What is a Loan Extension?

When is the best time to consider a loan extension, and how could you qualify for one?

Capital One | 

Aug 25, 2021 | 2 min read

Capital One

Originally published on October 19, 2017

Even in the best of times, paying all your bills on time can feel like a balancing act. But when financial difficulties strike, and you bobble a bit, it can seem as if your options are limited.

Lenders understand this, and in some cases can offer temporary relief in the form of a loan extension.

WHAT IS A LOAN EXTENSION AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

In general, a loan extension will allow you to skip a certain number of immediate payments—which, while not set in stone, is typically just one—and add them onto the back of the loan. In most cases, the maturity date of the loan is then extended by the number of postponed payments. It’s important to understand that while you may not have to pay during the brief reprieve period, you’re still going to be accruing interest daily. (Car loans are usually simple interest loans, which means that the interest is calculated daily, not monthly like some other loans.)

Also, since you’re extending the term of the loan, you may end up paying more interest than you originally planned.

HOW DO YOU QUALIFY FOR AN EXTENSION?

Every lender will have different criteria, but you’ll probably need to show them that your situation was temporary—for example, if you had a significant, one-time medical expense or a major car repair. You will also need to show a lender that you are willing and able to stay on track after the resumption of payments begins.

Many lenders will require that you have a history of on-time payments to even consider a loan extension and/or have policies that limit the number and frequency of extensions you can receive during your loan.

Some charge fees for extensions, ranging from a percentage of your outstanding balance to a flat fee. Be sure to ask your lender if there are any fees before agreeing to an extension. Ultimately, loan extension decisions are at the discretion of the lender.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT LOAN EXTENSIONS?

Remember that a loan extension will have some effect on your interest. As mentioned before, most car loans are simple interest loans, so bumping your due date back may have bearing on the amount of interest you’re going to accrue over the life of your loan.

Finally, it’s important to understand that a loan extension is not the answer for everyone. But it is a possibility for someone seeking relief after a short-term financial hardship—because most of us face a bobble every now and then.

Capital One

Banking should leave you with the same great feeling you get when you drive casually on a weekend afternoon. And that’s how I feel when writing helpful tips and reviews – passionate about cars and passionate about financing and everything in between when buying a new ride.