Bridgecrest's Skip-a-Payment Program

Bridgecrest, a subprime auto lender, does offer a skip-a-payment option through its Skip-a-Pay program. This lets you postpone one monthly payment to a later date rather than pay it when it's due. The payment doesn't disappear—it gets added to the end of your loan term, so you'll owe it eventually.

The program is available to borrowers in good standing, meaning you haven't missed a payment and your account is current. You typically request it through your online account portal, by phone, or through the Bridgecrest mobile app. The exact terms—how many times per year you can skip, any fees involved, and which months may have access to—depend on your loan agreement and state law.

Bridgecrest doesn't advertise a single national policy for skip-a-payment. The availability and rules vary by state and by individual loan. Before you assume you have the option, check your loan documents or contact Bridgecrest directly to confirm whether your specific loan includes it.

Key Takeaways

  • Bridgecrest's Skip-a-Pay program postpones one payment to the end of your loan term rather than forgiving it or reducing what you owe.
  • You must be current on your loan—no missed or late payments—to use the program.
  • The number of times you can skip per year, any associated fees, and may be able to access months vary by state and individual loan agreement.
  • Request a skip through your online account, the Bridgecrest app, or by calling customer service to confirm your loan qualifies.

How the Skip Works in Practice

When you skip a payment, Bridgecrest moves that month's due date forward. If your payment is normally due on the 15th and you skip in March, your March payment gets pushed to the end of your loan. You don't pay in March, but you will owe that amount when your loan term ends.

The skipped payment is not forgiven and does not reduce your total loan balance. Your interest continues to accrue on the full amount you borrowed. This means skipping a payment costs you money in the long run because you're extending the loan and paying interest for an extra month.

Some lenders charge a fee to use skip-a-payment, while others offer it at no cost. Bridgecrest's fee structure is not published uniformly across all states, so you need to ask before you request a skip. The fee, if charged, typically ranges from $25 to $50, but confirm this with your lender.

When You Can Request a Skip

Bridgecrest usually allows you to request a skip only if your account is current—meaning you've made all payments on time and owe nothing past due. If you're already behind, you cannot skip; you must catch up first.

Most lenders limit how many times per year you can skip. Bridgecrest may allow one skip per year, or possibly two, depending on your loan and state. Some states have laws that cap how many skips a lender can offer, so the limit may be set by regulation rather than by Bridgecrest's choice.

You typically need to request the skip before the payment is due, not after you've missed it. The exact deadline—whether it's 10 days, 15 days, or a full month before the due date—varies. Contact Bridgecrest to learn the window for your specific loan.

How to Request a Skip-a-Payment

The easiest route is your online account. Log into Bridgecrest's website or mobile app, look for a "Skip Payment" or "Payment Options" section, and follow the prompts. The system will show you whether you're may be able to access and confirm the details before you submit the request.

If you don't use online banking, call Bridgecrest's customer service line. A representative can confirm your may be able to access, explain any fees, and process the skip over the phone. Have your loan number and account information ready.

Some borrowers also visit a Bridgecrest office in person, though this is less common. Whichever method you use, ask for written confirmation of the skip—either a confirmation number, email, or letter stating the new due date and any fees charged.

What Happens If You Can't Afford Your Payment

Skip-a-payment is a tool for temporary cash flow problems, not a solution for long-term hardship. If you're struggling to make payments regularly, skipping one month only delays the problem. You'll still owe that payment later, plus interest on the full loan balance.

If you're facing a longer hardship—job loss, medical emergency, or income reduction—contact Bridgecrest before you miss a payment. Some lenders offer forbearance, which temporarily reduces or pauses payments for a set period. Others may work out a modified payment plan. These options are not automatic; you have to ask.

Missing a payment without requesting a skip or forbearance will damage your credit and may trigger late fees. Bridgecrest reports to credit bureaus, so even one missed payment can lower your score and make future borrowing more expensive.

Skip-a-Payment vs. Other Bridgecrest Options

Bridgecrest may offer options beyond skip-a-payment, depending on your situation and state. Forbearance temporarily reduces or pauses payments for a few months. A loan modification changes the terms—extending the loan length or adjusting the interest rate. Refinancing replaces your current loan with a new one, usually with different terms.

Skip-a-payment is the quickest and simplest option if you just need one month of breathing room. It requires no paperwork and can often be done in minutes online. Forbearance and modification take longer to process but may help more if you need relief for several months.

If you're considering any of these options, compare the cost. Skipping a payment extends your loan by one month and costs you interest on that extra month. Forbearance may also add interest. Refinancing may lower your monthly payment but could extend your loan term and increase total interest paid. Do the math before you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip a payment if I'm already late?

No. You must be current on your loan to use skip-a-payment. If you've missed a payment, you need to bring your account up to date first. Once you're current, you can then request a skip for a future month.

Will skipping a payment hurt my credit score?

No, not directly. A skip-a-payment that you request through Bridgecrest is not reported as a missed payment. Your credit report will show the account as current. However, skipping a payment extends your loan and increases total interest, so it costs you money over time.

What if Bridgecrest denies my skip request?

Bridgecrest may deny a skip if you're not current, if you've already used your annual skip, or if your state law limits the number of skips. Ask the lender why you were denied. If the reason is a state law limit, you may not have other options. If it's because you're behind, catch up and try again next month.

Do I have to pay the skipped payment at the end of the loan?

Yes. The skipped payment is not forgiven. It's added to the end of your loan term, so you'll owe it when your loan matures. You'll also pay interest on that amount for the extra month.

Can I skip more than one payment per year?

Bridgecrest's policy and your state law both limit how many skips you can use annually. Most lenders allow one per year, some allow two. Check your loan agreement or call customer service to confirm your limit.