Where to send your Exeter Finance payment

Exeter Finance is a subprime auto lender that services loans for people with lower credit scores. When you have a loan through them, you can make payments online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment posted and whether you prefer to handle it yourself or have someone else manage it.

The fastest way is online at exeterfinance.com. You'll log into your account, enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method — debit card, bank account transfer, or credit card. Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay by phone, call the number on your loan statement or bill; a representative will walk you through the process and can answer questions about your account balance or due date at the same time.

For mailed payments, send a check or money order to the address listed on your statement. Include your account number and the payment amount. Mail payments take longer to arrive and post — usually five to seven business days — so send them early if you're close to your due date. Some Exeter Finance locations also accept in-person payments at their offices, though this is less common than the other methods.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payments through exeterfinance.com post fastest, usually within one business day, and let you pay anytime without calling.
  • Phone payments allow you to speak with a representative about your balance or payment options before you pay.
  • Mailed checks take five to seven business days to post, so send them well before your due date to avoid a late fee.
  • Late payments trigger fees and can damage your credit score, so set a reminder for your due date or sign up for automatic payments if available.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting your due date. Log into your Exeter Finance account online, go to the payment settings or autopay section, and link a bank account or debit card. You'll choose the payment amount — your full monthly payment or a custom amount — and the date each month when the payment should come out.

Automatic payments are especially useful if you have a tight budget and want to make sure the payment leaves your account on payday. You can change or cancel the automatic payment anytime through your account, though you'll need to do it before the scheduled payment date if you want to stop that month's payment. If your payment amount changes — for example, if you make an extra payment toward principal — update your autopay settings so you don't overpay.

What happens if you miss a payment

A missed payment triggers a late fee, usually $15 to $25 depending on your loan agreement. The late fee is added to your balance. More importantly, the missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus and appears on your credit report for seven years, which lowers your credit score and makes it harder to borrow money in the future.

If you miss a payment, contact Exeter Finance as soon as possible. Explain what happened and ask whether they can waive the late fee or work out a payment plan. Some lenders will remove the fee if you pay within a few days and have a clean payment history. If you miss multiple payments in a row, Exeter Finance can repossess the vehicle — they have the legal right to do so because the car is collateral for the loan.

If you're struggling to make your payment, don't ignore it. Call Exeter Finance and discuss your situation. They may offer a deferment (pushing your payment to the end of the loan), a loan modification, or a temporary reduction in your payment amount. These options are better than falling behind and facing repossession.

Understanding your payment breakdown

Each Exeter Finance payment is split between principal (the amount you borrowed) and interest (the cost of borrowing). Early in the loan, most of your payment goes toward interest. As you pay down the principal, more of each payment goes toward principal and less toward interest. This is normal and is how all loans work.

Your statement shows how much of your payment went to each. If you want to pay off the loan faster, you can make extra payments toward principal. Contact Exeter Finance and specify that the extra money should go to principal, not toward future payments. Paying extra principal reduces the total interest you'll pay over the life of the loan and shortens the loan term.

Payment methods and fees

Exeter Finance does not charge a fee for online payments made from a bank account or debit card. However, if you pay with a credit card, the lender may pass along a processing fee — usually 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. Phone payments and in-person payments are free. Mailed payments are free, but the postage is your responsibility.

Some third-party payment services (not Exeter Finance itself) charge fees to process your payment. If you use a payment app or service other than exeterfinance.com, check whether a fee applies before you complete the transaction. The safest route is to pay directly through Exeter Finance's website or by phone to avoid surprise fees.

Keeping track of your payment history

Log into your Exeter Finance account regularly to see your payment history, current balance, and due date. Your online account shows every payment you've made, when it posted, and how much went to principal versus interest. This record is useful if you ever need to dispute a payment or prove you paid on time.

Keep copies of payment confirmations, especially for online or phone payments. If you pay by mail, keep the cancelled check or money order receipt. If a payment doesn't post when you expect it, contact Exeter Finance with your confirmation number or receipt. Payment disputes are usually resolved quickly if you have proof of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Exeter Finance loan early without a penalty?

Yes. Exeter Finance does not charge a prepayment penalty, so you can pay off your loan early or make extra payments toward principal anytime. Paying early saves you interest and shortens your loan term. Just make sure to specify that extra payments go toward principal, not toward future monthly payments.

What time of day do online payments post?

Online payments typically post within one business day, but the exact timing depends on when you submit the payment and your bank's processing schedule. Payments submitted early in the morning usually post the same day; payments submitted late in the day may post the next business day. If you're close to your due date, pay a few days early to be safe.

What if I need to change my payment due date?

Contact Exeter Finance directly to request a due date change. They may be able to move your due date to align with your payday or another date that works better for your budget. Some lenders allow one change per year; others are more flexible. Ask about their policy when you call.

Can someone else make a payment on my loan?

Yes, but you'll need to authorize them first. Contact Exeter Finance and ask about adding an authorized user or giving someone power of attorney over your account. Alternatively, you can give them your login information (though this is less secure), or they can mail a check with your account number on it. The payment will post to your account regardless of who sends it.

What should I do if my payment was rejected?

If an online or automatic payment is rejected, contact Exeter Finance immediately to find out why. Common reasons include insufficient funds, an expired card, or a closed bank account. Once you fix the problem, make the payment right away to avoid a late fee. Ask Exeter Finance whether they can waive the late fee given the circumstances.