You can change your payment schedule, but your lender must approve it and the change affects your loan term
Most car lenders will let you switch from biweekly to monthly payments, but it is not automatic. You have to contact your lender, request the change, and wait for them to process it—usually one to two billing cycles. The catch: switching to monthly payments means you are paying less frequently, which extends your loan term unless you increase the monthly amount to match what you were paying biweekly.
The math matters here. If you were paying $300 biweekly (26 payments per year), that is $7,800 annually. A straight monthly conversion would be $650 per month (12 payments per year), which totals only $7,800—but spread over more months. Your lender will recalculate your remaining balance and term when you switch, and the interest you owe will change.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your lender directly to request a payment schedule change; most will process it within one to two billing cycles.
- Switching from biweekly to monthly payments extends your loan term unless you increase your monthly payment amount to compensate.
- Your lender will recalculate your remaining balance, interest, and payoff date when the change takes effect.
- Some lenders charge a fee to change your payment schedule, so ask about costs before you confirm the switch.
- You can usually make the change through your online account, by phone, or by mail, depending on your lender's options.
How to request the change from your lender
Start by logging into your online account or calling the customer service number on your loan statement. Tell them you want to change from biweekly to monthly payments. They will ask for your loan number and may verify your identity. Some lenders let you make the change immediately in your account settings; others require you to speak with a representative or submit a written request.
Ask three things before you confirm: (1) whether there is a fee to change your payment schedule, (2) when the new schedule takes effect, and (3) what your new monthly payment amount will be. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date, in case you need to follow up. If you are changing online, take a screenshot of the confirmation page.
What happens to your loan term and interest
When you switch to monthly payments without increasing the amount, your loan gets longer. If you had 24 months left on a biweekly schedule, you might have 26 or 27 months left on a monthly schedule, depending on how your lender structures the recalculation. That extra time means you pay more interest overall.
To keep your payoff date the same, you need to increase your monthly payment. Your lender can tell you the exact amount. For example, if you were paying $300 biweekly and want to pay off in the same timeframe on a monthly schedule, your monthly payment might be $650 or $675, not $650. The difference covers the interest that accrues during the extra weeks between payments.
When the change takes effect and what to expect
Most lenders apply the change starting with your next billing cycle, which could be anywhere from a few days to two weeks away. Some lenders let you choose an effective date within a certain window. Until the change takes effect, continue making your biweekly payments as scheduled—do not stop or skip a payment while waiting for approval.
After the switch, your payment due date will change. If you set up automatic payments, you may need to update them to match your new monthly schedule. Check your account a few days after the change is supposed to take effect to confirm the new due date appears correctly.
Reasons to keep biweekly payments instead
Biweekly payments have a real advantage: you make 26 payments per year instead of 12, which means you pay down your principal faster and pay less interest overall. Switching to monthly payments reverses that benefit unless you increase the monthly amount. If your budget allows biweekly payments, staying on that schedule saves you money.
The only strong reason to switch is cash flow: if your paycheck is monthly and biweekly payments strain your budget, monthly payments align better with your income. In that case, ask your lender about increasing the monthly amount just enough to keep your payoff date the same.
If your lender will not approve the change
A few lenders do not allow payment schedule changes, or they restrict changes to certain loan types. If your lender denies your request, ask why. Some will let you change only once per loan, or only after a certain number of on-time payments. Others require you to wait until a specific point in the loan term.
If the denial is final, you have one workaround: make a lump-sum payment toward principal whenever you can, without changing your official payment schedule. This reduces your balance and interest without requiring your lender's permission. Ask whether your lender charges a prepayment penalty before you do this—most do not, but some older loans have them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will switching to monthly payments hurt my credit score?
No. Changing your payment schedule does not affect your credit score. What matters is that you keep making payments on time. Your credit report shows your payment history, not the frequency of your payments.
Can I switch back to biweekly if I change my mind?
Yes, most lenders allow you to switch back. The process is the same: contact your lender and request the change. Some lenders limit how many times you can change your schedule per year, so ask about their policy.
What if I miss a payment after I switch to monthly?
A missed payment is treated the same way regardless of your payment schedule. Your lender will charge a late fee, report it to the credit bureaus after 30 days, and may contact you to collect. Contact your lender immediately if you cannot make a payment and ask about a deferment or modification.
Do I have to increase my monthly payment to keep the same payoff date?
No, but if you do not, your loan will take longer to pay off and you will pay more interest. Your lender can calculate the higher monthly amount needed to keep your original payoff date. It is your choice whether to pay it.
Can I change my payment schedule if I am behind on payments?
Most lenders will not allow a schedule change while your account is delinquent. Bring your account current first, then request the change. If you are struggling to catch up, ask your lender about a loan modification or hardship program instead.