A few years ago, I helped a Kia Seltos owner request a payment deferment during a job gap, they avoided late fees, stayed current, and protected their credit.
That’s the power of knowing your options.
This guide explains how Kia Finance deferments work, who qualifies, and what happens to interest when you skip a payment.
What Is a Deferment or Skip-a-Payment?
A payment deferment (also called a skip-a-payment) allows you to pause or postpone one or more monthly payments on your Kia Finance account.
Instead of marking your account late, Kia moves the missed payment to the end of your loan term, so your contract simply extends by that amount of time.
In short: You’re delaying payment, not canceling it.
Eligibility — Who Can Qualify for Deferment?
Kia Finance typically approves deferments for customers who:
Have made on-time payments for the past 6–12 months.
Are not already past due on their account.
Are facing temporary financial hardship (e.g., job loss, medical leave, unexpected expenses).
Submit a formal request before the due date.
From experience: If your account shows a history of missed or partial payments, approval becomes harder, but you can still ask for hardship review.
How to Request a Kia Finance Deferment (Step-by-Step)
Contact Kia Finance Customer Service
Call 1-800-333-4542 (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–9 PM ET)
Explain your situation clearly and ask about the payment deferment option.
Submit Your Request
You might be asked to:
- Verify income or hardship reason
- Confirm account details
- Sign a short deferment agreement
Wait for Written Approval
Kia Finance will send an email or letter confirmation once your deferment is approved.
Pause Payments as Directed
Once confirmed, do not make payment for the deferred month(s) unless instructed.
Interest still accrues, but no late marks appear on your report.
Does Interest Accrue During a Deferment?
Yes, your loan interest continues to build during the skip period.
That’s why deferment is best used as a temporary relief tool, not a long-term fix.
Example:
| Term | Payment | Interest Added |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Payment | $45,000 | $0 extra |
| One-Month Deferment | $0 (paused) | $1,500–$2,000 added interest |
| End of Loan | Term extended by 1 month | Slightly higher total cost |
Tip: If possible, make at least a partial payment toward interest to minimize accrual.
How Deferment Affects Your Credit
- No negative mark if approved before the due date.
- Late payment may still appear if you skip without confirmation.
- Multiple deferments can signal financial stress to lenders (avoid unless necessary).
Always keep a copy of your deferment approval letter in case you need to dispute a credit report entry later.
Difference Between Grace Period & Deferment
| Feature | Grace Period | Deferment |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 7–15 days | 1–3 months (case-by-case) |
| Interest | Continues | Continues |
| Approval Needed | No | Yes |
| Credit Impact | None | None if approved |
| Best For | Small delays | Temporary hardship |
Related: Kia Finance Grace Period & Late Fees
When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Use It
Good reasons to request deferment:
- Unexpected job loss or reduced hours
- Medical or family emergency
- Natural disaster or major expense
- Waiting for new income to start
Avoid deferment if:
- You simply want to skip for convenience
- You’re planning to refinance soon (it can delay processing)
- You’re already several payments behind
What Happens After the Deferment Ends
Once your skip period ends:
- Normal billing resumes on your next due date.
- Your loan term automatically extends.
- Interest from the deferred month is included in your next statement.
- Your AutoPay (if active) resumes automatically confirm schedule to avoid double drafts.
See: Kia Finance Payments & Billing
Quick Contact Reference
- Kia Finance Customer Service: 1-800-333-4542
- Online Portal: kiafinance.com
- Mailing Address:
Kia Motors Finance
P.O. Box 650805
Dallas, TX 75265-0805
