Exeter Finance's phone payment line and what to expect when you call
Exeter Finance's customer service line is 1-855-539-8339. When you call this number, you can make a one-time payment toward your auto loan balance over the phone using a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes, and the payment is processed immediately, though it may take one to two business days to appear in your account.
Have your loan account number ready before you call — you'll find it on your monthly statement or in your online account. You'll also need the payment method you want to use: either a debit or credit card (with the card number, expiration date, and CVV), or your bank account details (routing number and account number) if you're paying from a checking or savings account.
Exeter Finance is a subprime auto lender, meaning it works with borrowers who have lower credit scores or limited credit history. Because of this, missing payments or paying late can have serious consequences for your vehicle and your credit. Calling to make a payment by phone is one way to stay current, but understanding your other payment options and what happens if you fall behind matters just as much.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-855-539-8339 to make a one-time payment by phone using a debit card, credit card, or bank account.
- Payments process immediately but may take one to two business days to show in your account.
- You can also pay online through your Exeter Finance account or set up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates.
- If you miss a payment, Exeter Finance may disable your vehicle's starter interrupt device (if your loan includes one), preventing the car from starting.
- Falling 60 or more days behind can trigger repossession and damage your credit score for years.
Other ways to pay your Exeter Finance bill
Calling is not your only option. Exeter Finance allows you to pay online through your account on their website, which you can set up by visiting exeter-finance.com and registering with your loan number and personal information. Online payments work the same way as phone payments — you enter your card or bank account details, and the payment processes immediately.
You can also set up automatic payments (sometimes called autopay) so that a fixed amount comes out of your bank account on your due date each month. This removes the risk of forgetting to pay and can help you avoid late fees. To set this up, log into your online account or call the same number and ask to enroll in automatic payments.
Some borrowers also mail checks directly to Exeter Finance, though this is slower — mail can take 5 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed. If you choose to mail a payment, include your loan account number on the check and send it to the address listed on your statement.
What happens if you miss a payment to Exeter Finance
Exeter Finance loans often include a starter interrupt device — a technology that disables your vehicle's ignition if you fall behind on payments. If you miss a payment, Exeter Finance may remotely activate this device, and your car will not start. This typically happens after one missed payment, though the exact timing depends on your loan agreement.
To regain access to your vehicle, you must make the missed payment plus any late fees. Once Exeter Finance receives and processes the payment, they can remotely disable the starter interrupt, usually within 24 hours. However, if you cannot pay immediately, you may be stranded without transportation.
If you fall 60 or more days behind, Exeter Finance can repossess your vehicle. Repossession damages your credit score significantly and can remain on your credit report for seven years. You may also owe a deficiency — the difference between what the lender sells the car for at auction and what you still owe on the loan.
Late fees and how they add up
Exeter Finance charges a late fee if your payment arrives after the due date. The amount varies by state and loan agreement, but late fees typically range from $15 to $25 per missed payment. These fees are added to your balance, so if you miss multiple payments, the fees compound.
Beyond the late fee itself, a missed payment also triggers interest charges on the unpaid amount. Because Exeter Finance serves borrowers with lower credit scores, interest rates on these loans are typically higher than rates for borrowers with good credit — often ranging from 15% to 29% or higher, depending on your credit profile and the loan terms. The longer the balance sits unpaid, the more interest accrues.
If you are struggling to make your payment, contact Exeter Finance before the due date. Some lenders offer forbearance (a temporary pause on payments) or a payment plan adjustment if you explain your situation. Calling ahead is always better than missing a payment and dealing with late fees and starter interrupt activation.
How to set up or manage your online account
Creating an online account with Exeter Finance takes about 10 minutes. Go to exeter-finance.com, click "Register" or "Sign In," and enter your loan account number and personal information (usually your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number). You'll create a username and password.
Once logged in, you can view your current balance, due date, payment history, and loan details. You can also make one-time payments, set up automatic payments, and download statements. If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it.
If you have trouble accessing your account or need help, call 1-855-539-8339 and ask for account support. Customer service representatives can walk you through registration or troubleshoot login problems.
When to call versus when to pay online
Calling works best if you need to speak with someone about your account — for example, if you want to discuss a payment plan, ask about forbearance, or report a problem with your loan. It also works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to enter payment information online.
Paying online is faster if you simply need to make a one-time payment and do not need to speak with anyone. You can pay at any time, day or night, and the transaction is recorded immediately in your account. If you set up automatic payments online, you do not have to remember to pay each month.
Neither method is inherently better — choose based on what fits your situation. The important thing is to pay on time, every month, to avoid late fees, starter interrupt activation, and damage to your credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay by phone?
Exeter Finance does not charge a fee to make a payment by phone. However, if you use a credit card instead of a debit card or bank account, your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee. Check with your card issuer before paying with a credit card.
How long does it take for a phone payment to show up in my account?
The payment processes immediately when you call, but it may take one to two business days to appear in your online account or on your statement. If your due date is coming up, call at least two business days before the deadline to make sure the payment posts in time.
Can I make a partial payment?
Yes, you can pay any amount toward your balance. However, if you pay less than the full monthly payment due, the remaining balance will be considered late, and you may be charged a late fee. Partial payments do not prevent starter interrupt activation if the full payment is not made by the due date.
What if I cannot afford my payment this month?
Contact Exeter Finance before your payment is due. Explain your situation and ask about forbearance, a payment plan adjustment, or a deferment. Calling ahead gives you a better chance of working out an arrangement than waiting until you miss a payment.
Can I pay my Exeter Finance loan through a third-party payment app?
Some third-party payment services (like PayPal or Venmo) may allow you to send money, but Exeter Finance may not recognize these as official loan payments. Always pay through the official phone line, website, or mailed check to ensure your payment is credited correctly to your account.