student loans, pay or defer

[homebound14]

My loans are currently in deferment totalling 30k.

I wanted to know if I should request another deferment or start paying ?

Does one impact my credit score more than the other or is it the same since both would report positive?

[Luscher]

neither of them effect your credit score but it is always important to pay down debt as soon as possible.

If you are able to pay them each month I say pay them. If you defer them they will just increase in size because of the interest.

[homebound14]

thank you so much for the quick response.

[ACG23]

Additionally, depending on the lender, some might be able to work with you to reduce the interest rate so long as you start paying. Sallie Mae apparently has a "rate reduction program" for people in your position. I've started looking into doing it myself, so I can't speak beyond that, but it seems worth investigating.