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We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

Learn how the CFPB can help you

How might a private student lender collect payments from me?

Answer:

Unlike federal student loans, a private student lender will generally need to go to court in order to collect payments from you. Your rights may vary based on the state you live in.

However, even without a court order, your lender can still contact you to seek payment, and may provide negative information about your default to a credit reporting agency that will adversely impact your credit report.

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The content on this page provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or regulatory guidance. The CFPB updates this information periodically. This information may include links or references to third-party resources or content. We do not endorse the third-party or guarantee the accuracy of this third-party information. There may be other resources that also serve your needs.