What Mohela is and where your payment goes

Mohela (Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority) is a loan servicer — the company that collects your monthly student loan payments. Mohela does not own your loans; it manages them on behalf of the federal government or a private lender. When you send a payment to Mohela, that money goes toward the principal and interest on your federal or private student loans.

Mohela became the servicer for millions of federal student loans in 2022 and 2023 as the Department of Education moved borrowers between companies. If you received a letter saying your loans transferred to Mohela, or if you log into your account and see Mohela listed, that is your servicer. You can also check the Federal Student Aid website (studentaid.gov) to confirm which servicer holds your loans.

Payments made to Mohela count toward your loan balance and your repayment progress. If you are on an income-driven repayment plan, your payment history with Mohela affects your forgiveness timeline. If you are in default, sending a payment to Mohela begins the process of bringing your account current.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay Mohela online through your account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic bank transfers, and each method has different processing times.
  • Online and automatic payments usually post within one to three business days, while mailed checks can take two to three weeks to reach Mohela's processing center.
  • Mohela accepts partial payments, and you can make extra payments toward principal without penalty or prepayment fees.
  • If you are behind on payments, contact Mohela before your account goes into default to discuss income-driven plans or deferment options.

Paying online through your Mohela account

The fastest way to pay Mohela is through your online account at mohela.com. Log in with your username and password, or create an account if you have not already. Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" — the exact wording depends on which version of the site you see, but the button is always visible on the main dashboard.

You will enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method: bank account (ACH transfer) or debit card. Bank transfers are free; debit card payments may carry a small fee depending on your card issuer. After you confirm the payment, Mohela will show you a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records.

Online payments typically post to your account within one to three business days. If you pay on a Friday, expect the payment to show up by Tuesday or Wednesday. Mohela does not process payments on weekends or federal holidays, so timing matters if you are close to a due date.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments (also called autopay) deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. To set this up, log into your Mohela account, go to "Payment Options" or "Autopay Settings," and link your checking or savings account. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number.

Once autopay is active, Mohela will withdraw the payment automatically on your chosen date. Most borrowers choose the date their paycheck arrives or a few days after. Automatic payments post within one to three business days, just like manual online payments.

Automatic payments are useful because they reduce the chance you will miss a due date. If your income changes or you need to pause payments, you can turn off autopay anytime through your account settings. There is no penalty for stopping or restarting automatic payments.

Paying by phone or mail

You can pay Mohela by phone by calling 1-888-866-4352 (the number is on your billing statement and on the Mohela website). A representative will take your payment information over the phone. Phone payments are processed the same way as online payments and post within one to three business days.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Mohela and include your loan account number on the check. Mail it to the address listed on your billing statement or on the Mohela website — the address changes depending on which loan type you hold, so always check your statement first. Mailed payments take two to three weeks to reach Mohela's processing center and post to your account, so do not mail a check if you are close to your due date.

Phone and mail payments are slower than online or automatic methods. Use them only if you do not have online access or prefer not to link your bank account to the internet.

Making extra payments and paying off your loan early

Mohela allows you to pay more than your monthly minimum without penalty. Extra payments go directly toward your principal balance, which reduces the total interest you will pay over the life of the loan. You can make an extra payment anytime through your online account or by phone.

If you want to pay off your loan in full, contact Mohela and ask for a payoff quote. This quote tells you the exact amount needed to close the loan, including any interest accrued up to a specific date. Payoff quotes are usually valid for 10 to 15 days, so act quickly if you plan to use one. Once you send the payoff amount, Mohela will close the account and send you a confirmation that the loan is paid in full.

There are no prepayment penalties on federal student loans, and most private loans serviced by Mohela also have no penalties. Check your loan documents or ask Mohela directly if you are unsure whether your specific loan allows early payoff without fees.

What to do if you cannot pay on time

If you cannot make your payment by the due date, contact Mohela before your account falls behind. Mohela offers income-driven repayment plans that lower your monthly payment based on your current income, and you may be able to switch plans without penalty. You can also request deferment or forbearance, which temporarily pauses or reduces your payments while you face financial hardship.

Mohela will not automatically lower your payment or pause your account — you have to request it. The sooner you call, the more options you have. If your account goes into default (usually after 270 days of missed payments), your credit score will drop, your tax refund may be seized, and wage garnishment can begin. At that point, your options narrow significantly.

To discuss your options, call Mohela at 1-888-866-4352 or log into your account and look for "Repayment Plans" or "Hardship Options." Have your most recent pay stub and tax return handy so you can discuss your actual income.

Understanding payment posting and due dates

Your payment due date is listed on your billing statement and in your online account. Mohela considers a payment on time if it posts to your account by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. This means the payment must be received and processed by Mohela, not just sent by you.

Online and automatic payments usually post within one to three business days, so if your due date is a Wednesday, pay by Monday at the latest to be safe. Mailed checks can take two to three weeks, so mail payments at least three weeks before your due date. If you are unsure whether a payment will arrive on time, pay online or by phone instead.

If a payment posts after your due date, Mohela may report the late payment to credit bureaus, even if you sent it on time. This is why timing matters. If you miss a due date by accident, contact Mohela immediately — sometimes they can reverse a late report if you pay within a few days and have a good payment history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a payment without logging into my account?

Yes. You can pay by phone at 1-888-866-4352, by mail to the address on your statement, or through automatic bank transfers set up once and then run on their own. Online payment through your account is fastest, but not required.

What happens if I overpay Mohela?

If you send more than you owe, Mohela will credit the extra amount to your next month's payment or hold it as a credit on your account. You can request a refund of overpayments, though processing a refund may take several weeks. Contact Mohela to ask how they handle overpayments on your specific loan.

Does Mohela charge a fee to make a payment?

Bank transfers and automatic payments are free. Debit card payments may carry a fee from your card issuer, not from Mohela. Phone and mail payments are also free. Check with your bank or card company if you are unsure about fees.

How do I know if my payment was received?

Log into your Mohela account and check your payment history, which shows all payments received and their posting dates. You will also receive a confirmation number when you make an online or phone payment. Keep this number until the payment posts to your account.

Can I change my payment due date?

Yes. Log into your account or call Mohela at 1-888-866-4352 to request a different due date. Mohela usually allows you to choose any date between the 1st and the 28th of the month. Changing your due date does not affect your loan balance or interest rate.