to expire in October.
-
1 in 4 borrowers puts at least 11% of paycheck toward student loans – here’s how to lower repayments
Go for a longer term or income-driven repayments if your student loans are eating up too much of your income.
-
Chicago Student Loans review
No cosigner needed for this fixed-rate financing option.
-
HEALS Act would slash student loan repayment options
The new coronavirus stimulus proposal would cut out seven student loan repayment plans, giving borrowers less flexibility.
-
3 reasons to avoid student loan deferment or forbearance
For most people with long-term financial problems, these two programs won’t be a good fit.
-
4 tips before you start paying your student loans
Avoid anxiety by preparing before your first payment is due.
Ask an Expert