Sallie Mae does not give borrowers the option to make a principal-only payment online. I gave the minimum payment online and planned to call in to apply another payment strictly to the principal. I called the main Customer Service number, and they told me that was also impossible to guarantee through their means. The representative I spoke to was clearly unfamiliar with the idea or function of a principal-only payment and told me false information. He repeatedly told me " most '' of my payment would go to the principal or that he really could n't guarantee where it would go. It was clear the representative was trying his hardest but that he was simply untrained and unequipped to provide me the correct information and action. I went so far as to ask if a principal-only payment application could be guaranteed if I sent in a check. He once again essentially tried to tell me there was no such guarantee. 

This is unacceptable. ANY other type of loan allows the borrower to apply payment at their discretion, provided minimums and fees have been paid. If I pay what I " owe '' for the billing period, I should be at liberty to apply payment wherever. 

It is clear Sallie Mae has exercised great liberty in thwarting its borrowers from repayment. It is disgusting that an organization would make it so difficult to get ahead on debt. 

Perhaps the representative was new, or mistaken. Regardless, it would really be best if SM could offer this option online. This is totally unreasonable.