Making a Payment to Credit Acceptance

Credit Acceptance processes payments through their online portal, by phone, or by mail. The fastest way is their website at creditacceptance.com, where you log into your account and choose a payment date and amount. If you prefer to call, their customer service team at 1-800-522-1797 can process a payment over the phone and tell you your current balance and due date in the same call. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so plan ahead if you use that method.

Before you make any payment, know your account number — it appears on your loan agreement and on any statement Credit Acceptance has sent you. You will also need to know whether you want to pay the full amount due, make a partial payment, or pay ahead toward your next due date. Credit Acceptance accepts all of these, though making only a partial payment may result in a late fee if the full amount is not received by the due date.

Key Takeaways

  • The online portal at creditacceptance.com is the fastest payment method and shows your balance and payment history when ready after you submit.
  • Phone payments through 1-800-522-1797 are processed the same day and allow you to ask questions about your account balance or due date without logging in.
  • Mailed payments must arrive at Credit Acceptance's processing center at least 7 to 10 business days before your due date to avoid a late fee.
  • Your account number is required for any payment method and appears on your loan agreement or most recent statement.
  • Partial payments are accepted but do not prevent late fees if the full amount due is not received by the due date.

Paying Online Through Your Credit Acceptance Account

Log into creditacceptance.com using your account number and the password you created when you first set up your online account. If you have not created an account yet, select "Register" on the login page and follow the prompts to set one up — this takes about five minutes and requires your account number, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" from the main menu. You will see your current balance, minimum payment due, and the date that payment is due. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose the payment date — you can pay when ready or schedule a payment for a future date up to 30 days out. Credit Acceptance accepts bank transfers (ACH) and debit or credit cards, though card payments may include a processing fee that varies by card type.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your payment will post to your account within one business day for bank transfers and when ready for card payments. Check your account the next day to confirm the payment went through.

Paying by Phone

Call 1-800-522-1797 during business hours — Credit Acceptance's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your account number ready. A representative will pull up your account, tell you your current balance and due date, and ask how much you want to pay.

Credit Acceptance accepts bank account information (routing and account number) over the phone for ACH transfers, which post within one business day. They also accept debit and credit card numbers, though you should only provide card information if you are calling from a private phone line. The representative will give you a confirmation number before the call ends — write it down and keep it with your records.

Phone payments are processed the same day you call, so this method works well if your payment is due soon or if you have questions about your account that you want answered before paying.

Paying by Mail

Write a check or money order payable to Credit Acceptance and include a payment stub if you have one — your account number must appear somewhere on the envelope or check. Mail it to the address listed on your most recent statement; Credit Acceptance has multiple processing centers, and using the correct address ensures your payment reaches the right location.

Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to post after Credit Acceptance receives them, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee. If you are mailing a payment close to the due date, call 1-800-522-1797 to let them know a payment is in the mail — the representative can note your account and may prevent a late fee from posting if your check arrives within a reasonable timeframe.

Keep a copy of the front and back of your check or a photo of your money order receipt for your records. If your payment does not post within 10 business days of mailing, call customer service with the date you mailed it and the amount.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Credit Acceptance will charge a late fee — the amount depends on your loan agreement but is typically $15 to $25. A late payment also appears on your credit report and may increase your interest rate under the terms of your loan.

If you know you will miss a payment, call 1-800-522-1797 before the due date to discuss your options. Credit Acceptance sometimes works with borrowers to adjust payment dates or set up a payment plan, though this depends on your account history and the reason for the hardship. Calling before you miss a payment is much more effective than calling after.

Automatic Payments and Payment Scheduling

You can set up automatic payments through the Credit Acceptance website so that a payment is withdrawn from your bank account on the same date each month. Log into your account, select "Manage Autopay" or "Set Up Automatic Payments," and enter your bank account information and the amount you want paid each month.

Automatic payments are deducted 2 to 3 business days before your due date, which gives you a buffer if there is a delay. You can change or cancel an automatic payment at any time through your online account, though you must do so at least 3 business days before the scheduled payment date. If you cancel, you are responsible for making manual payments on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay Credit Acceptance with a credit card?

Yes, Credit Acceptance accepts credit and debit cards through their website and by phone. However, card payments often include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, which is added to your payment amount. Using a bank transfer (ACH) through your checking account avoids this fee.

What if I want to pay off my entire loan early?

You can pay off your loan at any time without penalty. Call 1-800-522-1797 or log into your account online to ask for a payoff quote, which tells you the exact amount needed to close the loan. Some loans have a small payoff fee, so confirm the total before sending payment.

How do I know if my payment was received?

Log into your Credit Acceptance account online to see your payment history and current balance. Payments made online or by phone post within one business day. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days. If a payment does not appear after that timeframe, call customer service with the date and amount you sent.

Can I make a partial payment without a late fee?

Partial payments do not prevent late fees if the full amount due is not received by the due date. If you can only pay part of what is due, call 1-800-522-1797 to discuss a payment arrangement before the due date passes.

What if I need to change my payment due date?

Call 1-800-522-1797 to request a due date change. Credit Acceptance may move your due date by a few days, though they cannot move it by more than a few days without restructuring your loan. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle.