The key is to specify to your lender that you want your extra payments to be applied to your principal. If you don't make this clear, you may find the extra payment going toward the interest you owe rather than the principal.
Ideally, you want your extra payments to go towards the principal amount. However, many lenders will apply the extra payments to any interest accrued since your last payment and then apply anything left over to the principal amount. Other times, lenders may apply extra funds to next month's payment.
First, you'll need to contact your lender and let them know you want the information. Depending on your lender, you may have to sign in to an online account, call a helpline, or send a formal letter to start the request process.
How do I request a payoff letter? To get a payoff letter, ask your lender for an official payoff statement. Call or write to customer service or make the request online. While logged into your account, look for options to request or calculate a payoff amount, and provide details such as your desired payoff date.
Under federal law, the servicer must generally send you a payoff statement within seven business days of your request, subject to a few exceptions. (12 C.F.R. § 1026.36.)