Yes, you can change your car payment date in most cases
Most lenders allow you to move your monthly car payment to a different day of the month, though the process and restrictions vary by lender. Some let you change it once per year; others allow changes whenever you need them. A few lenders charge a small fee or require you to call instead of using their online portal. The key is to contact your lender directly—your loan agreement or monthly statement will have the phone number and website login instructions.
Changing your due date does not affect your interest rate, loan term, or total amount owed. It simply shifts when money leaves your account each month. This matters most if your paycheck arrives on a different schedule than your current due date, or if you're juggling multiple bills and need them spread across the month.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your lender directly through their website, app, or phone number on your statement to request a due date change.
- Most lenders allow at least one change per year, and many allow unlimited changes with no fee.
- Your new due date takes effect on your next billing cycle, usually within 30 days of your request.
- Changing your due date does not alter your interest, loan length, or total payment amount—only when the payment is due.
- If you miss a payment while waiting for the change to take effect, contact your lender immediately to avoid a late fee or credit report damage.
How to request a due date change through your lender
Log into your lender's online account portal or mobile app first. Most major lenders—including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and credit unions—have a "Payment Settings" or "Manage Account" section where you can change your due date without calling. Look for options labeled "Change Due Date," "Payment Preferences," or "Billing Settings." Select your new date from the available options and confirm the change.
If your lender does not offer online changes, call the customer service number on your loan statement or bill. Have your loan number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. Tell the representative your current due date and the new date you want. They will confirm the change takes effect on your next billing cycle and may send you a confirmation email or updated statement showing the new date.
Some lenders limit the dates you can choose to—for example, the 1st through the 28th of each month, avoiding the 29th through 31st to prevent issues in shorter months. If your preferred date is not available, ask what dates are offered and pick the closest one.
When your new due date takes effect
The change typically takes effect on your next billing cycle, which usually means your first payment under the new due date will be 30 to 60 days after you request the change. Your lender will send you a confirmation showing the exact date. Do not assume the change is active immediately—confirm the effective date before relying on it.
If you need the change to happen faster, ask your lender if they can expedite it. Some will move your due date within one or two billing cycles if you explain your situation. If your current payment is due in a few days and you have not yet made the change, pay on time anyway to avoid a late fee, then request the change for future months.
Reasons to change your due date
The most common reason is timing: if you are paid on the 15th of each month but your car payment is due on the 5th, you are paying from last month's paycheck or savings. Moving the due date to the 20th or later aligns the payment with your current income. This reduces the risk of overdrafting your account or missing a payment because the money is not there yet.
Another reason is consolidating bills. If you have multiple payments scattered across the month—rent on the 1st, insurance on the 10th, car payment on the 15th, credit card on the 25th—moving one or more due dates can spread them out more evenly. This makes it easier to budget and reduces the chance of multiple large payments hitting your account on the same day.
Some people change their due date to avoid seasonal cash flow problems. If you work in a seasonal industry or have income that fluctuates, you might move your due date to months when you know you will have money available.
What happens if you miss a payment while requesting a change
If your payment is due before your requested change takes effect, you are still responsible for paying on the original due date. Missing that payment will result in a late fee (typically $25 to $50) and may damage your credit score if it is reported to the credit bureaus, which usually happens 30 days after the missed payment.
If you realize you will miss a payment, contact your lender immediately—do not wait until after the due date. Explain that you have requested a due date change and ask if they can defer the payment or waive the late fee as a one-time courtesy. Some lenders will work with you, especially if you have a good payment history. Getting ahead of the problem is far better than hoping they do not notice.
Lenders that charge fees for due date changes
Most major lenders do not charge a fee to change your due date, but a few do. Some credit unions and smaller lenders may charge $5 to $15 per change. Before you request a change, ask your lender if there is a fee. If there is, decide whether the benefit of the new due date is worth the cost. If you only need to change it once, the fee might be worth it; if you think you will need to change it multiple times, it may not be.
If your lender charges a fee and you cannot afford it, ask if they will waive it as a courtesy or if there are any circumstances under which the change is free. Some lenders waive fees for customers with direct deposit set up or those who maintain a minimum account balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my due date if I am behind on payments?
Yes, you can request a due date change even if you are behind. However, changing the due date does not erase what you owe or pause late fees. Contact your lender to discuss both a due date change and a plan to catch up on missed payments. Some lenders offer hardship programs that can temporarily lower your payment or extend your loan term.
Will changing my due date affect my credit score?
No. Changing your due date does not affect your credit score. Only missed or late payments damage your credit. As long as you make your payment by the new due date, your credit remains unaffected.
Can I change my due date more than once a year?
Most lenders allow unlimited due date changes, though some cap you at one or two per year. Check your loan agreement or ask your lender about their policy. If they limit changes, plan ahead so you do not waste your annual change on a temporary need.
What if my lender will not let me change my due date?
A small number of lenders do not allow due date changes. If yours is one of them, ask if you can set up automatic payments on a date that works better for you, or if you can make extra payments early in the month to offset the timing issue. You can also explore refinancing with a different lender that offers more flexibility.
Does changing my due date change how much interest I pay?
No. Your interest is calculated based on your loan balance and interest rate, not on when you make the payment. Paying on the 15th instead of the 5th does not change the total interest you owe over the life of the loan.