Capital One's Skip-a-Payment Option
Capital One does offer a skip-a-payment program, but only for credit card holders, not for personal loan or auto loan customers. The program is called Capital One Pause, and it lets you defer your next monthly payment by up to one month without penalty or interest charge. You request it through your online account, the Capital One mobile app, or by calling customer service.
The catch: you can only use Pause once per year on any single account. The deferred payment doesn't disappear—it gets added to your next scheduled payment after the skip period ends. Interest continues to accrue on your balance during the month you skip, so you will pay more in total interest over time, even though there is no late fee.
Capital One does not advertise Pause heavily, and not all cardholders see it as an option in their account. Availability depends on your account status, credit history, and current balance. If you do not see the option in your account, calling customer service is the fastest way to find out whether you can use it.
Key Takeaways
- Capital One Pause is available only for credit cards, not for personal loans, auto loans, or other Capital One products.
- You can skip one monthly payment per year, and the deferred amount rolls into your next bill without a late fee or penalty.
- Interest keeps building on your balance during the skipped month, so you will pay more overall even though there is no immediate penalty.
- Request Pause through your online account, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-955-9060 to confirm you are may be able to access.
How to Request a Skip Payment on Your Capital One Card
Log into your Capital One account online or open the mobile app and look for a "Pause" or "Skip Payment" option in the account management section. The exact location varies, but it is usually under "Account Services," "Manage Your Account," or "Payment Options." Click through and select the payment you want to defer. Capital One will show you the new due date and confirm that interest will continue to accrue.
If you do not see the option in your account, call Capital One customer service at 1-800-955-9060. Have your account number and Social Security number ready. A representative can tell you whether Pause is available for your specific card and account. If it is, they can process the request over the phone. If it is not, they can explain why and discuss other options, such as a temporary interest rate reduction or a formal hardship plan.
Once you request a skip, Capital One sends a confirmation email or text message with your new payment due date. Your credit report is not affected by using Pause—it does not show as a missed payment or delinquency. However, the deferred amount will appear on your next bill, so budget for a larger payment in the following month.
What Happens to Interest and Your Balance
During the month you skip, interest continues to accrue on your full balance at your regular APR. This means your balance grows, even though you are not making a payment. If your card has a variable APR, the rate could change during this period as well.
When your skip period ends, the deferred payment is added to your next minimum payment. For example, if your regular payment is $150 and you skip one month, your next bill will show a minimum payment of roughly $300 (the skipped $150 plus the new month's minimum). You are still responsible for paying at least the minimum; you cannot skip two months in a row or carry the deferred amount indefinitely.
If you carry a balance and make only minimum payments, using Pause will extend the time it takes to pay off your debt and increase the total interest you pay. The benefit of Pause is cash flow relief in a single month, not a reduction in what you owe.
Capital One Pause vs. Hardship Programs
Capital One Pause is a one-time, short-term tool. If you are facing ongoing financial hardship, Capital One offers a separate hardship program that may provide more substantial relief. A hardship plan can include a reduced interest rate, waived fees, or a structured repayment schedule over several months or years.
To explore a hardship plan, call customer service and explain your situation. You will need to provide documentation of the hardship—such as a job loss letter, medical bills, or a notice of eviction—and show that you cannot afford your current payment. Capital One will review your request and may offer a plan tailored to your circumstances. Unlike Pause, a hardship plan does show on your credit report as an account in forbearance or under a special arrangement, which can affect your credit score.
Pause is best for a temporary cash shortage. A hardship plan is better if you need relief for several months or longer. You can use Pause once per year on a credit card account, but you cannot use it while you are already enrolled in a hardship program.
Pause Is Not Available for Capital One Loans
If you have a Capital One personal loan or auto loan, Pause does not apply. Capital One does not offer skip-a-payment options for installment loans. Your only recourse is to contact the loan servicer and ask about a forbearance or deferment option, which may allow you to postpone one or more payments.
Forbearance and deferment work differently than Pause. With forbearance, you may be allowed to skip a payment, but interest continues to accrue and the missed payment is added to your loan balance. With deferment, the payment is postponed without interest accrual, but deferment is typically reserved for specific circumstances, such as military service or financial hardship verified by documentation.
Call Capital One's loan customer service line to discuss your options. Have your loan number and account details ready. If you are struggling with a loan payment, asking about forbearance early—before you miss a payment—gives you more negotiating room and protects your credit score.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment Without Using Pause
If you miss a Capital One credit card payment without requesting Pause, the consequences are immediate. Your payment is considered late after the due date passes, and Capital One reports the late payment to the credit bureaus. A late payment can lower your credit score by 100 points or more, depending on how late it is and your overall credit profile.
Capital One charges a late fee, typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment and up to $40 for subsequent late payments within six months. Your APR may also increase to a penalty rate, which can be significantly higher than your regular rate. These penalties stay in place for at least six months, even if you catch up on your payment.
If you are unable to make a payment and Pause is not available or you have already used it, contact Capital One before the due date and ask about a one-time courtesy waiver or a hardship arrangement. Speaking to them proactively is far better than letting the account go delinquent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Pause if I am already behind on my Capital One card?
No. Pause is only available if your account is current. If you have already missed a payment or are past due, you need to bring your account current first, then wait for your next regular payment cycle to request Pause. Contact customer service to discuss catch-up options if you are behind.
Does skipping a payment hurt my credit score?
Using Capital One Pause does not hurt your credit score because it is not reported as a missed or late payment. However, the deferred amount rolls into your next bill, which increases your credit utilization ratio temporarily. This may cause a small, temporary dip in your score, but it recovers once you pay down the balance.
Can I request Pause if I have multiple Capital One credit cards?
Yes, but you can only use Pause once per year per card. If you have two Capital One cards, you could theoretically skip a payment on each card in the same year, but each card has its own one-per-year limit. You cannot skip the same card twice in one year.
What if Capital One denies my Pause request?
If Pause is not available for your account, ask customer service why. Common reasons include a recent late payment, a very high balance relative to your credit limit, or a new account. Ask about alternative options, such as a temporary rate reduction, a payment extension, or a formal hardship plan. Do not ignore the bill—contact them to work out a solution.
Do I have to pay the full deferred amount the next month, or can I spread it out?
The deferred amount is added to your next minimum payment, but you are not required to pay it all at once. You can pay more than the minimum to cover the deferred amount faster, or you can pay just the new minimum and carry the rest as part of your balance. However, interest will continue to accrue on any unpaid balance.