Can a loan company refuse a partial payment?

Asked by: Prof. Elian Gislason MD  |  Last update: October 6, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (55 votes)

Some servicers will refuse to accept what they consider a “partial” payment. They could return your check and charge you a late fee or claim that your mortgage is in default and start foreclosure proceedings. Don't write your dispute on your payment coupon or a copy of your monthly mortgage statement.

Can a creditor refuse partial payment?

Yes, creditors can refuse partial payments because they're not considered to be full payments. This allows creditors to legally charge late fees, add interest, and mark your account as delinquent or in default.

What is the partial payment rule?

The term partial payment refers to any payment that an employer makes to an employee, contractor, or service provider that is less than the full amount owed to that party.

Why won't my mortgage company let me make a partial payment?

If you're in default, meaning you're behind on your mortgage payments, your lender can require that you pay the full amount you owe in order to be current on your mortgage. For a mortgage that's in default, your lender might not accept any partial payments that are less than the total amount you owe.

Can a business refuse a partial payment?

Although there may be instances where doing that may violate your rights under fair debt and credit laws and other must know consumer statutes, it is usually legal to refuse partial payments.

NEVER PAY COLLECTIONS! Telling debt collectors they get NOTHING in 2025

27 related questions found

What does it mean if lender does not accept partial payments?

Some servicers will refuse to accept what they consider a “partial” payment. They could return your check and charge you a late fee or claim that your mortgage is in default and start foreclosure proceedings. Don't write your dispute on your payment coupon or a copy of your monthly mortgage statement.

Can a creditor legally refuse to accept payment?

Debt collectors can refuse a payment plan. They're not under any legal requirement to accept smaller payments over a period of time.

Will a mortgage company accept partial payments?

Some lenders won't accept partial payments at all. Some hold onto them in special accounts (“ suspense accounts ,” sometimes called “unapplied funds accounts”) rather than crediting them immediately to the borrower's loan. Some lenders don't credit partial payments in the way that helps borrowers the most.

What is the partial payment clause?

If any payment is due on a Note and only part of such amount that is due is paid, a notation shall be made in the Register of the amount paid and the date of payment.

Can a finance company refuse a payment?

Yes, a mortgage company can refuse payment. Normally, once a borrower is 3 payments behind, the lender can require the full amount of the missed payments to be paid in a lump sum.

What is the part payment rule?

In debt recovery contract law, it is a general rule that an agreement that a debtor make a part payment of a debt will not satisfy the obligation to repay the entire debt. This is because there is no fresh consideration provided for the second agreement and is therefore not binding on the parties.

What are the requirements for a partial payment installment agreement?

What You Need to Qualify for a Partial Pay Installment Agreement from the IRS
  • Can pay the IRS, but you cannot pay in full.
  • Filed and paid tax returns for previous years.
  • Owe over $10,000 in tax debts, interests, and penalties.
  • Have not filed for bankruptcy.
  • Have not had an Offer in Compromise accepted.

How do I ask for a partial payment?

Small businesses and freelancers can ask clients to make a partial payment by following these tips:
  1. Understanding the Project Scope. ...
  2. Discussing Payment With the Client. ...
  3. Mention the Deposit Into Your Contract. ...
  4. Send the Invoice With Your Contract. ...
  5. Initiate the Work After Receiving the Payment.

What is the 777 rule with debt collectors?

Specifically, the rule states that a debt collector cannot: Make more than seven calls within a seven-day period to a consumer regarding a specific debt. Call a consumer within seven days after having a telephone conversation about that debt.

What's the worst a debt collector can do?

Debt collectors are not permitted to try to publicly shame you into paying money that you may or may not owe. In fact, they're not even allowed to contact you by postcard. They cannot publish the names of people who owe money. They can't even discuss the matter with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

Can a creditor compel the debtor to make a partial payment?

Article 1248. Unless there is an express stipulation to that effect, the creditor cannot be compelled partially to receive the prestations in which the obligation consists. Neither may the debtor be required to make partial payments.

What is a partial payment on a loan?

Part payment of a personal loan happens when you have a lump sum amount of idle money, but is not equivalent to the entire principal outstanding loan amount. Part payment works because it brings down the principal amount unpaid, which in turn brings down your EMIs and the total interest you pay.

How does partial payment work?

Partial payments are when a customer pays a portion of the amount they owe in one installment and then settles the remaining balance at a later date. This could be as simple as paying 50% of the balance up front and the rest on delivery or a longer-term installment plan.

What is the partial release of mortgage clause?

Partial Release Clause is a provision under which the mortgagee agrees to release certain parcels from the lien of the blanket mortgage upon payment of a certain sum of money by the mortgagor. It's frequently found in tract development construction loans.

Why would a company accept a partial payment?

Financial Constraints: Sometimes, clients might face temporary financial limitations, making paying the full amount upfront challenging. They choose partial payments to manage their cash flow more effectively.

What is the half payment method for mortgage?

Biweekly mortgage payments involve making half of your monthly payment every two weeks rather than the full payment once per month. This effectively equates to 26 biweekly payments per year, totaling 13 full monthly payments, rather than 12.

What if my mortgage company won't accept my payment?

If your servicer will not accept a payment, call the CFPB at (855) 411-CFPB (2372) to be connected to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counselor today or to submit a complaint with us.

What should you not say to a creditor?

Don't give a collector any personal financial information. Don't make a "good faith" payment, promise to pay, or admit the debt is valid. You don't want to make it easier for the collector to get access to your money or do anything that might revive the statute of limitations.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

If you are struggling with debt and debt collectors, Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. As soon as you use the 11-word phrase “please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” to stop the harassment, call us for a free consultation about what you can do to resolve your debt problems for good.

Do creditors have to accept any payment?

Your creditors do not have to accept your offer of payment or freeze interest. If they continue to refuse what you are asking for, carry on making the payments you have offered anyway. Keep trying to persuade your creditors by writing to them again.