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

Asked by: Leda Reichert  |  Last update: January 10, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (25 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 mortgage company refuse a partial payment?

Is this legal? Yes, the bank can refuse any partial payment that does not bring the loan current.

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.

Why can't I make partial mortgage payments?

If there is an outstanding bill, they cannot apply a partial payment, because this is a mortgage, not a credit card. A partial payment can only be applied towards principal if all current and past bills have been satisfied. For example, June's bill was issued and was due 6/1/2024 (delinquent after 6/15/2024).

Can a lender foreclose if you make partial payments?

Even if your lender accepts partial payments, they can still move forward with foreclosure if you haven't paid them the full amount, you're in default, or you have been approved for a loan modification or repayment plan but are failing to make full payments.

Should I make a Partial Payment to my mortgage lender?

29 related questions found

Can a lender refuse to accept a payment?

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.

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.

Does partial payment affect credit score?

Partial payments will help lower your balance, but you can still face late fees, growing interest and damage to your credit score.

How many payments can you be behind on a mortgage?

If you miss one mortgage payment, lenders will often issue you a 15-day grace period to pay without incurring a penalty. If you miss four consecutive mortgage payments (or are 120 days late), most lenders begin the process of foreclosure on your home.

Why is it important to communicate with lenders when making partial payments?

However, if you have two or three consecutive missed or partial payments without communicating with them, it could lead to a default on the loan and the potential repossession of your vehicle. This could damage your credit score (and leave you without a vehicle).

What happens if a creditor refuses to accept payment?

The creditor will sell your debt to a collection agency for less than face value, and the collection agency will then try to collect the full debt from you.

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.

Is a partial payment better than no payment?

Making a partial payment on a debt might seem better than paying nothing at all, but that's not always the case when it comes to your credit score. Some creditors treat partial payments the same way they treat missed or late payments.

How many days late can you be on a mortgage payment?

The length of a mortgage payment grace period varies by lender but is usually around 15 days. 1 If your mortgage payment grace period is 15 days, then your mortgage payment would only be considered late after those 15 days.

What to do if the lender is not responding?

If you cannot resolve the issue with your lender, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Examples of common mortgage complaints include: Applying for a mortgage. Receiving loan estimates and closing documents.

Can you skip a mortgage payment and add it to the end?

If you're able to start making payments again but are unable to pay an additional monthly amount, you may qualify for a payment deferral. This will defer, or move, up to six missed monthly payments to the end of your loan term.

What is the 2 2 2 rule for mortgage?

A good way to remember the documentation you'll need is to remember the 2-2-2 rule: 2 years of W-2s. 2 years of tax returns (federal and state) Your two most recent pay stubs.

Can a bank foreclose if you make partial payments?

If you send any payment to your bank that is LESS than what you owe in full, you run the risk that they will cash your payment but still be able to foreclose on you. While your partial payment may get applied to your outstanding balance, it will NOT stop the bank's ability to foreclose on you.

What is the mortgage 3 month rule?

Section 17 allows a mortgagor (i.e. the borrower) to give the mortgagee (the lender) three months' notice of his or her intention to repay the mortgage debt or, in the alternative, pay three months' interest on the amount in arrears without any notice after a default.

Can a lender refuse a partial payment?

A mortgage lender might reject your mortgage payments because: Insufficient or Partial Payments: Once the lender declares default, the amount submitted must include all the missed payments plus late fees and expenses.

Do mortgage lenders accept partial payments?

The question is often raised: “After sending a default notice demanding payment, can a lender accept a partial payment?” The easy answer is that a lender can, of course, accept a partial payment. However, there are potential ramifications of accepting a partial payment after making demand for a specific payment.

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.

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 does accept partial amount mean?

What is a partial payment? A partial payment occurs when only part of an invoice is paid and may apply if your biller has elected to allow partial payments.

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.